The average person might be wondering, “What does proper foot care have to do with diabetes?” Well, it has been estimated that of the twenty six million Americans living with diabetes, 25% will develop foot problems relating to their disease. Typically, these foot problems develop for various reasons, including poor blood circulation and neuropathy.

Neuropathy is a serious condition that causes pain and numbness in the feet. We pay close attention to diabetic patients with signs of neuropathy because left untreated, serious complications can occur. For instance, a patient with neuropathy is at risk for various cuts, scrapes, and sores since they could hurt themselves and not even know it. We once had a patient present with a nail in his foot and didn’t even know it was there!

Left untreated, diabetics run the risk of ulceration or possibly amputation due to poor circulation and neuropathy. Without proper blood circulation, patients usually see their feet swell and it can take them longer to heal from injuries. Therefore, it is very important for diabetic patients to check their feet daily and take all the necessary preventative foot care measures possible.

A great way to start your proper foot care maintenance is to schedule and appointment with Dr. Lockwood at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates. We have the latest technology to perform your Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam and get you in the proper extra-depth shoes to comfortably suit your needs!

The weather is beautiful outside and I am just one of many who love to wear sandals in the spring and summer.  Unfortunately, most conventional sandals offer no support and can actually cause foot problems! Luckily, one of our preferred shoe companies just launched their brand new line of sandals!

Dr. Comfort Shoes now offer 4 beautiful supportive sandals for women.  Each sandal offers a different stylish look.  Exotic textures and classically appointed jewel accessories highlight the women’s styles in Dr. Comfort’s Open Comfort Collection. Each sandal comes with a removable medical grade inserts that can be replaced with a custom orthotic.

Each different style comes in 2 or more different colors.  Color selections include black, brown, red, blue, and even green!  Two Open Comfort Sandals come with a back strap, while the other two styles are open back.  Adjustable foot, ankle, and toe straps assure the perfect fit and accommodate for swelling throughout the day.

Dr. Comfort did not exclude men in this classic collection.  The masculine Greg sandal is a gladiator style sandal with 3 adjustable Velcro straps.  Greg also includes a medical grade insert that can be removed and replaced with custom orthotics.  This stylish masculine sandal is available in 2 colors, black and brown.   

Women sandals are available in sizes 5-11, and men styles are available in sizes 7-14.  All sandals come in a medium/wide width, which is slightly wider than a medium width and slightly narrower than a wide width, providing comfortable all-day wear.

My summer footwear options will certainly be expanded this summer with the Dr. Comfort Open Comfort Collection.  How will you let these stylish new sandals improve your summer wear? Come in to Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates and let us get you in the right pair of shoes!

When someone decides to have bunion surgery, a lot of fears can run through their head.  Bunion surgery comes with a lot of myths: it’s painful, the bunions return, you will need casts or crutches, you need to take off work, and finally it can leave awful scars.  I am going to address some of these common concerns for you below.

Bunion surgery is just as painful as any other surgery.  The only real reason one might feel it is more painful would be the location of the foot to the heart.  Your feet are below heart level. Therefore, blood flow can increase in this area, which can cause the foot to continuously throb.  One way to alleviate this pain would be to keep your foot elevated.

While bunion surgery is highly effective and most patients are happy with the outcome, nothing in life is guaranteed.  Bunions may return over time and has nothing to do with the surgery not being completed properly. Also, since technology has greatly improved over the last decade, surgery no longer requires casts or crutches. Patients can simply walk in a surgical boot after surgery.   

Another myth we commonly hear is that you will have to take off work.  Unless your job requires heavy lifting, walking or standing for long periods of time; taking off extensive work time isn’t necessary.  Like any other surgery, you will be able to return to a desk job within two weeks, depending on the doctor’s approval.

Finally, bunion surgery will not give you any more of an ugly scar than any other surgery.  This is all part of the healing process and certain creams can help reduce the appearance of these marks.  With technology today, scars are becoming much smaller due to the size of the incisions.   

Bunion surgery, just like any surgery, has its share of myths. Take the time to sort out what is truth vs. myth for your particular problem. One excellent way to get your facts straight is to visit Dr. Lockwood. Please come see us here at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates to discuss your bunion further. 

Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B-7, H, or B. Biotin is very important to your overall health and especially important when it comes to your nails!

I recently read in Allure magazine that all the top models take Biotin to nourish their hair, skin, and nails for overall health and beauty. This is why so many beauty products include Biotin. It is quite useful while trying to stay young and gorgeous!

Biotin is great for energy and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that the body does not store it. In order to really see the beneficial qualities of Biotin, you have to take it every day for about 3 months.

In my line of work, Biotin is very important. I can see some very brittle and damaged nails. I always recommend to my clients that they get the proper dose of Biotin to strengthen their nails.

If they are not getting enough Biotin at home, at least they can get some help from their pedicure. Dr.’s Remedy already has vitamins built in to fortify and strengthen your nails. Stop by to Healing Steps Spa and we can look over your nail care needs together!

Most of us have a friend, sibling or perhaps even a child who can clear out a room the moment they take their shoes off. I know I've thrown out countless pairs of ballerina shoes because after a certain amount of time, they acquired a strong odor. It happens to the best of us, but why?

The main thing that feeds foot smell is sweat. Did you know that each one of our feet has over 250,000 sweat glands? In a single day, each foot can produce more than a pint of sweat! That's a lot!

Sweat is basically just salt and water, so it's important to take note that (contrary to popular belief) sweat has NO distinct smell! The smell is actually caused by bacteria on our skin that eats the sweat and excretes waste that has a strong odor. It's perfectly normal to have bacteria on your skin and it does not ordinarily produce a noticeable smell. However, sweat attracts bacteria and gives them a whole lot to feed on.

Of course we sweat all over -- our hands have a comparable number of sweat glands, and most of the rest of our body doesn't particularly stink (the armpits being a pretty obvious exception). So what's different about our feet?

The answer is our socks and shoes. The sweat our feet excrete can't easily escape into the air like the sweat our hands excretes -- it all collects on our skin and in our socks. The bacteria love this dark, damp feast and have a sort of "buffet." When you take off your shoes, the smell that hits you is all the bacteria excretion that's collected on your feet and in your socks and shoes.

The main reason some people's feet (or more precisely, some people's socks and shoes) smell worse than others is the fact that they simply sweat more. This is just one of the many variable physiological qualities of human beings. This is also why sometimes your feet smell much worse than at other times, it just depends on how much you sweat.

Here at HFAA we have the perfect remedy for the stinky feet epidemic. For excessively sweaty feet, we recommend our patients use Gordon's No. Five Spray Foot Powder. It helps stop perspiration, odor and as a bonus -it relieves hot and tired feet!

Now, if we already have stinky feet and we want to make sure that the bacteria isn't being collected over night in our tennis shoes, we recommend our patients to use Mycomist. Mycomist is a spray that you put in your tennis shoes at night that not only works as a deodorant but also sanitizes our shoes and boots to avoid fungus growth!

Make sure you call 309-661-9975 or come into Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates to ask about these products, especially with summer just around the corner! 

I have a lot of patients who are athletes.  I love treating athletes because they are so in tune with their bodies and they are very open to keeping themselves as healthy as possible.  After watching the NCAA tournament and seeing Louisville player Kevin Ware have that horrible fracture, I investigated his injury further.  There is a LOT of speculation that he may have had a pre-existing stress fracture in his leg that contributed to his compound fracture during the Final Four. 

This week I have had the unfortunate situation where 3 athletes presented with various stress fractures in their feet.  All three are training competitively and all are working hard to heal as quickly as possible to get back in the game.  I wanted to share with you some signs and symptoms of a stress fracture and how we treat them to hopefully avoid Kevin’s unfortunate injury.

Signs and Symptoms:
 

1.     Pain with exercise or pain when you try to increase your duration/intensity/distance.

2.     Pain will usually go away with rest.

3.     Swelling will occur if you continue to exercise on the injured extremity.

4.     In the feet, they usually occur in the metatarsal bones (right behind the toes).

Stress fractures happen to 1) bone that is weak or 2) bone that is excessively overused. 

How do we treat stress fractures:
 

1.     REST.  An athlete’s worst nightmare, but resting that extremity will help in letting the bone heal and become stronger so you can get back into your activity faster. 

2.     ICE.  Icing the area at least 2-3 times/day will decrease inflammation and swelling.

3.     COMPRESSION.  We like walking boots.  They keep your foot safe and out of inappropriate shoes and remind you (and everyone else!) that you are nursing an injury.  These types of breaks heal and feel better quickly, so protecting and compressing the injured extremity will keep you from reinjuring it!

4.     EVERYTHING ELSE.  We sometimes order an MRI to determine the soft tissue damage and how affected the bone shaft is.  I will also recommend that activities (running, basketball, etc) stop for at least 2-6 weeks (depending on how well you respond to 1-3 above!!) and go back into the activity very gradually.

With patience and the appropriate game plan, you can get back at it much more quickly!  If you are concerned about pain while you are running or playing a sport (or your child is complaining of that as well), please call our office at 309-661-9975 for a consultation!  We want to keep you in the game!!  You can also visit our website at www.heartlandfootandankle.com for more information on our practice and how to protect those feet while exercising!  

I have been an athlete my whole life. I really enjoy being active; whether it is at the gym, dancing to Zumba, sand volleyball, bike riding with the husband, or playing tennis. Anything goes when it comes to my fitness. As long as I am moving and having fun, that is all that matters.

However, one thing I have noticed from all these activities is the fact that my feet really take a beating. The constant use causes my feet to build up calluses and become quite rough. I don’t have time for a pedicure every week, so the best option I have found is an at home Foot Scrubber.

The Foot Scrubber we recommend in the office is a terra-cotta pumice by Gilden Tree. This tool is easy to use and works incredibly well on dry skin and calluses. The scrubber is handcrafted, sun-dried, and kiln-fired so it never wears out. All you have to do is wet your feet, apply a cleanser, and gently scrub using the rough side to remove any imperfections. After the dry skin and calluses are removed, use the polishing side of the scrubber to buff and smooth your feet. Once you have rinsed and dried off, you can really keep those feet moisturized and soft by applying a Nourishing Foot Cream (also by Gilden Tree).

My favorite time to really focus on my foot care is during a bath. I keep the scrubber near me and after I have taken some time to relax and soak, I will start scrubbing my feet. Once you make proper foot care a priority, it can be very simple to maintain. 

I am blogging live from Miami International Airport where I just enjoyed a wonderful spa conference.  And although I was super careful to keep this porcelain skin in the shade, I did get a little pink.  We had several dermatology lectures this weekend and one that spoke to me revolved around the risk factors associated with developing a melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer. 

Here are the basics.  If you have a lesion that worries you, see a podiatrist or dermatologist immediately to have it biopsied.  Make sure you are scanning your body at least once a month for any changes associated with skin lesions.  Some changes include:

A – asymmetrical shape (not round)

B – irregular borders

C – change in color (darkening usually)

D – diameter (larger than 5mm)

E – elevation (is it raised?)

More importantly, certain people are just plain at risk for skin cancer.  And since I fit into most categories, I have to let you as my patients, family, and friends know – I will be nagging you to biopsy those lesions.  The only way to make sure it isn’t cancer is to take a biopsy.  It can save your life.

Here are some other risk factors:  Blonde hair, blue or green eyes, history of skin cancer in the family, Caucasian, female, 1 blistering sunburn before the age of 20, outdoor summer job between ages 16-20, summer sport athletes. 

What can you do?  Check your skin, ask questions, WEAR sunscreen (at least SPF 50) and get any lesion that seems strange to you biopsied.  For more information please call our office at 309-661-9975 or www.heartlandfootandankle.com   We are happy to help!!

Did you know that over one quarter of your body’s bones are in your feet? In fact, there are 26 plus bones in your feet! 

The foot can be broken down into 3 different sections:

1.     Rearfoot: 2 bones total

a.     Calcaneus: The heel bone, this is the largest bone in your foot! 

b.      Talus: Sits on top of the heel bone, behind the midfoot, second biggest bone in your foot. There are no muscles attached to this bone!   

2.     Midfoot: 5 bones total

a.     3 Cuneiforms: Located behind the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd metatarsal. Square in shape.

    i.     Medial Cuneiform (aka 1^st Cuneiform): Located on the inside, behind 1^st metatarsal

    ii.     Middle Cuneiform (aka 2^nd Cuneiform): Located in the middle, behind 2^nd metatarsal

    iii.     Lateral Cuneiform (aka 3^rd Cuneiform):  Located on the outside, behind the 3^rd metatarsal 

b.    1 Navicular: Located behind the cuneiforms, on the medial (inside) aspect of the foot.

c.     1 Cuboid: Located adjacent to the cuneiforms, on the lateral (outside) aspect of the foot.

3.    Forefoot: 19 bones total

a.     14 Phalange bones: The toe bones, also referred to as the ‘digits’.  Located at the distal tip (in front of) the metatarsal bones. Each metatarsal has 3 phalange bones, except for the 1^st metatarsal.  If you look at the underside of your hand you’ll see this trait as well.  Each finger is divided into 3 sections except for your thumb, which only has 2 sections, just like your great toe (the big toe). 

b.      5 Metatarsal bones: Also referred to as the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th metatarsals, the long bones in the middle of your foot.  The base of the 5^th metatarsal is the easiest bone to break in your foot.

Most humans also have Sesamoid bones in the feet. These sesamoid bones are considered accessory bones. The accessory sesamoid bones are located under the first metatarsal bone.   Some people have 1 sesamoid bone, others 2, 3, or none at all; hence why sesamoids are not counted in the total number of bones in your foot.  

DID YOU KNOW?

Nail polish was invented by the Chinese around 3000 B.C. Around 600 B.C., during the Chou Dynasty, Chinese royalty often chose gold and silver to enhance their nails. In addition, a fifteenth-century Ming manuscript cites red and black as the colors chosen by royalty.

The Egyptians also used nail color to signify social ranking with shades of red at the top. Queen Nefertiti, wife of King Akhenaton, colored her nails ruby red while the more famous Cleopatra favored deep rust red. Women of lower rank were only permitted to paint their nails pale hues. Also, women were very cautious not to use any color used by the royals because they might be killed for such an act!

Since I love all of our amazing Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish colors, I sure am glad not to live back in Egyptian times. It is too much fun switching colors and trying bold nail art to be oppressed like that! Who would have thought that I could be in big trouble for painting my nails red like a Queen? I guess it’s a good thing my favorite color is pink so I can always stay out of trouble!

DID YOU ALSO KNOW?

At Healing Steps Spa, YOU can choose any fabulous color polish you want! Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Polish is actually good for you with tea tree oil, vitamins, and garlic bulb to fortify and strengthen your nails. Come pick out whatever color you like, I promise not to tell Queen Nefertiti!

Call 309-661-9975 to schedule your pedicure and get pampered like a modern day Queen!

I might have the highest foot arch ever. This is not an exaggeration; I have never seen a higher arch than mine. This never bothered me before I started working for Dr. Lockwood because I didn’t know better. Now that I am a “foot care specialist”, I know most of my heel pain can be attributed to my custom foot condition.

I used to believe everyone’s feet hurt like mine. We are busy people walking around all day and it is just natural to have foot pain, right? This is definitely incorrect! No one walks properly; we all need a little help.

Custom molded orthotics are beneficial for everyone. Any type of foot or ankle pain can be reduced or eliminated with orthotics. Orthotics are custom inserts made specifically for the individual needing them. They are made from a mold of your feet, so the inserts are an EXACT match to your specific arch prescription.

Orthotics work so well because they actually change the way you walk. They will properly modify your body’s alignment, including hips and shoulders to eliminate whole body pain. Custom orthotics decrease pain by changing the way forces act on our feet.

Specifically for me and my high foot arches, orthotics help distribute my body weight more evenly to a greater surface area across my foot. By allocating my weight properly, I have decreased the stress on my feet. As a result, my heel pain has decreased and I feel like I am walking on a cloud!

I have never felt better while I walk. Getting custom molded orthotics was the best decision I have ever made. Call Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates at 309-661-9975 with any questions or to schedule your appointment for orthotics today!

Since having our baby girl in 2012, I find myself looking at children’s feet EVEN more than I used to!  Children can be born with certain mechanical abnormalities. As parents, we can look for certain problems and work on resolving them even before they become an issue!

One of the most common problems is a bunion bump.  A bunion is a bump formed at the big toe joint.  It is caused (in adults) by a muscle imbalance due to how we walk.  In babies, a bunion can be formed by the bones not lining up correctly as a child grows (even before they walk).  This type of bunion is important to look out for two reasons:

1.     Early detection and correction of the problem (either through corrective splints, shoes, or surgery) can help the child minimize the pain associated with a bunion as an adult.

2.     Sometimes having a juvenile bunion is a sign of having other mechanical problems and it is always good to get them checked out early!!

Lots of people (kids included) will have bunions without pain.  The earlier a bunion forms (i.e. in childhood), the more likely there will be arthritis associated with the deformity, so again, early detection is KEY to addressing this problem.  There are several conservative and surgical options to address a juvenile bunion as well.

Jeopardy Fun Fact!! (I got this one from  browsing Wikipedia last night)  Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia (the one who people weren’t sure if she died with her family in 1918 and they made a Disney movie about her) had a juvenile bunion!!  It was painful and she wore corrective shoes to aid in helping the problem throughout her life. 

If you have questions about your child’s feet, please feel free to contact me, Dr. Melissa Lockwood, at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates at 309-661-9975 or www.heartlandfootandankle.com.

We all have those cute shoes that we just “have to have!”  I know I have fallen victim to shoes with heels, pointy toes, and flip flops. However, my feet do not love these shoes as much as I do.  Stilettos, open backed clogs, pointy toe pumps and even ballet flats offer no arch support.  This can cause numerous problems for your feet including nerve damage, hammertoe, calluses, and heel pain.

Worst Shoe Offender: Flip-Flops

I literally had 10 pairs of flip-flops until I learned these are one of the worst shoes to wear.  I have fallen out of my flip-flops and scraped my feet, strained my ankles, and even broke a toe.  Flip-flops are one of the biggest reasons podiatrists see so many patients during nice weather.  The common conditions associated with wearing these shoes are tendonitis and plantar fasciitis due to lack of support. 

The solution: Invest in real sandals with supportive inserts like our Aetrex Sandalistas we carry in office. 

Spike Heels

When I was a little younger, I would wear heels to go out because they made the outfit look cute.  I still wore them even though I knew I was only going to wear them briefly because of the pain they caused me.    Pain can form due to the pressure and strain on the ball of the foot from heels. These high heels have even caused a friend of mine a stress fracture because they were so high! 

The solution: Only wear heels on special occasions and infrequently. Also, if you do have to wear heels, use a ball of foot cushion to help relieve some of the pressure.  Additionally, bring a backup pair of shoes just in case. 

Pointy-Toed Pumps

Pointy pumps are hazardous because they can cause neuromas. A neuroma is inflamation of the nerve between the toes.  It is most common to see neuromas between the third and fourth toes, but it can also affect any of the toes. 

The solution: Avoid these at all costs.  Look for a shoe with a toe box that is more wide than pointy.  You never want to squeeze your foot in a pair of shoes so much that you are put into an unnatural and uncomfortable position. 

Ballet Flats

I love flats, but have found there are different types that give you more support than others.  Ballet flats generally lack support and cushioning.  Without proper support, there is a risk of tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, which is never good!

The solution: One rule to remember when choosing a flat: if it can be folded and put in your purse there probably isn’t much support.  You want to make sure there is a real rubber sole with arch support.  If there isn’t support in your flats, orthotics or Powersteps would be a great option for additional support.

Many patients ask me if I have kids and I respond, “No-I have dogs.”  My two pups are like children to me; they sleep with me, eat with our family, and go on vacations with us.  I even leave the lights and TV on for them when I’m not at home.  And they are usually precious little angels…except for the other day.

I had returned home from running errands to find my Brooks tennis shoes drug out in the middle of my living room floor.  Surprisingly my shoes had no harm done, but somehow Ginger, my puggle (pug beagle mix), managed to chew up my custom orthotics that were inside my shoes!

As other orthotic wearers can attest to, my orthotics are life savers for my feet.  Without them I experience plantar fasciitis, otherwise known as heel pain. Orthotics are a substantial financial investment, which can last for years, if my dogs don’t chew them up.  So when I walked in to see my custom inserts made into chew toys, I was initially horrified.

After a brief moment of shock, I remembered I (just like all other HFAA patients) have a 1 year warranty on my orthotics.  So I was able to send my orthotics into the lab and have them recovered and back to me in no time!  This 1 year warranty is a huge benefit to patients because it includes adding, removing, and moving padding to achieve the best custom fit possible.  Padding can offload areas of high pressure and make for a more comfortable wear.  The warranty also includes recovering the entire orthotic in a new top cover. 

So this is all fine and dandy if your orthotics are within the 1 year warranty, but what happens if you need an adjustment or recover after the warranty is up.  Good news- it’s only $50 to recover ANY orthotic, including modifying padding.  This includes orthotics that aren’t even from our practice.

So even though I had a mild heart attack at the sight of my custom orthotics all chewed up, I was at ease knowing I was protected by the HFAA warranty. Anyways, with those little cute puggle eyes, I could never stay mad at my Ginger! 

Thank you so much to everyone that attended the 2013 Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Event! Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates was a proud vendor last Saturday and I sure did enjoy meeting so many health conscience members of the community.

Everyone I spoke with had amazing questions! I am so happy this community understands the importance of foot health. We had runners inquiring about heel pain (plantar fasciitis), diabetics wondering about proper foot care, and just about everyone fell in love with our all-natural and organic Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish.

Since spring has officially sprung, I was happy to discuss proper foot health, especially during pedicure season! At Healing Steps Spa (our in office medical spa), we completely sterilize all equipment, have a private room for you to fully relax in, and use only all natural and organic products. I have a healthy obsession with feet and I am so glad I got to share my passion with everyone at this wonderful event!

Please join us at our next event, the 2013 Arthritis Walk, where Dr. Lockwood will be speaking as Medical Honoree for her commitment to patient education.

Did you attend the Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Event? Hit the comment button and let us know what you thought!

It was a summer night; I was eighteen living in Peoria Heights, when a friend and I decided to go for a ride. Since I was young and naïve, I made a big mistake and hopped in the care without shoes on. We drove for hours because gas was inexpensive at the time and ended up in Chicago.

Sadly, in the middle of the highway on our way home, the car over heated and stopped running. I was forced to get out of the car without shoes on and attempt to fix the problem. Originally, I thought it was not going to be a big deal, but boy was I wrong!

The summer heat made the pavement unbearable on my unprotected feet. I was in agony! From this experience, I definitely learned my lesson. Now, I never leave my house without shoes since it is unclean and horrible for your heels to walk without any support. Working at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, I definitely know better now!

On that day, I would have given anything for three things we offer in the office: Aetrex Sandalista Sandals, Gilden Tree Lotion, and a pedicure to help all the damage I caused myself not wearing shoes. A nice soothing pedicure would have helped to restore by dry, blistered feet while our lotion would really help to lock in that moisture.

What is a great lesson you have learned over time? Hit that comment button to let us know! We love hearing from you. 

Unlike a typical bunion, many people have pain in the big toe joint BEFORE a large bump forms.  Much like arthritis in other parts of our bodies, arthritis in the big toe joint (also called hallux rigidus – hallux meaning big toe and rigidus meaning limited range of motion) is made worse by movement or activity. 

It is TIME to come into the foot doctor’s office when there is pain in your big toe joint while walking!  We have a lot of conservative (strappings, pads, custom orthoses) and surgical (cleaning out the joint, putting an implant into the joint, fusing the joint) options to help you walk pain free in no time.

Hallux rigidus is a ‘special’ bunion, and one that should be taken seriously.  Addressing this biomechanical deformity early will help minimize pain and keep you on your feet! 

For more information about arthritis in the big toe or anywhere in the foot and ankle, please contact Dr. Lockwood at Heartland and Ankle Associates at 309-661-9975 or www.heartlandfootandankle.com.

Special Bonus!  Join me and my TEAM at the Arthritis Walk on May 4^th as we walk to help with arthritis research!  Lauren June and the puppies will be there as well!  Don’t let toe pain keep you from joining us!!  Dr. L

Something to think about when you have a child is giving them massages.  I personally gave my daughter massages starting from infancy until about age three.  After giving her a bath, I would do a massage of the legs, feet, and belly.  I would play soothing music as well as rubbing lotion on her. At such a young age, this was a great trick for helping her fall asleep. Who doesn’t want an easy way to help your baby sleep?

One thing to remember is to make sure you sanitize your hands and remove all jewelry before the massage.  When applying the lotion to your child, make sure to warm the lotion in your hands to create a relaxed, comfortable experience for them.

An important aspect of the massage is to find a manageable position for both you and the baby.  I liked to sit on the floor against a wall with a pillow in front of me.  This would help me not to tire out when massaging and also provide a sturdy surface to lean against.  Another great idea is to use the baby’s changing table.  The closeness gives reassurance to the child and the table provides stability while you work.

My main focus was always on her feet since they have numerous nerve endings.  Massaging the feet is quite easy.  Start by running your thumbsalong the soles of your baby’s feet.  Then massage from the bottom of foot; starting at the heel and working your way all the way up to the toes.  I found making simple noises that were fun made her not seem so ticklish.  Next I would massage the heel, as well as the sole with my thumbs.  Also, don’t forget to rub the insteps and ankles as well. 

Let us know if these techniques help you and your little one! Hit that comment button to discuss further. 

Last month families across the country dyed and hid colorful Easter eggs.  You wouldn’t think of using one of these beautiful creations on your tootsies, but many consumers are using another dangerous egg on their feet.  They are using the ‘cheese grater-like egg-shaped foot file found in the As Seen on TV aisle at local stores’, which will hereafter be referred to as the ‘Egg File’.

This Egg File is essentially an oval file that scrapes dead, callused skin from the bottom of the feet and contains the scrapings in its shell.  This is not a one-time fix for calluses, whatever caused the calluses to form in the first place is not changed by using the Egg File, and they will come back over time. 

There are certain patients who should never use products like the Egg File. Patients who are diabetic, have poor circulation, lack the ability to feel pain, have neuropathy, difficulty seeing their feet, or difficulty healing should never use this or similar products.  A sharp file cannot distinguish normal versus callused skin, which leaves a huge risk for cuts and abrasions.  If a person is over zealous in filing their calluses, they could end up going too deep, which can lead to sores, infection, and worse.

Another concern is that you must be certain that what you are filing is actually a callus.  Calluses are commonly confused with warts. Warts are caused by a virus, and using a file can spread the virus, and thereby spreading the wart to other parts of the foot. Also, warts tend to have blood vessels that come close to the surface, so using this product on a wart will greatly increase the chance of bleeding. 

If you do own an Egg File, it is not advised to share it with other members in your family. Sharing the Egg File will increase the risk of spreading diseases, including athlete's foot. Additionally, the files that come with the Egg File will eventually wear out. Once this happens, they will become much less effective in removing calluses cleanly, and there will be a greater chance of damaging healthy skin.

Before using the Egg File, make sure you know what you’re treating.  A trip to Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates will be a smart investment in your feet, and will be much less painful than a visit after the damage is done.  So while you’re dying dozens of eggs this Easter remember to be cautious of one egg- the ‘Egg File’.

Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in one or more joints. As the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans. It is known as degenerative arthritis, reflecting its nature to develop as part of the aging process. In the foot, the disease most frequently occurs in the big toe joint, although it is also often found in the midfoot and ankle.

Osteoarthritis is caused by a variety of factors. Typically considered a “wear and tear” disease, osteoarthritis occurs over time once the cartilage in the joint breaks down due to repeated stress. As the cartilage deteriorates and gets thinner, the bones lose their protective covering and eventually may rub together, causing pain and inflammation of the joint. Sometimes osteoarthritis develops as a result of abnormal foot mechanics such as a high arch or flat foot due to lack of stability and excessive strain on your joints. The last factor that can cause osteoarthritis is an injury. For example, osteoarthritis in the foot is often caused by jamming the toe, dropping something on the foot, a sprain or a fracture.

Signs and Symptoms

People with osteoarthritis in the foot or ankle most commonly experience one or more of the following symptoms:

·      Pain and stiffness in the joint

·      Swelling in or near the joint

·      Difficulty walking or bending the joint

·      Development of a bone spur (a bony protrusion) at the affected joint

Treatment Options

Following the diagnosis of osteoarthritis, there are different treatment options Dr. Lockwood recommends:

·      Oral medications

·      Orthotic devices

·      Bracing

·      Immobilization

·      Steroid Injections

·      Physical therapy

If non-surgical treatment fails to adequately reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis, surgery may be recommended. It is always best to consult a specialist, such as Dr. Lockwood, to customize a treatment plan to fit your specific needs. Call 309-661-9975 or visit www.HeartlandFootAndAnkle.com to schedule an appointment.