Breaking Bad…Tradition
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Plantar Fasciitis: Pain in the heel and bottom of foot
The most common cause of heel pain and pain of the bottom of the foot is plantar fasciitis, which is sometimes called Jogger’s Heel. The next most common heel pain diagnoses are heel bursitis and achilles tendonitis of the tendon behind the heel, in that order. What is the “Plantar Fascia”? Plantar means “bottom of the foot.” Fascia is a type of broad, thick tendon that functions as a “bowstring” connecting the heel to the toes. What Causes Plantar Fasciitis? The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is repetitive stress and stretching of the plantar fascia of the heel. The second most common cause of plantar fasciitis is direct trauma, like stepping on a stone. Occasionally plantar fasciitis can be caused by gout. Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis: 1. Initial weight bearing pain under the heel, as opposed to behind the heel. Much pain is felt when you get up in…
The Foot, Diabetes, and Neuropathy
Objectives: To learn proper care of the foot to prevent problems To learn proper muscle exercises and flexibility for ambulation and balance What is diabetes and its relationship to the foot What is the blog test : A1C (also called GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBIN) What is neuropathy and the relationship to the foot Click here to download the PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation given by Dr. Ted Bowlus.
Summer Footwear
Most people like to wear sandals during the summer months. However, sandals do not typically provide good support for the feet. In addition, many types of sandals allow the feet to get very dirty, which can lead to problems. For example, the sandal straps can cause irritation, resulting in inflammation of the underlying tendon structures (Tendonitis). Sandal straps can also cause blisters, which may become infected. If you wear sandals during the summer, I advise wearing them for short periods of time. Certainly avoid wearing sandals for 8–12 hours per day.
Diabetics and Preventing Amputations
One of the main causes of foot and leg amputations in diabetics is a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Patients with neuropathy often have decreased sensation in their lower extremities and therefore cannot feel injuries to their feet. Consequently, if a diabetic has a blister or cut on the foot, it can develop into an infected wound that soon spirals out of control. This rapid onset of infection can then spread to the surrounding area, and may progress to the underlying bone. I advise all diabetics to establish a relationship with a podiatrist, and to have periodic foot checkups. Prevention is the key to good foot health.
Why Addiction Occurs
Click here to download the PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation given by Dr. Ted Bowlus Objectives: You will understand the “Start-up Factors” of opioid addiction. You will understand the neurobiology of the “Reward System” in the addicted brain. You will know how to recognize the physical symptoms of acute narcotic addiction and withdrawal. You will understand the brain’s response to narcotic use causing behavioral changes. You will understand how with proper treatment there can be successful addiction recovery.