Ok we are back after a nice summer vacation.

For those Dancers amongst us here's a little help

So your feet ache and burn after training sessions and performances? Do your dance shoes rub or irritate you, affecting the standard and duration of your routine? Does the state of your feet effect these routines? If you have answered ‘Yes’ to any of the questions above, you are only a click away from the answer to your problems at tedcohendpm.com.

It is important for dancers to look after themselves in terms of their health and appearance. However, prime assets that are often overlooked are the feet.

It is vital for dancers to keep their feet in premium condition so they can perform to the best of their ability. Dancers’ feet experience much wear and tear in comparison to the average person, due to long hours spent exercising, training and performing.

The constant pounding of your feet on the hard floor places immense stress not only on your feet, but also your legs and spine, as the feet absorb the full impact of the dance move.

Common dancer foot ailments

Common foot problems amongst dancers include: Metatarsalgia, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, Achilles Tendonitis, Calluses and Blisters.

One ailment that we hear about a lot at foothealthcare.com is forefoot pain. This is due to the amount of moves that involve loading the forefoot e.g. landing on the forefoot after a jump. This in most cases can be alleviated or avoided with Elastic Metatarsal Bandages or a simple Poron Insole. This type of device will unload the pressure at the forefoot.

Friction Blisters are another big problem for dancers and in severe cases (especially with young dancers) can totally sideline the dancer. These are caused by your skin rubbing against something - usually a poor fitting shoe. Most friction blisters are filled with clear fluid. It is best to leave most small blisters alone. They should be kept clean and covered with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.

To minimize blisters, firstly ensure sure that your shoes fit correctly. This does not always prevent blisters, especially after a long dance session, but it is the most common reason for blisters. If the blisters persist try wearing two pairs of socks to ease friction against foot or use an an anti-blister foot cream before putting your socks on. This will make the skin more supple and able to resist friction.

Footsie survival

Footsie survival

SUMMERTIME in LAS VEGAS:
when trees bloom, flowers bud and women - liberated
from their winter boots - get footloose in open-toed sandals and backless heels. Unfortunately, the season is often accompanied by SUMMER
Foot: the gnarly blisters, ingrown nails and scraped heels that go along with breaking in
warm-weather shoes. Ouch. And yuck.
Still, with a little effort and planning, SUMMER Foot can be a thing of the past. IF THE SHOE FITS
Tight-fi tting shoes are one of the biggest causes of
SUMMER Foot, buy shoes “at the end of the day, when feet
are biggest.” And if you’re in the market
for stilettos or pointy-toed shoes - and who isn’t? - buy a half size larger to leave a little room for padding. forgoing the blister-causing strappy sandal
altogether - but we all know that’s not realistic.
If you must indulge, he says to remember to break in your Blahniks slowly. “The time to test them out is not the day you go on a three-mile walk.” USE PROTECTION Vaseline. The lubricant is a cinch for avoiding blisters. Spreading a bit of it on the parts of your feet that are prone to blistering will decrease the friction between foot and shoe.

BLISTER IN THE SUN
To get rid of a blister, apply a cushiony blocker like
Band-Aid Blister Block or Dr. Scholl’s Blister treatment
directly on the problem area. These gel-based bandages protect from infection and
allow the blemish to heal. If the blister’s on the sole
of your foot, “lance it,”

Battling foot woes

Spring weather means backless shoes and accompanying blisters. But there are
many ways to keep your feet feeling absolutely toe-traffic . Make a tiny prick and squeeze out all the fluid
while leaving the loose skin intact “to act as a biological barrier.” Disinfectant and a Band-Aid will keep the area clean.

TOENAIL TRAGEDY
Tight-fitting shoes or high heels can jam toes together
and redirect nail growth. To treat ingrown nails, doctors recommend soaking the foot
in warm water twice a day. After soaking, put cotton under the ingrown edge to help the nail grow above it.

HEEL HORROR
Although not quite as bad as plumber’s crack, cracked
heels are a defi nite don’t. Try a moisturizing salve like
Dr. Scholl’s Cracked Heel Relief Cream to soothe,
restore moisture and prevent infection.
If you’re about to step into new shoes with stiff backs,
shoe guru Cleary suggests “gently bending the heel
forward and in towards the insole,” and then applying
moleskin or Foot Petals Heavenly Heelz cushions to
ease friction between the heel and the shoe.

DRY SPELL
If your feet are simply dry
from a long winter of closed toed
neglect, pamper yourself.
Try a warm water foot
soak with Epsom salt, which
bubbles to create a exfoliating
whirlpool effect.
After a warm soak, apply
Plantogen Sole Scrub, an
all-natural rub made from
ingredients like peppermint
and antibacterial tea tree oil.
For moisture, Cleary recommends
a soothing lotion like
Dr. Scholl’s for Her Foot
Softening Balm.
Of course if you’d rather
have someone pamper your
tootsies for you, LAS VEGAS is
packed with pedicure pros. “I
always tell my patients to go
out there and pamper yourself,”
“You’ll feel much better.”
Remember, those are doctor’s orders.
Vaseline: A little dab will do you to prevent blisters.
Band-Aid Blister Block: Essential in the battle of the
blister, these are good for treatment and prevention.
Dr. Scholl’s Cracked Hell Relief Cream: It’s used to
heal the heel.
Foot Petals Heavenly Heelz: These cushions prevent
the back-of-heel bruise and blister.
Plantogen Sole Scrub: It moisturizes and prevents
infection.
STOCK your medicine cabinet with these foot-saving
faves

Fungus Toenails

What is a fungal nail infection?


Definition

It is not just a cosmetic problem. It is an infection of the bed and plate underlying the surface of a nail. Fungal nail infection, a condition called onychomycosis (ON-i-ko-my-KO-sis), is caused primarily by organisms called dermatophytes. It is extraordinarily common, afflicting more than 35 million people in the United States alone. However, some 90% of them have yet to see a doctor for treatment.

Once these tiny organisms find their way under a nail, they begin to multiply. Ironically, when the fungus finds its way under the nail, the nail itself provides a protective environment for the fungus to thrive. The toenails are most vulnerable to infection, since they spend much of their day surrounded by
dark, warm, and often moist shoes and socks.


Symptoms

When fungal nail infection begins to take hold, it can cause the nail to change colour, often to a yellow/green or darker colour. Debris may collect under the nail, causing a foul smell. The nail
may thicken and become flaky. Thick toenails, in particular, may cause discomfort in shoes and may even make standing and walking uncomfortable for some people.

Moreover, because fungal nail infection is an infection, it can spread to other nails, and possibly to other people. Something as ordinary as an emery board can carry the fungal organisms from an infected nail to an uninfected one. That's why it is so important to seek treatment as soon as you think you have an infection.

Only your doctor can determine for sure if you have fungal nail infection. He will take a small sample of the debris under your nail, as well as possibly some nail clippings, and have them analyzed to see if fungus is present


How do you get it?

Fungal nail infection has little to do with personal cleanliness. Something as simple as banging a toe or finger, trimming your nails too closely, or wearing tight shoes is enough to weaken the nail and expose the underlying nail bed to infection. The fungus that causes the infection resides in many common places: locker rooms, swimming pools, showers, even your garden. You can also contract the infection while getting a manicure or pedicure, from unsterilized instruments that have been used on others with the infection.

Some people have chronic disorders that make them more susceptible to fungal nail infection. People with diabetes, circulatory problems, and immunological deficiencies (such as AIDS/HIV infection) are at increased risk, as are the elderly.
Moreover, fungal nail infection appears to be more prevalent in those with a history of athlete's foot (a fungal infection of the skin) and people whose feet perspire a lot.


How do you treat it?

Fungal nail infection will not go away by itself. Only your doctor can prescribe effective treatments for fungal nail infections.


What can you do?

•	Keep your feet as clean and dry as possible; you may want to use a talcum foot powder
•	Use shower shoes when walking in public swimming and shower areas
•	Clip your toenails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe
•	Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly

What Podiatrists do

Just yesterday someone called the office asking about what a Podiatrist does. The short answer is the diagnosis and treatment, both medically and surgically of all foot and ankle related illness. Short and sweet! Including but not limited to: Bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, heel spurs, heel pain, tendinitis, bone tumors, ALL soft tissue conditions of the foot and ankle. All nail pathology, Vascular conditions of the feet, diabetic foot related problems. This is just a quick lunch time pop answer. Will give more detail in later Blog's

Have a great Day!!!

Dr. Ted

A FEW MORE.....

Human beings, by change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves otherwise we harden.

Books are the blessed chloroform of the mind.

Honor isn't about making the right choices. It's about dealing with the consequences.

We do pretty much whatever we want to.

When of a gossiping circle it was asked, What are they doing? The answer was, Swapping lies.

Atheism is easy in fair weather.

If you believe in fate, believe in it, at least, for your good.

Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.

Children begin by loving their parents. After a time they judge them. Rarely, if ever, do they forgive them.

Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how.

When you can't have what you choose, you just choose what you have.

LYNN RADCLIFF

JUST A FEW THOUGHTS FOR A CHANGE.

Thought rather then write about podiatry today I would throw some thoughts toprovoke some thought. Hope you enjoy em'...

Be bold-and mighty forces will come to your aid.

A ship should not ride on a single anchor, nor life on a single hope.

A good beginning makes a good end.

Doing easily what others find difficult is talent doing what is impossible for talent is genius.

I believe in getting into hot water. I think it keeps you clean.

Be not the fourth friend of him who had three before and lost them.

The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.

Life is like riding a bicycle. You don't fall off unless you stop peddling.

Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well.

When you go in search of honey you must expect to be stung by bees.

If you want a quality, act as if you already had it. Try the ''as if'' technique.

Never despair, but if you do, work on in despair.

No fact of human nature is more characteristic that its willingness to live on a chance.

The luck of having talent is not enough one must also have a talent for luck.

It is not necessary to have enemies if you go out of your way to make friends hate you.

We are digging our graves with our teeth.

Adversity is a fact of life. It can't be controlled. What we can control is how we react to it.

Change is inevitable. Change is constant.
.
One man with courage makes a majority.
Few people can distinguish the genuinely good from the reverse.
The best doctors in the world are Doctor Diet, Doctor Quiet, and Doctor Peace

If you didn’t know how old you were, how old would you think you are?

Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies.
He who denies all, confesses all.

The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.

You don't get to choose how you're going to die, or when. You can decide how you're going to live now.

Don't be afraid your life will end be afraid it will never begin.

Absence is one of the most useful ingredients of family life, and to dose it rightly is an art like any other.

What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?

Biography is a higher gossip.

Wherever you are it is your own friends who make your world.

It is not enough to succeed, others must fail.

Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.

A healthy adult bore consumes each year one and a half times his own weight in other people's patience.

The swift wind of compromise is a lot more devastating than the sudden jolt of misfortune.

What an ugly beast the ape, and how like us.

It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes.

The action is best that secures the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Fear is what kills us.

Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumbbells? To dig a vineyard is worthier exercise for men.

Experience is what keeps a man who makes the same mistake twice from admitting it the third time around.

The one thing that a fish can never find is water and the one thing that man can never find is God.

ForSmooth and Soft feet

For Extra Smooth and Soft Tootsies...
Everyone loves to be treated like a queen and pampered. The essence of femininity is being soft and sensual. Well some of us girls need some extra TLC when it comes to our feet. Feet take a lot of wear and tear day in and day
For the same reasons you would soak a tea bag on your eyes you would emerge your favorite tea three to five bags at a time, into a quart and a half of water. Boil the water until you see bubbles and notice the tea steeping rapidly. Turn down the flame and add some cool water to lower temperature immediately, you may transfer the water into a more suited dish for you feet and begin soaking! Tannin the active ingredient in tea works to dry the skin while tightening and preventing odor from perspiration. Tea is an antioxidant and will revitalize your feet, leaving them feeling fresh while easing inflammation and relieving swelling.
All Purpose Vaseline-Smooth it works On Everything…
This isn't your grandmother telling you to put Vaseline on your face, your elbows, you lips, although there is truth in all of the above. When speaking of progression, buy yourself a foot file and use it after soaking your feet in warm soapy water or before you get out of the shower. File away softened dead cells and lather on a layer of Vaseline before going to bed. We guarantee your feet will be baby soft in a week! If you are more daring heat up some Crisco in the microwave, not too hot though and rub it all over your newly filed feet. You will probably achieve the same results in a week or less!
Strawberries and Champaign or Strawberries and Milk?
Bring out the heavy cream and the basket of strawberries and indulge your self in a foot bath good enough to taste. Milk is naturally soothing, and heavy cream has a much thicker consistency and is more fatty and therefore more moisturizing in nature. Strawberries have natural glucose in them that help absorption of the moisturizers in the cream absorb into the foot.