Published in the
Chicago Tribune Health
With warmer weather, out come the sandals … and neglected
feet. The scaly heels, yellowed nails and thick calluses that have been under
wraps all winter are now on full display. No wonder there are a half-dozen
"I Hate Feet" groups on Facebook.
We brought a long list of common foot problems to Dr.
Leonard Vekkos, a podiatrist who has been practicing since 1984. He treats
patients at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, among other local hospitals.
Q. Why do toenails
seem to thicken as we get older?
A. As we age, several factors can contribute to changes in
nails. The most common issue is the development of a fungus infection called
onychomycosis. People need to realize that fungus is present in everybody's
environment. Aging may also result in decreased circulation to the toenails,
and diabetes or other medical
conditions put people in an immuno-compromised state which makes them more
susceptible to these infections.
Q. For the treatment
of fungus, what treatments are available?
A. The thickness caused by fungus can cause skin infections
that can lead to serious problems. In general, many fungal infections can be
treated by debridement (trimming and cleaning) in order to relieve discomfort.
There are prescription topicals such as Penlac and
prescription oral medications, such as Lamisil. Both have advantages and
disadvantages. With topical medication,
there are no side effects, but the disadvantage is that it requires nail
debridement on an almost daily basis. Additionally, patients are unable to
utilize any nail polish. With the oral medications, it requires liver function
tests prior to starting treatment. But
the advantage is that a patient can continue using nail polish. It also works
on a systemic basis, so that the fungus is addressed from the inside out. There is no cure for fungus infections.
Q. Can flats be as
harmful as stiletto heels?
A. Obviously high heels can cause issues over a long period
of time because the gait is affected,
causing issues in the front part of the foot with the toes. On the other side of the spectrum, wearing of
flats or non-supportive shoes such as flip-flops can also result in heel pain,
arch pain, leg and back issues. Everything is related to the type of foot that
you have. That's why it's important if there are any problems to see a podiatrist
for an evaluation.
Q. Do you see a lot
of problems with un-sanitized instruments from pedicures?
This is actually a very important issue that we as a
podiatry community have been dealing with in our educational blogs. In my own
experience, I have had my fair share of women who have pedicures suddenly
developed changes in the nails that are consistent with a fungus infection.
There may be instances in which certain pedicurists are not properly cleaning
and sanitizing their instruments between clients. They don't necessarily have
to be sterilized as much as cleaned properly and placed into a sanitizing
solution.
Q. What is the best
way to treat a blister?
A. Blisters are a result of friction and end up becoming
filled with a fluid. In general, the fluid from the blister needs to be removed
in order to reduce pain and pressure. The hole in the blister should be large enough
so as to not allow fluid to re-accumulate. The roof of the blister will then be covered
with a topical salve or antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid. After several days,
the roof of the blister will become loose and can be removed. I am a big believer in utilizing vitamin E oil
once the blister has come off to allow for proper healing.
Q. Are ugly feet an
inevitable part of aging, like gray hair or wrinkles?
A. Obviously, our feet are not immune to the changes that
occur with time. Addressing these issues
depends on the symptoms and how much it impacts quality of life. I am not a believer in performing cosmetic
foot surgery because of the potential complications. But if cosmetic issues
such as bunions and hammertoes
become painful, then addressing them through some sort of correction would be
appropriate. It is important that people take care of their feet on a daily
basis. Such simple things as cleaning between the toes, seeing a foot
specialist when pain begins, these are all important aspects of keeping your feet
healthy throughout life.
Q. What is the one
thing you wish people would do to take care of their feet?
A. Pay attention to them. But because they're at the end of
our body, no one thinks about them until they hurt.
Please
call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office
in Las Vegas anytime @702-878-2455 between
Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com. The Foot, Ankle & Lower
Leg Center has Diagnostic
imaging: Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.
Dr. Anthony Ricciardi
at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has
completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel
pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free
motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot
correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience
in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and
reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures. In addition to his surgical training Dr.
Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative
techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and
ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries. This cutting edge technology enables patients
to continue training with little or no down time. Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching
and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot
surgery. Dr. Ricciardi is Board
Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American
College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity
Nerve Surgeons. Dr. Ricciardi’s vision
is to bring each patient the most current State of the Art Technology and
personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from
conservative care to surgical options).
Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!
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