Items filtered by date: December 2014

Data compiled from the soda-drinking habits of over 180,000 women indicates that U.S. women who drink one or more cups of sweetened beverages a day are about 63% more likely to get seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than those who drink less than that amount. Women over the age of 55 who drink soda are 164% more likely to get the disease. The study, referred to as the Nurses’ Health Study, didn’t find any connection between diet soda and RA or between sweetened soda and seronegative RA. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks has also been linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can become very painful and debilitating if left untreated.  For more information about various RA treatments, consult with one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

For more information about rheumatoid arthritis please follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Medina, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Harrison Ford brought production for the new Star Wars movie to a temporary standstill a few weeks ago when he broke his foot on set. While filming, Millennium Falcon’s door fell on his lower extremity, thus sending him to the hospital and forcing the producers to delay shooting for two weeks.

Ford seems to be healing quickly since it has been recently reported that he’s traded his cast and crutches for a simple bandage on set. According to Disney, his injury won’t stop Star Wars: Episode VII from being released in December 2015 as originally planned.

Work-related foot injuries can stop any project, even one as large and expensive as the new Star Wars movie. To get help for a foot condition you incurred while on the job, see podiatrists Dr. Angelo Sutera and Scott Jones of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will get you the care you need and teach you how to avoid making the injury worse upon returning to work.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions, please contact our one of our offices located in Media, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Working on Your Feet

Indiana Pacers’ best remaining player, David West, was escorted off the court after a sprained ankle occurred near the basket during a preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks. It appeared as though the forward’s foot rolled during an attempted layup to the point that his foot came out of his shoe, keeping him on the ground until his benched teammates came out to aid him. West was seen being carried to the locker room with the help of two of his team mates. Although it is only the preseason, many of the Pacers’ top players are already out on injury. If West is unable to play again for the season, things will not look so good for the rest of the team.

Some sprained ankles can be worse than others, in any case it is always best to make sure your ankle is fully healed before engaging in strenuous activity. If your ankle is sprained, consult with one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer all of your related questions.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Happen?

This type of injury takes place when the ligaments are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured; however, even the simple act of walking may cause a sprain. If footing is lost or you are walking on uneven terrain, ankle damage may occur.

What are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin, depending on severity

Is there a Way to Care for my Ankle at Home?

Self-care for ankle sprains includes propping the ankle up and keeping it elevated, applying ice packs as needed, and remaining off your feet. Some may also find that wrapping the ankle with an ACE bandage and taking over-the-counter pain relievers are helpful. One of the most important things is to avoid further stress to the affected area.

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast, which will allow you to walk while stabilizing the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains

The production on John Simm’s new TV thriller PREY was put on hold after the actor sustained a leg injury during a strenuous scene. According to the Star, the demanding shot involved Simm’s character pulling himself out of a river.

"We were on about the third take of me clambering up this wet verge,” the actor said. “As I launched myself forward my foot slipped and I felt my calf muscle tear." The show’s producers called for shooting to stop so that he could have the injury treated. Simms stated that he never experienced problems before, and he did proper stretching exercises and prepared correctly.

Stretching the feet properly is often key to avoiding injuries. For help learning how to do appropriate stretches, consult with one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Podiatry. Our doctors can show you a wide range of techniques you can do to keep your feet flexible and strong.

Stretching Your Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Good ways to stretch your feet are:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Stretching Your Feet