Official Blog of Dr. Peter F. Gregory and his Foot Health Team
If running is part of your exercise regimen, then you need to understand the importance of a well-fitting running shoe. The right shoe will make the difference between prolonged injury or an enjoyable running experience. The problem lies on the fact that some runners are not informed - they just select the most popular shoes or brands. Not many realize that they are different foot types and shapes, and it's important that they select a shoe that accommodates their foot shape to prevent running injuries.
How do you determine your foot type? It's really quite simple. Get a piece of dark paper and then soak your feet and step on the paper. Look closely at the imprint. There are generally three types of feet.
- If your imprint covers most of the feet (not much arch at all) then you have flat feet. You are among the 60% of the population in America with flat feet.
- If you show a wide arch and narrow line of your outer foot then you have high arches. You are among the 30% of the population.
- If your imprint has a medium arch then congratulation....you are among the few with the ideal foot shape.
Regardless of what foot type you have, there are running shoes that are right for you. With all the pressure one gets from TV ads or what is "popular to wear now", you really need to put the health aspect first. Most likely you will be able to find a show that is right for your foot type and still have style.
To determine the shoe to buy, here are some guidelines:
- For the flat-footed person, you will want to buy a shoe that is rigid and stable. This will prevent your ankles from bending inward or outward and it will protect you.
- If you have high arches, you will want to look for a very cushioned shoe. High arched feet don't absorb shock very well so you'll want that cushion to help with that.
- For the medium arch or ideal foot, you want the combination of both stability AND cushioning for your feet.
When you try on a shoe it should be snug, but not tight, and there should be approximately a 1/2-inch between your longest toe and the front of your running shoe. Shoe Shopping Tip: Shop for your shoes late in the afternoon when your feet are a little more spread. If it is not comfortable when you are in the store, imagine what it will be like when you are out on a run... so make sure you test them well while you're there.
In summary, those shoes you bought that were such a bargain may be cause for concern in the future, so pick wisely and may your running experience be smooth and wonderful. Your feet will be most grateful! And remember... if you are experiencing ANY type of foot or ankle discomfort visit the foot health team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M. ASAP! Call 734-522-7676 for a convenient appointment.
Foot infections are risky and potentially life-changing. This is the case because they can lead to amputations. In particular, diabetics who incur foot infections can have severe issues depending on if they are mild, modest or severe.
Diabetes has the potential to make any foot infection turn serious, which can include cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, septic arthritis or tendinitis. Foot infections are among the most common and serious complications of diabetes. Diabetics with foot infections have an increased likelihood of requiring hospitalization. Since diabetics have the increased risk of foot ulcerations, infections are the leading influences for amputation. The usual cause of infections in the foot is bacterial in nature.
If a foot infection is formed because of an untreated wound, it will be cultured by a medical professional to determine the exact cause of the infection so that the most effective medication can be prescribed. If the foot has an ulcer, the skin of it will be scraped off for a biopsy.
Consequently, proper care of foot infections involves effective wound management, use of antibiotics and any surgical treatment that may be necessary. It’s also important to prevent the formation of antibiotic-resistant infections by not using too many unnecessary antibiotics. Therefore, antibiotic treatment should last for up to a month or up to 4 months if the infection has spread or become severe and is absolutely essential.
Treatment for this condition involves:
- Proper management of diabetic foot infections through proper medications, drainage, removal of debris/dead tissues and wound care.
- Surgical procedures that involve corrective measures and/or amputation. These procedures are only effective if done so timely.
Proper management of foot infections is paramount for maintaining suitable long-term foot and ankle health. The Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M. will identify and manage any foot infection you may develop. So, please call our office at 734-522-7676 to schedule an appointment so that we can help your feet beat any infection that may be present or that which may try to infect your foot in the future.
For many people, feet are something that’s beneath their notice, so to speak. Unless the cause of an acute problem, they simply aren’t given much thought. Unfortunately, if you or someone you love has diabetes you can’t afford to ignore these, the least noticed of our physiology. In fact, neglecting foot care in a diabetic can result in wounds, infections, even amputations and death.
The good news, however, is that prevention truly is the best medicine. A few simple precautions, taken regularly, can help to ensure that both you and your feet remain healthy.
- Check your feet everyday. For the flexibility-challenged among us, this may require using a hand-held mirror. You may even need to draft the help of an assistant. Whatever method you utilize, the important thing is to visualize every square inch of both feet, between every toe and behind each heel.
- Diabetic shoes are a valuable investment. Talk to your Livonia podiatrist about the possibility of Medicare coverage for this specially designed footwear. Before considering these, contemplate the fact that a small wound on a toe can lead to gangrene and an amputation. Suddenly going through the effort and expense of diabetic shoes doesn’t seem quite so extreme. A corollary of this would be to avoid walking barefoot.
- Notify your healthcare provider of any problems. Cuts, nicks, bruises, discoloration, and ingrown toenails quickly become life-threatening problems.
- Clean feet are healthy feet. Bacteria like warm, dark, and moist places. Therefore, aim to keep your feet clean, dry, and at as comfortable a temperature as possible. If you can comfortably reach your toenails, be sure to keep them well trimmed. If you have any problems or questions, feel free to ask your podiatrist or caregiver. It would be a good idea to have a daily diabetic foot care routine, in which you can incorporate cleaning and inspecting into a habit.
- Your feet need blood flow too. Put your feet up when at rest, which will also help to decrease any swelling. Wiggle your toes and pump your feet at random intervals throughout the day, particularly when you’ve been sitting for extended periods of time. Also, try to avoid crossing your legs and cutting off circulation.
- See a podiatrist. This is one of the most powerful preventative interventions for a diabetic’s foot care arsenal. An experienced and knowledgeable podiatrist can be your most trusted ally in the fight for health, from the ground up.
You only get one pair of feet, and they have to last a lifetime. By implementing a few simple strategies on a frequent and regular basis, by, in other words, supporting them, you can ensure that they’ll support you…for life. We are here to help: Call the Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M. at 734-522-7676.
Call (734) 522-7676 for same day appointment...Mention you may have an infection!!!!
The Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M. is here to help.
An ingrown nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. This usually happens in the big toe but may happen in smaller toes too. This is usually caused by trimming the sides of your toenails too deep or from tight fitting shoes that rub against the toe.
Ingrown nails may cause pain at the tip of the toe or all the way to the base of the toe. The pain is worse when walking. The ingrown toenail can get inflamed or even infected. Infection can lead to a more serious condition and if you have Diabetes or other medical problems you need to be seen the SAME DAY.
While antibiotic pills and ointment may help, just trimming back the side of the nail may work but many times the toenail has grown into the skin. The only way to remove the ingrown portion is for you to be numb. The doctor numbs your toe, removes the ingrown nail sliver, and puts medicine in your toe to prevent the sliver from growing back. We have a Post Op Nail Kit for you to take home which has everything you need to get better. This Kit speeds your healing.
This procedure is covered under most insurances.
For anyone that does not have health insurance:
Special arrangements can be made.
Ingrown toenail / infection can be prevented by:
- Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
- Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.
Keeping feet clean
When you are a parent, you are always on the lookout for a sign that something may be wrong with your child. It is easy to notice when your child has a cold, but it is not always easy to notice when he has a problem with their feet. It is recommended that every child sees a podiatrist at least once during their childhood. However, there are other signs that your child may be exhibiting that could indicate that it is time to take your child to the podiatrist.
Your Child Doesn't Want to Run and Jump
Almost all young children enjoy running around the playground or kicking a ball. If your physically active child all of the sudden spends more time on the sidelines or seems reluctant to jump into the game, it may be a sign that these activities hurt their feet.
Your Child Constantly Complains of Foot Aches
There are several reasons why your child's feet may hurt. One of the most common reasons could be related to their footwear. The shoes could be too tight, too small, or even too big. Other reasons could be that they have flat feet, weak arches or ankles, or other problems relating to their feet.
Leg Aches
Constant leg aches and pains are another reason to head to your Livonia podiatrist. A kid may be able to express how their legs feel instead of their feet. They may say that their legs are tired, but they have not done enough physical activity to justify the complaint. Tired and sore legs may be a result of having flat feet, or the feet may not be aligned properly, or other issues that need to be evaluated.
Problems with Walking or Standing
Have you noticed when your child walks, that his legs appear to be bowed legged, or that he seems to be constantly shifting his weight from one foot or another, or that his feet are pointed too far inward or outward? These are all signs that it is time to see a podiatrist.
Most of these issues can be resolved with the proper treatment and time. After your child's condition is assessed and treated, you are going to need to have proper running shoes in order to keep up. Contact the Foot Health Team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M. at 734-522-7676 to schedule a convenient appointment.`
This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.