Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis Part 4
Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis Part 4
How to prevent heel pain or plantar fasciitis:
- Make sure that you have properly fitted shoes. Many patients come into my office with shoes that are too big or too small. If you need help, call shoe stores or your Podiatrist to get your feet measured. Unfortunately for many people, their feet do not stay the same size throughout their lifetime.
- Replace your shoes regularly. Although shoes can get expensive, it is usually cheaper then visits to your doctor or time off from work due to foot pain. Check the bottom of your shoes; if you see that there is a lot of wear in the heels or soles of the shoes, it is time to get new shoes!
- Make sure that you get shoes that are supportive and have cushioning! A good way to check both of these is to bend the shoe from the heel to the toe, if you can fold the shoe in half, it doesn’t have the support that you need. If you can press down on the inside of the shoe at the heel and there is no cushioning then that is not the shoe for you unless you can remove the innersole and put your orthotics in for your cushioning.
- Prepare yourself before exercise; make sure that you stretch before and after exercise as well as getting warmed up.
- Although exercise is important, it is also very important to pace yourself. Many people want to start out by running or walking 10 miles the first day. If you have not been exercising start out with 5 minutes. Always remember no matter how far you go, say 5 minutes from home; you still have 5 minutes to go back, unless you have just gone around the block that leads back to your home!
- Make sure that you are taking care of your total body when exercising, if you do not have proper nutrition and support for the rest of your body, you will not be able to sustain any activity properly.
- Although no one wants to talk about this, if you are overweight, you need to lose weight. Multiply your weight by gravity: g = 9.8 m/s2 and 32 ft/s2 and that will be the force that is hitting your feet when you walk.
- Remember if you are overweight, you didn’t put it on in a day or a week or even a month, so you want to take it off at the same pace that you put it on! Small changes can make a huge impact, such as swapping out a soda or pop for a glass of water. Only eating half of the bag of M & M’s, and leaving at least a small portion of food on your plate at every meal!
Plantar Fasciitis Heel Pain Part 3
Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis Part 3
Other Causes of Heel Pain:
Excessive Pronation:
Pronation is what allows the foot to absorb shock as it hits the ground in walking. When you have too much of this flexible motion and flattening of the arch, it is called excessive pronation.
If you will notice, when you are walking, your heel will hit the ground first, then the foot rolls toward the big toe before it lifts up for your next step. As the foot rolls toward the big toe, it becomes rigid and lifts the arch up. If you have excess pronation, you get excessive inward motion which puts extra stress on all of the ligaments and tendons that attach to your heel bone. This can also lead to extra stress and injury on your lower back, hips and knees.
There are some other conditions that can lead to heel pain:
1. Bone Bruise: this can occur as the result of trauma.
2. Haglund’s Deformity or Pump Bump, this is an enlargement of bone where the Achilles tendon attaches to bone. As your shoe presses on this area, you develop increased pain in this area.
3. Arthritis: Psoriatic Arthritis, Reiters Syndrome or Rheumatoid Arthritis can create pain in this area.
4. Bursitis: This is similar to tennis elbow where a small sack of fluid fills up and creates pressure in this area.
So, as you can see so far there are many different causes of heel pain. Which will lead to the next portion of our discussion: treatment. With so many different causes of heel pain, there are many different treatments for heel pain.
Even though your neighbor, or cousin or friend had heel pain and received a certain type of treatment for their heel pain, your treatment plan may be very different.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Foot Ulcers Independently Linked to Mortality in Diabetes Patients
Over the years as a Podiatrist I have seen many patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers. I have also been fortunate enough to see many patients with Diabetes that have never had an ulcer. There are many things that you can do to prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers.
1. Monitor your diet. Spikes in Blood sugar have been shown to predispose patients to neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers.
2. Have your Hemoglobin A1C checked! This gives you a recording of how your sugars have been running for the past 3 months.
3. Check your feet daily. If you notice any sores or wounds come in to see your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician Immediately!!
Dermagraft is one of the ways that we treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists.
If you are having any foot problems come in to see us at:
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
Over the years as a Podiatrist I have seen many patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers. I have also been fortunate enough to see many patients with Diabetes that have never had an ulcer. There are many things that you can do to prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers.
1. Monitor your diet. Spikes in Blood sugar have been shown to predispose patients to neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers.
2. Have your Hemoglobin A1C checked! This gives you a recording of how your sugars have been running for the past 3 months.
3. Check your feet daily. If you notice any sores or wounds come in to see your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician Immediately!!
Dermagraft is one of the ways that we treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists.
If you are having any foot problems come in to see us at:
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
Plantar Fasciitis Part 2
What are heel spurs?
This is a bony growth on your heel bone. We all think of bone as the skeleton in the
corner of the classroom in high school biology. Bone is actually a dynamic living tissue. When bone is put under stress at the site of
a tendon or ligament, such as the Achilles Tendon or the Plantar Fascia, it can
make the bone bleed. When bone bleeds,
it forms new bone to heal. These spurs can be seen
on X-rays and can extend out as far as half an inch. Fortunately, the spur is not the actual
source of the problem.
corner of the classroom in high school biology. Bone is actually a dynamic living tissue. When bone is put under stress at the site of
a tendon or ligament, such as the Achilles Tendon or the Plantar Fascia, it can
make the bone bleed. When bone bleeds,
it forms new bone to heal. These spurs can be seen
on X-rays and can extend out as far as half an inch. Fortunately, the spur is not the actual
source of the problem.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The band of tissue that runs on the bottom (plantar
surface) of the foot is called the plantar fascia. If you add an itis onto a word it means
inflammation, so this is inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is very common in athletes that need to
do a lot of jumping. This can be
devastating for basketball players and is quite painful!
surface) of the foot is called the plantar fascia. If you add an itis onto a word it means
inflammation, so this is inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is very common in athletes that need to
do a lot of jumping. This can be
devastating for basketball players and is quite painful!
The plantar fascia can become stretched over time beyond
where it normally should go. This can
lead to small tears in the fascia which leads to inflammation. This in turn may lead to a heel spur.
where it normally should go. This can
lead to small tears in the fascia which leads to inflammation. This in turn may lead to a heel spur.
Improper shoes with no support may aggravate this condition. I must say that the majority of patients that
come into my office, are sporting a pair of cute flip flops or other shoes with
no support.
come into my office, are sporting a pair of cute flip flops or other shoes with
no support.
With plantar fasciitis the first step after a period of
rest is often the most painful. This is
due to the plantar fascia elongating or stretching out suddenly. Most people find with walking that the pain
decreases or lessens, but will return after a period of rest.
rest is often the most painful. This is
due to the plantar fascia elongating or stretching out suddenly. Most people find with walking that the pain
decreases or lessens, but will return after a period of rest.
Stay tuned to learn more about plantar fasciitis!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Plantar Fasciitis Heel Spur Syndrome Part 1
Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis: What is it?
This is part one in a series of articles about heel pain. Why do I have this? I like to tell patients that it is caused by telling lies, but they quickly realize that this will not help their foot. So on to the real causes of foot pain. And why you should go to see your Podiatrist and not your neighbor for this problem.
There are a number of different causes of heel pain that we will go over. These will include: Bone bruises, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, excessive pronation and other diseases of the heels.
Heel pain is usually caused by a problem with your walking gait or biomechanics. This will put excess stress and pressure on the soft tissues that attach to the heel bone and the bone itself. The causes of this stress can vary from wearing improper shoes, being overweight, or a bruising that occurred while walking, jumping or running on hard surfaces.
There are 26 bones in each of your feet and the heel bone or calcaneus is the largest one. There are over 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments in the foot and 33 joints. All of these are exposed to outside influences such as your shoes and the ground we walk on. So our choices of where we work, what surface of floor we have in our homes and what type of shoes we wear will all influence whether or not we have pain in our heels.
One of the main reasons to see your Podiatrist about your heel pain is that you can have some arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infectious problems such as osteomyelitis or a bone tumor. A quick set of x-rays and sometimes blood work can rule this out!! And hopefully, although you had to go to your Podiatrist, take time out of your day, and pay your co-pay or deductible, you will be lucky enough to just have your regular old heel pain that can be treated simply. Continue to follow along and I will go over more causes, and treatment options for your heel pain!
This is part one in a series of articles about heel pain. Why do I have this? I like to tell patients that it is caused by telling lies, but they quickly realize that this will not help their foot. So on to the real causes of foot pain. And why you should go to see your Podiatrist and not your neighbor for this problem.
There are a number of different causes of heel pain that we will go over. These will include: Bone bruises, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, excessive pronation and other diseases of the heels.
Heel pain is usually caused by a problem with your walking gait or biomechanics. This will put excess stress and pressure on the soft tissues that attach to the heel bone and the bone itself. The causes of this stress can vary from wearing improper shoes, being overweight, or a bruising that occurred while walking, jumping or running on hard surfaces.
There are 26 bones in each of your feet and the heel bone or calcaneus is the largest one. There are over 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments in the foot and 33 joints. All of these are exposed to outside influences such as your shoes and the ground we walk on. So our choices of where we work, what surface of floor we have in our homes and what type of shoes we wear will all influence whether or not we have pain in our heels.
One of the main reasons to see your Podiatrist about your heel pain is that you can have some arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infectious problems such as osteomyelitis or a bone tumor. A quick set of x-rays and sometimes blood work can rule this out!! And hopefully, although you had to go to your Podiatrist, take time out of your day, and pay your co-pay or deductible, you will be lucky enough to just have your regular old heel pain that can be treated simply. Continue to follow along and I will go over more causes, and treatment options for your heel pain!
Diabetic Amputation
Patriot Guard Rider looks beyond amputation wfaa.com Dallas - Fort Worth Local News
Many patients over the years will experience an amputation associated with diabetes. There are some things that you can do to prevent this.
1. Watch your diet. Limiting the amount of sugar you take in will help.
2. Get moving, even if you exercise for 10 minutes at a time, it will add up to your 30 minutes a day!
3. Check your feet daily. If you notice any open wounds or sores, come in to see your Podiatrist or your Primary Care Physician immediately.
For all of your Foot Care Needs: Come on in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Many patients over the years will experience an amputation associated with diabetes. There are some things that you can do to prevent this.
1. Watch your diet. Limiting the amount of sugar you take in will help.
2. Get moving, even if you exercise for 10 minutes at a time, it will add up to your 30 minutes a day!
3. Check your feet daily. If you notice any open wounds or sores, come in to see your Podiatrist or your Primary Care Physician immediately.
For all of your Foot Care Needs: Come on in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Hammertoes - Causes And Cures
Hammertoes - Causes And Cures
Hammertoes are when the toe bends at the first joint of the digit. This usually occurs in the smaller toes 2-5 and is more common in women then men.
Some hammertoes are flexible and some are rigid. This can be seen when you can no longer straighten out the toe with your hand.
Hammertoes are caused by a muscle imbalance that causes increased pressure in the joints and tendons of the toe leading to the toe bending. They can also be caused by trauma or it can be hereditary. Wearing tight shoes can also contribute to the pain associated with hammertoes.
What you can do:
1. Wear shoes that have a deep-wide toe box that allow your toes to wiggle a little bit.
2. Apply non-medicated padding to the toe.
3. Visit your Podiatrist
4. Avoid shoes with a heel greater then 2 inches.
Your Podiatrist May:
Tape or Pad your toes
Make Custom Orthotics
Perform Surgery
It is important to see your Podiatrist early to avoid surgical treatment if possible.
Come on in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Hammertoes are when the toe bends at the first joint of the digit. This usually occurs in the smaller toes 2-5 and is more common in women then men.
Some hammertoes are flexible and some are rigid. This can be seen when you can no longer straighten out the toe with your hand.
Hammertoes are caused by a muscle imbalance that causes increased pressure in the joints and tendons of the toe leading to the toe bending. They can also be caused by trauma or it can be hereditary. Wearing tight shoes can also contribute to the pain associated with hammertoes.
What you can do:
1. Wear shoes that have a deep-wide toe box that allow your toes to wiggle a little bit.
2. Apply non-medicated padding to the toe.
3. Visit your Podiatrist
4. Avoid shoes with a heel greater then 2 inches.
Your Podiatrist May:
Tape or Pad your toes
Make Custom Orthotics
Perform Surgery
It is important to see your Podiatrist early to avoid surgical treatment if possible.
Come on in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Diabetic Foot and Wound Care Part 3
Amputations: This is by far the worst part of my job!! As I frequently tell patients: "Keeping your feet and toes, is job security for me."
No one wants to prevent an amputations more then your Podiatrist!
The things that you can do to help out:
1. Check inside your shoes before putting them on!
2. Wear properly fitted shoes at all times, many people with Diabetes and Neuropathy can step on things and not know it.
3. Check your feet everyday! You can use a mirror on the floor, or a mechanics mirror, or ask a loved one to look for you!
4. If you notice any open areas or wounds, come in and see your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician immediately.
No one wants to prevent an amputations more then your Podiatrist!
The things that you can do to help out:
1. Check inside your shoes before putting them on!
2. Wear properly fitted shoes at all times, many people with Diabetes and Neuropathy can step on things and not know it.
3. Check your feet everyday! You can use a mirror on the floor, or a mechanics mirror, or ask a loved one to look for you!
4. If you notice any open areas or wounds, come in and see your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician immediately.
For all of your footcare needs, come in and see us at:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
Diabetic Foot and Wound Care Part 2
More scary statistics here:
In 2007 we had 18.2 million Americans with Diabetes. Now the CDC estimates that we have 23.6 million!! That is 7% of the US population!!
The cost of Diabetic Amputations are increasing as well. In 2002 one out of every ten health care dollars or $132 Billion was spent on Diabetes treatment.
Here are some things that you can do to help!
1. Watch your blood sugars, the more of an up and down you get with your sugars, the increase in complications you will have.
2. Make sure your doctor is ordering your Hemoglobin A1C. This measures how your sugars have been over the past 3 months.
3. Make sure that you are checking your feet every day!! If you notice any open areas or sores, come in immediately to your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician!!
4. Early detection and treatment are the keys to healing.
5. Prevention is the number one thing we can do to save limbs!!
This is demonstration of the Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Testing that can be done to check your feet for Neuropathy!
Come on in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
In 2007 we had 18.2 million Americans with Diabetes. Now the CDC estimates that we have 23.6 million!! That is 7% of the US population!!
The cost of Diabetic Amputations are increasing as well. In 2002 one out of every ten health care dollars or $132 Billion was spent on Diabetes treatment.
Here are some things that you can do to help!
1. Watch your blood sugars, the more of an up and down you get with your sugars, the increase in complications you will have.
2. Make sure your doctor is ordering your Hemoglobin A1C. This measures how your sugars have been over the past 3 months.
3. Make sure that you are checking your feet every day!! If you notice any open areas or sores, come in immediately to your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician!!
4. Early detection and treatment are the keys to healing.
5. Prevention is the number one thing we can do to save limbs!!
This is demonstration of the Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Testing that can be done to check your feet for Neuropathy!
Come on in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Diabetes Resources in Arizona
Arizona - American Diabetes Association
There are many resources available for Diabetes, you don't have to do this alone!! A support group may not sound like what you want to do, but can really help you to see that you are not alone. People living with Diabetes that educate themselves about the conditions, complications and what they can do to help usually cope better with their condition. The things that you can do to help are:
1. Check your feet every day!!
2. No bare feet
3. If you see a wound or sore, come in to see your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician immediately!
We are here to help you! Put your feet in good hands.
There are many resources available for Diabetes, you don't have to do this alone!! A support group may not sound like what you want to do, but can really help you to see that you are not alone. People living with Diabetes that educate themselves about the conditions, complications and what they can do to help usually cope better with their condition. The things that you can do to help are:
1. Check your feet every day!!
2. No bare feet
3. If you see a wound or sore, come in to see your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician immediately!
We are here to help you! Put your feet in good hands.
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd
Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755: Fax
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke!!
Diet Drinks Linked to Heart Problems, Stroke
Here is another concern for our patients with Diabetes! Many patients switch to Diet drinks to help with the sugar. Unfortunately, this rarely works and can frequently make the problems worse. So what do you do? Start by swapping out one diet drink for a glass of water. Do this every week until you are down to one or less per week! You will feel better.
Other things that you can do with diabetes:
1. Check your feet every day!!
2. No bare feet!!
3. If you notice any foot sores or wounds come in to see your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician Immediately!
Put your feet in good hands. For all of your foot care needs. Come in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd
Suite 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Here is another concern for our patients with Diabetes! Many patients switch to Diet drinks to help with the sugar. Unfortunately, this rarely works and can frequently make the problems worse. So what do you do? Start by swapping out one diet drink for a glass of water. Do this every week until you are down to one or less per week! You will feel better.
Other things that you can do with diabetes:
1. Check your feet every day!!
2. No bare feet!!
3. If you notice any foot sores or wounds come in to see your Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician Immediately!
Put your feet in good hands. For all of your foot care needs. Come in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd
Suite 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Diabetes Peripheral Neuopathy
NeuRemedy, "The Neuropathy Vitamin", is used to nutritionally manage the pain, burning, numbness and tingling asso
ciated with peripheral neuropathy.
ciated with peripheral neuropathy. Foot injuries occur more frequently with the decreased levels of sensation often
associated with peripheral neuropathy. Take care of your feet with these ten tips for better foot health!
"Ten Tips for Better Foot Care for People with Peripheral Neuropathy"
1. Examine your feet once a day. Your ability to feel injuries or sores on your feet may be diminished by the effects of peripheral neuropathy. Do not forget to inspect between the toes! Use a mirror if necessary.
2. Notify your doctor if you find a problem. Receiving treatment immediately following an injury will likely decrease long-term consequences. See your podiatrist for help.
3. Get your feet checked professionally and frequently. Your podiatrist or physician may recognize problems with your feet that you may miss.
4. Keep your feet clean. Wash your feet with soap and water and dry them well once a day. Be certain to wash and dry between your toes. If you have an open sore consult your physician before washing.
5. No operating on yourself! Do not trim corns, calluses or toenails on your own. Seek the assistance of a medical professional.
6. Avoid ill fitting shoes. Make certain that shoes fit properly to prevent rubs or sores. Have your shoes fitted by a professional.
7. Wear the right socks. Select socks that are soft and do not cut off circulation to your feet. Put a pair of clean and dry socks on every time you put on your shoes.
8. Wear the right shoe for the activity. Wear athletic shoes when exercising. This will help you to avoid injuries.
9. Don't walk barefoot. Insensitive unprotected feet are prone to cuts and puncture wounds.
10. Stop smoking immediately. Now is a better time than ever. Avoid second hand smoke and smokeless tobacco. Smoking interferes with your body's ability to heal injuries and may cause non-healing sores, gangrene and amputations.
It is our goal to continue to be a resource for answers to your questions about peripheral neuropathy and to help you make educated decisions about how to manage your peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
NeuRemedy is a medical food which is specifically formulated for the nutritional management of people suffering from peripheral neuropathy. The active ingredient in NeuRemedy has been extensively and successfully used in Europe and Asia for decades. It has been studied in the scientific literature and shown to be safe and very often effective. Realm Labs, LLC has recently made NeuRemedy available to people suffering from peripheral neuropathy in the U.S.A.
NeuRemedy is a medical food which is specifically formulated for the nutritional management of people suffering from peripheral neuropathy. The active ingredient in NeuRemedy has been extensively and successfully used in Europe and Asia for decades. It has been studied in the scientific literature and shown to be safe and very often effective. Realm Labs, LLC has recently made NeuRemedy available to people suffering from peripheral neuropathy in the U.S.A.
For all of your foot care needs, come on down to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd
Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755: Fax
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Diabetes and Neuropathy
Feel The Difference : Metanx® Feel the Difference
We have many patients that have Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. We frequently use Metanx to help with the symptoms. We have had a lot of good success with metanx. Ask your doctor about it today!!
Come on in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd
Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
We have many patients that have Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. We frequently use Metanx to help with the symptoms. We have had a lot of good success with metanx. Ask your doctor about it today!!
Come on in to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd
Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Friday, February 18, 2011
Diabetic Foot and Wound Care: Part One
Do you or a loved one have Diabetes? There are 25.8 million children and adults in the US with Diabetes.
There are 7 million people that have not been diagnosed. 79 million people have prediabetes.
In 2007 diabetes contributed to 231,404 deaths!!!
The complications associated with Diabetes are:
Amputation, Blindness, Heart Disease and Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Neuropathy and Kidney Disease.
There aer many things that you can do to help reduce your risk of these complications. Checking your feet everyday is one of the biggest things you can do. If you cannot see your feet, have a loved one check your feet everyday. If you notice a sore on your foot, get in to see you Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician immediately.
If you already have a wound, here at Suprise Foot and Ankle Clinics: we can use:
KCI- V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG Dressing
The Vac System is one of the ways that we here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists take care of open wounds.
Many patients develop wounds from Diabetes, Pressure Ulcers and Venous Stasis. Here at Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists we are here to heal your wounds!!
Suprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
There are 7 million people that have not been diagnosed. 79 million people have prediabetes.
In 2007 diabetes contributed to 231,404 deaths!!!
The complications associated with Diabetes are:
Amputation, Blindness, Heart Disease and Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Neuropathy and Kidney Disease.
There aer many things that you can do to help reduce your risk of these complications. Checking your feet everyday is one of the biggest things you can do. If you cannot see your feet, have a loved one check your feet everyday. If you notice a sore on your foot, get in to see you Podiatrist or Primary Care Physician immediately.
If you already have a wound, here at Suprise Foot and Ankle Clinics: we can use:
KCI- V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG Dressing
The Vac System is one of the ways that we here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists take care of open wounds.
Many patients develop wounds from Diabetes, Pressure Ulcers and Venous Stasis. Here at Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists we are here to heal your wounds!!
Suprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Night Splints
Many patients with Plantar Fasciits or Heel Pain need a night splint. Here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists we have night splints to help.
Purpose of the Night Splint: To place a light streatch on the plantar fascia while you sleep. Many people experience pain with the first step our of bed in the morning. The best night splints are the dorsal types which go on top of the foot and leg.
If you or a friend or family member are experiencing plantar fasciitis. Come in to:
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
This is just one part of our comprehensive approach to treating your plantar fascia pain!!
Purpose of the Night Splint: To place a light streatch on the plantar fascia while you sleep. Many people experience pain with the first step our of bed in the morning. The best night splints are the dorsal types which go on top of the foot and leg.
If you or a friend or family member are experiencing plantar fasciitis. Come in to:
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
This is just one part of our comprehensive approach to treating your plantar fascia pain!!
Blue Shine Laser
I have a few new machines that we have in the office to report about!
We now have the Blue Shine Laser. We have been having good success and we are having good feedback from our patients.
If you are having foot and ankle pain, come on down to:
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
We now have the Blue Shine Laser. We have been having good success and we are having good feedback from our patients.
If you are having foot and ankle pain, come on down to:
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Custom Diabetic Shoes
If you have any foot or ankle problems, come on down to:
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Monday, February 14, 2011
Amerigel Home Page Consumer
Amerigel Home Page Consumer
This is another way that we treat diabetic foot ulcers here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists. This is also very good after an ingrown toenail removal!!
If you have any foot pain or problems, come on in to:
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
This is another way that we treat diabetic foot ulcers here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists. This is also very good after an ingrown toenail removal!!
If you have any foot pain or problems, come on in to:
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Organogenesis Inc. Home—the world leading tissue regeneration company
Organogenesis Inc. Home—the world leading tissue regeneration company
Diabetic Wound Care. This is one of the ways that Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists help to heal foot wounds.
We see a lot of patients with Diabetic Foot Wounds and Uclers in our office and this is part of how we treat them.
Our goal is to close these wounds as quickly as possible!
Put your feet in Good hands!
Come to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Diabetic Wound Care. This is one of the ways that Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists help to heal foot wounds.
We see a lot of patients with Diabetic Foot Wounds and Uclers in our office and this is part of how we treat them.
Our goal is to close these wounds as quickly as possible!
Put your feet in Good hands!
Come to:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
dpmkirk.vpweb.com
fixingfeet.com
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Heel Pain
Heel Pain
Here is some additional information about heel pain. This is a very common problem. Please come in to see us for all of your footcare needs at:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd.
Suite 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
fixingfeet.com
dpmkirk@vpweb.com
Here is some additional information about heel pain. This is a very common problem. Please come in to see us for all of your footcare needs at:
Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd.
Suite 160
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
fixingfeet.com
dpmkirk@vpweb.com
heel pain causes: is it plantar fasciitis or fasciosis?
heel pain causes: is it plantar fasciitis or fasciosis?
Here is some additional information about heel pain.
At Surprise Foot and Ankle Centers we have all of the lastest diagnostic tools and treatments for heel pain, including x-rays, ultrasound, night splints, custom orthotics, EPAT and laser!!!
Come on in and find out what you can do for your heel pain!!!
Surprise Foot and Ankle Centers
14800 West Mountain View Blvd 160
Surprise, Arizona 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755 fax
We want you to be able to get back on your feet and get the most out of life!!
Here is some additional information about heel pain.
At Surprise Foot and Ankle Centers we have all of the lastest diagnostic tools and treatments for heel pain, including x-rays, ultrasound, night splints, custom orthotics, EPAT and laser!!!
Come on in and find out what you can do for your heel pain!!!
Surprise Foot and Ankle Centers
14800 West Mountain View Blvd 160
Surprise, Arizona 85374
623-584-5556
623-584-0755 fax
We want you to be able to get back on your feet and get the most out of life!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Help! My Toes Are Numb! - Peripheral Neuropathy
Help! My Toes Are Numb! - Peripheral Neuropathy
Here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Center we strive to help people with Neuropathy.
We use a combination of therapys including medications, surgery, bracing, and physical therapy.
Are doctors are here and ready to help. Give us a call:
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
fixingfeet.com
Here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Center we strive to help people with Neuropathy.
We use a combination of therapys including medications, surgery, bracing, and physical therapy.
Are doctors are here and ready to help. Give us a call:
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
fixingfeet.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
When to Refer to a Podiatrist | Today's Podiatrist
When to Refer to a Podiatrist Today's Podiatrist
Here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists we have 3 doctors and can treat all aspects of foot care. We are a caring group of Doctors that are here to serve all of your Podiatric Needs!!
We have in office x-rays, vascular studies, ultrasound, neurosensory testing, laser, EPAT. We do diabetic shoes, custom and non-custom. We construct orthotics, arizona afo's, richie braces and many other braces!
So if your feet hurt!! Come on down and we will fix your feet!!
Here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists we have 3 doctors and can treat all aspects of foot care. We are a caring group of Doctors that are here to serve all of your Podiatric Needs!!
We have in office x-rays, vascular studies, ultrasound, neurosensory testing, laser, EPAT. We do diabetic shoes, custom and non-custom. We construct orthotics, arizona afo's, richie braces and many other braces!
So if your feet hurt!! Come on down and we will fix your feet!!
How Long-Term Primary Podiatric Care Can Reduce Diabetic Pedal Complications | Podiatry Today
How Long-Term Primary Podiatric Care Can Reduce Diabetic Pedal Complications Podiatry Today
Here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists we offer a wide variety of services for your feet. We take care of many patients with Diabetes and our goal is to protect the feet!!
Come on by and let us take care of your feet
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
fixingfeet.com
Here at Surprise Foot and Ankle Specialists we offer a wide variety of services for your feet. We take care of many patients with Diabetes and our goal is to protect the feet!!
Come on by and let us take care of your feet
Surprise Foot And Ankle Specialists
14800 West Mountain View Blvd. Ste 160
Surprise, AZ 85376
623-584-5556
623-584-0755
fixingfeet.com
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Bucks' Gooden out 4-6 weeks - Basketball Wires - MiamiHerald.com
Bucks' Gooden out 4-6 weeks - Basketball Wires - MiamiHerald.com
This is a great intro into heel pain/ plantar fasciitis. Over the next few days, I will go over what causes heel pain, what it feels like and what can be done to treat it.
The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot.
Causes: Heel pain is usually a result of abnormal biomehcanics (the way you walk, being abnormal). This abnormality will cause stress on the soft tissues that attach to the heel bone and to the heel bone itself. Stress on the heel bone may also be a result of a bruise or injury that occured while, jumping on hard surfaces, wearing poorly constructed footwear, running and walking and of course weight gain.
There are other conditions that can affect the heel bone that require a visit to the doctor and usually x-rays: these include, fracture or break of the heel bone, torn tendons, bone tumors and some types of arthtitis can attack the heel bone.
So it is always better to get this condition checked out no matter what friends and family have had.
We will next go over what you can do about this.
This is a great intro into heel pain/ plantar fasciitis. Over the next few days, I will go over what causes heel pain, what it feels like and what can be done to treat it.
The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot.
Causes: Heel pain is usually a result of abnormal biomehcanics (the way you walk, being abnormal). This abnormality will cause stress on the soft tissues that attach to the heel bone and to the heel bone itself. Stress on the heel bone may also be a result of a bruise or injury that occured while, jumping on hard surfaces, wearing poorly constructed footwear, running and walking and of course weight gain.
There are other conditions that can affect the heel bone that require a visit to the doctor and usually x-rays: these include, fracture or break of the heel bone, torn tendons, bone tumors and some types of arthtitis can attack the heel bone.
So it is always better to get this condition checked out no matter what friends and family have had.
We will next go over what you can do about this.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
More on Diabetic Wound Care and Insurance Payments
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/will-reimbursement-changes-adversely-affect-preventative-wound-care?page=1
Will Reimbursement Changes Adversely Affect Preventative Wound Care?
Author(s):
Lee C. Rogers, DPM
This author details recent changes to the CMS physician fee schedule and what lower reimbursement may mean for wound care centers and the high-risk patients they treat.
The 2011 update in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) physician fee schedule can be projected to reduce reimbursement for wound care services in facilities by 22 percent. While Congress called for a 0 percent update in the fee schedule for 2011, the CMS cut the conversion factor from $36.8729 to $33.9764, which is an approximate -7.8 percent reduction. The conversion factor cut is designed to help keep the relative value unit (RVU) changes budget neutral.
Physicians who specialize in wound healing have a unique practice and represent a heterogeneous group of physician specialties, including general surgery, podiatry, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, infectious diseases, endocrinology, pulmonology and general surgery. Some practice in private offices but given the nature of the work, many practice in hospital-based wound centers.
Updates in the 2011 fee schedule particularly impact codes that are used by wound specialists. Wound debridement codes were completely revised both in definition and value, and some common skin substitute application codes were drastically reduced. Changes in RVU and fee schedule for common codes from 2010 to 2011 for facility sites are illustrated in the tables below.
A Closer Look At The Coding Changes
Debridement reimbursement (1104x) is no longer based on the number of wounds debrided but rather on the total area of the debridement in increments of 20 cm2. Partial (11040) and full thickness (11041) skin debridement codes were deleted and replaced with removal of devitalized tissue (97597). There are now add-on codes to report additional increments of 20 cm2. The add-on codes are inherently reduced in value and should not by modified by -59.
Why the drastic impact in wound services? It is all about the requirement to bill by surface area and not number of wounds. Under 2010 guidelines, if there were two wounds that each measured 9 cm2 and were debrided into the subcutaneous tissue, one would bill 11042 and 11042-59. The -59 modifier results in a 50 percent reduction of reimbursement for the second code.
In the 2011 guidelines, one only bills 11042, adding the surface areas together to total <20 cm2. Even if adding the surface areas together is sufficient to bill another unit, the RVU of the add-on code is 40 percent of the value of the first code.
The debridement of subcutaneous tissue (11042) code was the only frequently used wound care code that increased in value from 1.17 RVU to 1.4 RVU. This increase is offset by the requirement to code by area and not number of wounds. If this were debridement of muscle, the reduction would be even greater. The RVU of the parent code for muscle debridement (11043) dropped 42 percent and the add-on code for muscle debridement (11046) is 31 percent of the parent code. It is difficult to directly calculate the impact on reimbursement since it depends on the 2011 square area scenarios and the number of wounds debrided in the 2010 scenarios.
In our wound center, 67 percent of the patients have more than one wound. The average number of wounds in those patients is 2.35.
Author(s):
Lee C. Rogers, DPM
The skin substitute policy has also undergone drastic changes. Both Apligraf (15340) and Dermagraft (15365) were replaced by a CMS G code (G0440). The service was also revalued. In 2010, Apligraf had an RVU of 7.00 and Dermagraft had a RVU of 7.72. In 2011, G0440 is valued at 3.51. While the products are still reimbursed, the reimbursement for the physician service dropped by more than $150 in all scenarios.
Understanding The Impact Of The CMS Changes On Wound Care Clinics
To determine how this will affect physician revenue in the clinic, we sampled two consecutive days of patients (55) and calculated the reimbursement for the services delivered under the 2010 guidelines compared with the 2011 guidelines. The 55 patients in 2010 would have generated $5,643.87 and now the same services coded in 2011 would generate $4,419.61, a reduction of 22 percent.
Our calculations were based on a doctor delivering services in a facility with the 2010 and 2011 fee schedules from CMS Palmetto, Los Angeles County.
Final Notes
Every year in the United States, there are nearly 100,000 amputations, a majority of which are on those with diabetes.1 There are 25.8 million people in the U.S. with diabetes and 79 million adults over age 20 with pre-diabetes.2 Amputations are a dreaded complication of diabetes. A chronic wound is present on nearly 85 percent of limbs that are amputated, making it the one of most common reasons for amputation.3
During the 2008 presidential election, many candidates campaigned on increasing revenue and access to preventative services, and used the “diabetes-related amputation” as an example to illustrate their point.4 This update in the CMS fee schedule for wound care is the antithesis of that ideology. The substantial reduction creates a disincentive for physicians to treat patients with chronic wounds. As a result, this may leave Medicare patients experiencing delays in treatment or cause them to seek treatment by non-specialists. Just as the epidemic of diabetes continues to get worse, we may see an increase in the rate of amputations.
Dr. Rogers is the Associate Medical Director for the Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles. He is the Medical Director for the Amputation Prevention Centers of America, a national network of wound centers and limb salvage centers.
References
1.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospital discharge rates for nontraumatic lower extremity amputations by diabetes status - United States, 1997. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2001;50(43):954–958.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Fact Sheet 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/factsheet11.htm .
3. Pecoraro RE, Reiber GE, Burgess EM. Pathways to diabetic limb amputation: basis for prevention. Diabetes Care. 1990;13(5):513–521.
4. American Podiatric Medical Association. Presidential candidates stump podiatry reimbursement plight to make a case for health reform. Available at: http://bit.ly/h7tZvx .
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