Foot pain – Increased Foot Problems in January

Is it the cold weather, ice, or winter sports that cause a spike in foot problems in the month of January?  While individuals may be less likely to visit the doctor earlier in the year because they have yet to meet their insurance deductable, more people probably experience foot problems in January than any other month.  It is less likely due to any of the previously mentioned rational, but rather three words……New Year’s Resolution!

The start of a new year gives many of use the opportunity to try new things and put our self in position to live a healthier lifestyle.  How many of us have resolved to make this year the year to be more active, loss those extra pounds, or better control your diabetes? We at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists want everyone to stay healthy or improve their health through diet and exercise.  Unfortunately, too many of us don’t last through the aches and pain that can quickly develop in the foot.  Jumping right into a new vigorous exercise routine is an excellent way to develop foot pain.

This isn’t the first time we have talked about proper conditioning and easing into a new exercise routine, but it is well worth mentioning again.  As many of us could testify through personal experience, ‘an ounce of prevent, IS worth a pound of cure!’  The best way to prevent foot and ankle injury is to slowly work up to you goals.  In the case of walking or running, begin with smaller distances and add a little more with each subsequent routine allowing you ample rest between routines.  The same rational should go into wearing new footwear or orthotics.  By following the simple guide of working up to more strenuous exercise or distance, you can avoid becoming part of the large group of people who will develop foot pain in January.

Until next time, keep those feet happy and healthy, Austin!

Celebrity News – Zsa Zsa Gabor Battles to Save Leg

While you may have never seen a film or production she has acted in, chances are you recognize the name Zsa Zsa Gabor.  The Budapest born actress has made many headlines over the years with her extravagant lifestyle and happenings. News broke earlier this week that she was going to have a life saving limb amputation.  More recent articles note that doctors are trying strong antibiotic therapy first.  Her publicist reported that an unhealing, long-standing wound became quite larger over the holidays before she was admitted to the hospital.  Doctors worry that this infected wound could be life threatening.  While we wish her the best as she attempts to heal, these headlines give us here at AFAS an opportunity to discuss wound care, infection and amputation.

Amputation is the absolute last resort.  It is only when an infection has spread throughout a limb and becomes life threatening that doctors will utilize amputation to save your life.  There is well documented evidence that amputation of a limb decreases your lifespan.  This fact has decreased the number of amputations preformed in recent years and put more emphasis on treating the causes that lead to it.

When dealing with wounds, it is imperative that you follow your doctor’s instructions.  Hygiene, proper bandaging and bandage changing go a long way in keeping infection at bay.  In Zsa Zsa’s case, being restricted to a wheel chair and history of blood clots likely inhibited wound healing.  Proper blood flow is absolutely necessary to properly heal a wound.  As part of wound healing, Dr. Thomajan will assess your blood pressures in your legs and refer you to a vascular specialist if needed.  Good blood flow allows your body to deliver healing nutrients and immune system cells to fight off infection.  You may be prescribed antibiotics if an infection is identified.  It is important to take all of your prescription.  By closely following instructions to keep weight off the wound and proper wound hygiene, you can heal longstanding wounds and avoid amputation.  Make a visit to AFAS today if you have a wound that has been present for more than 2 weeks without any changes.

Until next time, keep those feet happy and healthy Austin!