Jan
21
Friendly Footwear a Must for Those Who Work Standing Up
Work Footwear Products Recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association
October 7, 2009
Bethesda, MD – The average American’s foot pain often gets in the way of daily activities. Perhaps no group suffers from chronic foot pain more than those who are constantly on their feet. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) 2009 foot ailments survey , 44 percent of respondents said they spend at least four hours standing every day. Additionally, nearly 78 percent of Americans have experienced foot problems as a result of wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes.
"The excess strain put on the legs and feet of those standing for long periods of time can take a massive toll on the body—especially for those working in the health care community," said APMA President Ronald Jensen, DPM. "Without the proper footwear that provides necessary support to the ligaments and joints of the feet, these individuals are subject to a host of ailments that can lead to chronic problems such as metatarsalgia—a pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.”
Excessive standing and walking on hard surfaces like concrete can also increase the incidence of foot problems. However, many footwear companies create products that are specifically made for those who “work standing up.” The following footwear products, designed specifically for those who make a living on their feet, have been granted APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. The Seal of Acceptance Program recognizes products which have been found beneficial to foot health and of significant value when used in a consistently applied program of daily foot care and regular professional treatment:
Crocs Work Shoes. The familiar, comfortable feel of Crocs is also available in a professional-looking shoe that conforms to workplace standards. Featuring a closed toe and heel design, as well as arch support and a foot bed that promotes circulation, the Crocs Work Shoe is a top choice for many health and service industry professionals across the country.
Dansko’s Acadia and Stapled Collections . Dansko’s new Acadia collection (pictured) features distressed leather uppers, a removable triple density molded EVA insole and slip resistant out-sole. With a lightweight base and lower profile, this collection is perfect for the active woman. Additionally, the company’s Stapled Collection features a rigid construction and key features that promote good foot health, including a rocker bottom and full arch support.
The Timberland Company - Timberland PRO. Timberland’s PRO Renova series of work footwear—which includes the Professional, Provider, and Caregiver (pictured)—is designed specifically for those at work in the health care community. The Professional Series features Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue technology, a rocker profile, and an anatomically shaped oblique last for all-day comfort.
For a complete listing of work footwear products that have been awarded the APMA Seal, visit www.apma.org /workfootwear. For more foot health information, visit www.apma.org.
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation’s leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric medical college and two or three years of hospital residency training. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of close to 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.
Feb
4
Fix Feet For Weight Loss Success
Filed Under Foot Health
Many of the estimated 70 million obese Americans are trapped in a life-threatening vicious cycle: Obesity aggravates foot problems, like heel pain and flat feet; sore feet make it hard to exercise and lose weight; and without exercise, obesity worsens and exacerbates progression of diabetes, heart disease and other serious health threats.
Today, a Chelmsford, MA foot and ankle surgeon urged obese adults to seek immediate treatment for chronic, activity-limiting foot and ankle problems to foster compliance with physician-directed exercise programs.
“It’s unfortunate obese adults get caught up in the vicious cycle of avoiding physical activity due to foot or ankle pain, thereby permitting cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening conditions to worsen as a result,” says Dr. Jerold H. Fleishman, DPM, FACFAS, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons FACFAS in Chelmsford, MA. “For example, in many cases, chronic heel pain occurs from carrying too much weight. Left untreated, it becomes an impediment to physical activity and meaningful weight loss.”
Dr. Fleishman says there’s no reason foot or ankle pain should stop obese patients from exercising. The first step toward breaking that vicious cycle is an evaluation by a foot and ankle surgeon.
According to the ACFAS consumer Web site, FootPhysicians.com, many causes of foot pain can be relieved without surgery through stretching exercises, orthotics and athletic shoes with good shock absorption and support. If a bunion, heel pain or other condition requires surgery, patients can participate during their recovery in non-weight-bearing activities, such as riding a stationary bike, swimming or weight training.
For those moderately to severely overweight, Dr. Fleishman says a thorough physical examination is mandatory before beginning an exercise program.
“Once cleared by your physician to begin exercising, don’t try to do too much too soon. Follow a gradual routine until your body adjusts to the stress of regular physical activity,” HE says. “For example, I counsel overweight patients to avoid working out on treadmills or elliptical machines to minimize pounding and stress on their joints.”
Shedding excess pounds helps diabetic patients control their disease, but Dr. Fleishman notes many who experience foot ulcerations and vascular problems caused by diabetes might think they shouldn’t exercise.
“Every diabetes patient needs regular foot exams to check for possible sore spots and assess nerve sensation,” says Dr. Fleishman. “And with proper diabetic foot care and the right footwear, most patients can follow an exercise regimen that is safe and appropriate for them.”
To Contact Dr. Fleishman’s visit www.nefootankle.com
Jan
28
Foot Pain? You May Have Diabetes
Filed Under Foot Health
Do you ever feel burning, tingling or numbness in your feet and toes? A Chelmsford, MA, foot and ankle surgeon warns against ignoring those symptoms. They could be a warning sign of diabetes.
Timothy M. Downs, DPM, FACFAS, says those symptoms may be caused by a condition called diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage. Neuropathy in the feet can lead to permanent numbness, deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, and dry skin that cracks open and won’t heal.
“Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is not only painful but dangerous,” says Dr. Downs, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons with offices in Chelmsford, MA,. “It’s a leading contributor to foot ulcers in people with diabetes.”
Burning, tingling and numbness in toes can also be symptoms of thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies, back problems and pinched nerves in the ankles. In the United States, diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy and can lead to further foot complications.
Out of the 23 million Americans with diabetes, one in four has not been diagnosed. Some people learn they have diabetes only after seeing a doctor for burning, tingling and numbness in their toes and feet. Many people already diagnosed with diabetes are not familiar with neuropathy’s symptoms. According to FootPhysicians.com, even diabetic patients who have excellent blood sugar control can develop diabetic neuropathy.
Medications can treat pain caused by neuropathy. However, nerve damage cannot be reversed.
“When you have diabetes, especially diabetic neuropathy, a minor cut on your foot can turn into a catastrophe,” says Dr. Downs. “The statistics on diabetic ulcers are sobering.”
Twenty percent of diabetes patients who develop ulcers will require an amputation. Patients who are black, Hispanic and Native American are twice as likely as whites to need a diabetes-related amputation. Half of all people with diabetes who have a toe or foot amputation die within three years. The annual cost for diabetic ulcer care in the U.S. is estimated at $5 billion.
For more information on foot problems such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, contact Dr. Downs at www.nefootankle.com.
