2014 Gently Used Footwear Drive!

I hope all of you haven't been tossing those gently used shoes and are saving them for our 3rd Annual footwear drive! This year not only will we be donating GENTLY used shoes and NEW socks & flip flops to the New River Family Shelter, we will be donating Troutville's collectiong to the RAM House located off Campbell Ave in Roanoke, VA.

Dr. Feeny Keller showing off our collection during the 1st Annual Footwear drive!

I recently spoke with two representatives from the RAM house (Hi Martha & Debbie!) at the Green Ridge Wellness Fair in Roanoke and they were so pleasant and supportive of the program they were representing. While at the fair they were holding a food drive, the ladies stated this time of year they get extremely busy what with the holidays and cold weather.

I informed them of our annual footwear drive and can't wait to start collecting and donating what we can to help the community. Last year we were able to collect footwear for children and adults which makes our practice so proud of the kind patients and community that surround us!

So when you're unwrapping those sweet new kicks in just a couple (short!) weeks, please set a side your (older) shoes for our drive starting in a few months. If you want to get them out of the house sooner, feel free to drop them by either office and we'll get our collection started early!

Thank you for your support this year and make sure to think of those in need as the holidays get closer and the cold gets tougher to bear.

Fall Foot Blues

Do your feet hurt more than ever since summer has ended? If so, you are not alone. We see a lot of patients like you each fall. When it comes time to put the summer shoes away, these people get the shoe blues. 

In summer, sandals provide the freedom which allows your feet to feel comfortable. If you start wearing closed shoes again in autumn, the shoes can rub against bunions and hammertoes and cause you pain. Sometimes the friction of shoe against skin can cause painful corns and calluses to build up. Your first line of defense is to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Pick footwear with a toe box wide enough so that your toes aren’t crowded together. If you wear shoes with heels, keep the heel height to two inches or less to avoid putting pressure on bunions. Wear socks to reduce the friction of shoes against your feet. You may also want to take your shoes to a shoe repair shop and get them stretched in the areas that are bothering you. Using the pads to shield the corns may help, but avoid medicated pads, which contain acid that can be harmful. 

If you try our tips to no avail, contact our office. There are several types of conservative treatments we can offer before we suggest surgery including:

• Trimming corns and calluses professionally- don’t attempt this yourself because you run the risk of injury or infection.
  
• Providing custom shoe inserts
  
• Injecting corticosteroids, which ease pain and inflammation or prescribing pain medication

If conservative measures like these don’t give you results, surgery may be your next alternative.

Don’t let painful feet and toes keep you from enjoying all that fall has to offer, visit our www.ShenandoahPodiatry.com!

Foot Cream to Kill HIV?

Ciclopirox, a drug commonly used to treat foot fungus, has been suggested to kill HIV cells. "In a study performed at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, not only does the drug Ciclopirox rid infectious HIV from cell cultures, but the virus also doesn't bounce back when the drug is withheld." - CNet.com

source

However, because the drug is a topical it does not treat the whole body (a systematic treatment) meaning it only prevents HIV not actually treating it.

Luckily, since the drug is already FDA approved for human use, the process of approval for HIV use might be sped up!

To learn more about the research and interviews head to cnet.com

A Brief Introduction to Dr. Marshal Gwynn!

Hi, my name is Marshal Gwynn and I am brand new at blogging!  I just recently moved from Binghamton, NY to just south of Salem to work at Shenandoah Podiatry.  I was born in Portland, OR and grew up in Wenatchee, WA.  I did my undergraduate schooling at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.  I kept moving east when I decided to attend the Ohio College of Podiatry Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  One of my fourth year rotations was done at the Salem VA Hospital.  I absolutely loved my rotation, especially when I had time to get out in the community and see some of the sites.  I still remember hiking to the Dragon's Tooth on the Appalachian Trail.  I still have pictures of the Roanoke Star when I visited.  After podiatry school I received my three years of surgical training at United Health Services Hospitals in Binghamton, NY.  I was excited when I saw an opening at Shenandoah Podiatry, because of the possibility of returning to this area. 

It was during my schooling that I met my first, and only, Virginian girl.  Long story short we got married.  I've been promising for years to bring her home to Virginia again.  As excited as I am to move to this area it doesn't hold a candle to how happy my wife is to be in the area.  It is our plan to be here for years to come.  I look forward to meeting and serving the people in this community. 


Come visit me in both offices! I am in Troutville on Mondays and Thursdays and in Blacksburg on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.



- Dr. Marshal Gwynn

Reflexology

English: Foot reflexology is a "pressure therapy" and involves applying focused pressure to certain known reflex points located in the foot to cure or prevent disease. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Therapeutic reflexology, a popular therapy around the world, involves massaging the nerve endings of the feet to reduce stress and tension and promote healing in other areas of the body. The practice is based on the ideas that our body parts are reflected in the feet, with the front of the body on the sole of the feet and the back of the body on tops. For example, massaging the toes can help relieve headaches and other symptoms in the head. Massaging the ankle bone can help with hip problems. The feet have always played an important role in healing and reflexology dates back to 2500 BC. Some podiatric offices are now hiring therapeutic reflexologists as a complementary service.

It’s always a good idea to listen to your feet, as they often have lots to tell you, including giving you clues about the rest of your body’s well-being. When  your feet tell you there’s trouble somewhere, as your podiatrist, Shenandoah Podiatry will work as a team with you to keep you and your feet healthy and pain free. Feet that feel good mae the rest of you feel good, too so why not give us a call and start the process of feeling better today!

Ugliest Shoes of All Time!

This morning in our Blacksburg office, I came across this slideshow on MSN picturing the ugliest shoes of all time. Can I just say, they are some weird looking shoes available and I'm going to hope the designers did this for fun and not to actually sell them!

So let's take a vote- which pair of shoes do you think is the ugliest? In the comments, write the name of the shoe and we'll tally them to up to find the absolute ugliest shoe in the world!

Ugliest Shoes in the World!

- Dr. Kate

Kristen Stewart on Crutches

Did anyone watch the Oscars last night? I typically only watch E! news to see all of the fancy dresses but did wind up watching the beginning of the show last night. So what's this about Seth MacFarlane hosting? That's just a bit out of left field, don't you think?

Anyway, while watching the red carpet, I caught a glimpse of Kristen Stewart on crutches! Apparently she seriously injured the ball of her foot by stepping on a piece of glass a few days prior to the event.

Kristen also had to hop along the stage in order to present the Production Design Oscar with Harry Potter star, Daniel Radcliffe.

New Floors!

Happy day for Shenandoah Podiatry's Blacksburg office! We installed new floors in our treatment rooms! Take a look and while you're at it, 'Like' our facebook page!

Gobblerfest 2012

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth on Friday, September 7! We had such a great time informing and educating our community at Gobblerfest and a HUGE thanks for welcoming us!

Here are a couple pictures we took at Gobblerfest and visit our Facebook to view more!

We call this the "draw with your foot" game (very straightforward)!

Need:

- sketch pad

- markers (one for every person - so no one shares!!)

- feet

We played for shirts! I announced to each pair who ever could draw the best #Hokie bird or #Hokie football player wins a free t-shirt...somehow everyone wound up getting one though...

- The Shenandoah Podiatry Team

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VT's Bruce Taylor Still Injured

Last November, Bruce Taylor, a Hokie Football Player, suffered a Lisfranc Sprain which is common for football players.

"After 12 weeks in a walking boot, a limited spring practice schedule that kept him out of contact drills and a second planned surgery in April that removed one of two screws inserted into his foot, Taylor was fully cleared to start running again just before players dispersed for the summer." - Roanoke Times

source

Taylor says at first he didn't want to believe he had an injury and fortunately after surgery has been told his foot is fine and "he can do anything."

To read more about Lisfranc injuries (which ranges from sprains to fractures) head on over to our website!

Sports Injuries & Children

English: Child Soccer player. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If your children are playing sports this fall, pay attention to six tips that could protect them from serious ankle injuries.

Every fall season, foot and ankle surgeons see an increase in ankle injuries among young athletes. Football, soccer and basketball are the sports most likely to lead to sprains, broken bones and other problems, says Roanoke and New River Valley area podiatrist Jennifer Feeny, DPM.

"What seems like a sprain is not always a sprain; in addition to cartilage injuries, your son or daughter might have injured other bones in the foot without knowing it. Have a qualified doctor examine the injury," says Dr. Feeny. "The sooner rehabilitation starts, the sooner we can prevent long-term problems like instability or arthritis, and the sooner your child can get back into competition." Dr. Feeny, who is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), offers these additional tips for parents:

--Have old sprains checked by a doctor before the season starts. A medical check-up can reveal whether your child's previously injured ankle might be vulnerable to sprains, and could possibly benefit from wearing a supportive ankle brace during competition.

--Buy the right shoe for the sport. Different sports require different shoe gear. Players shouldn't mix baseball cleats with football shoes.

--Children should start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down like a car tire and become uneven on the bottom, causing the ankle to tilt because the foot can't lie flat.

--Check playing fields for dips, divots and holes. Most sports-related ankle sprains are caused by jumping and running on uneven surfaces. That's why some surgeons recommend parents walk the field, especially when children compete in non-professional settings like public parks, for spots that could catch a player's foot and throw them to the ground. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.

--Encourage stretching and warm-up exercises. Calf stretches and light jogging before competition helps warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing the risk for ankle injuries.

For more information on treating ankle sprains, visit ShenandoahPodiatry.com

Got Feet?

Because of my unique training in the care of feet and ankles, I see people every day who suffer from foot pain. So often my patients tell me that they've been experiencing symptoms, including pain, for very long periods of time before they finally come in to see me. In some cases they've waited years! Sometimes when I'm out in the community, at the grocery store, for example, I'll see folks I know who say, "Hi Doc. You know I need to come in to see you because I've got a pain in my ankle or my heel hurts." Then months will go by and I'll see them again and they'll repeat the same thing.

When they finally do come in, in almost every case I am able to alleviate their pain, treat their condition, and drastically improve their quality of life.

The big question I used to ask myself is "Why?" Why do people suffer needlessly for years when a quick trip to see me almost always relieves their problems? It used to bother me, but as I've continued to see patients I've come to understand that sometimes fear of the unknown is stronger than the pain or inconveniences my patients face.

What I've also learned is in case after case-even though my patients could have saved themselves time, trouble, and expense by just coming in to see me- patients didn't have enough information to help them clearly understand their foot pain and the incredible options that state-of-the art podiatric medicine offers today.

So, I created a publication. I wrote it for you. I also wrote it to help you clearly understand what is happening with your feet and to help you get a sense of the help that is awaiting you at a podiatrist's office. I hope it is helpful and that it answers your questions. If after reading it you think you might be helped by seeing a podiatrist, I hope you consider Shenandoah Podiatry. My staff and I will do everything we can to treat your condition, reduce or eliminate your pain, and make you feel at home.

To Receive Your FREE Copy of Got Feet?- A User's Guide to Foot and Ankle Health fill out this short form!  

Foot Problems? Get them in shape for summer!

Come learn ways to get your feet in tip top sandal shape for summer! Dr. Kate will give suggestions on ways to treat bunions, hammertoes and heel pain as well as running tips (are you a heel striker?) to reach your PR!!

Bring your questions and get answers!
No pre-registration required, this is a FREE event!

Virginia Tech Triathlon Club

Thanks to the Virginia Tech Triathlon Club, Dr. Kate of Shenandoah Podiatry was able to spread more information on foot and ankle care (especially now that it's training season)!

Listed are a few of the questions members asked:

• Member: Should I scrape off my calluses before a run?
• Dr. Kate: I find them to be beneficial, especially before race day. If you remove them, you might get blisters! You can certainly scrape off a couple of layers if you prefer, just don't make the skin raw and therefore vulnerable

• Member: I have tendonitis on the top of my foot, what can I do about it?
• Dr. Kate: Ice your foot 10-15 minutes a few times a day, stretch, don't tie shoes too tight, and try stretchy laces that you can get a Dicks Sporting Goods.

• Member: Can you correct your overpronation?
• Dr. Kate: There are certain ways where you can make you foot over pronate, less. You can train you foot to midfoot strike instead of heel strike as well as wear orthotics.

Why Do My Feet Smell?

Dr. Jennifer Feeny of Shenandoah Podiatry, discusses the embarrassing, but surprisingly common, problem of foot odor. Watch to learn an odd but effective solution! For more foot and ankle topics, check out our blog at sShenandoahPodiatry.com/blog

Fact or Fiction: There Is Nothing You Can Do For a Broken Toe?

Your alarm clock, conveniently located on the other side of your room, starts buzzing bright and early. No need to turn on the light…you know the way, BAM! You walk, barefoot, right into the dresser! Just like a cartoon character, you see stars. As your day continues, you can’t get past the throbbing pain. You know you have broken your toe.

Throughout the day your toe begins to bruise and swell. Wearing a shoe, or even walking, is excruciating, maybe even impossible. You know you need to call a doctor, but what did your mom always tell you? “There’s nothing you can do for a broken toe.” Will it be a waste of everyone’s time if you make an appointment with your podiatrist? Should you simply deal with the pain? But the pain is so bad…was your mom really right? Is the rumor true? When people tell you nothing can be done for a broken toe they normally mean that a cast is not applied. A cast, made of plaster or fiberglass, is the most recognizable treatment for a broken bone. Does that mean if you don’t cast it, you’re not treating the broken bone? No!

Image via Wikipedia

The great toe has two bones in it, with all others having three. Although small, they are classified as long bones, just like an arm or leg. When any bone, especially a long bone, breaks, it is very important to make sure that it is not displaced; otherwise it will not heal properly. During your appointment with us, we will take an X-ray and then be able to advise treatment. If the bone is not displaced, treatment can be as simple as applying a “buddy splint.” This is a splint that simply attaches the broken bone to an adjacent digit. This provides compression and stability.

If you have displaced the bone, most of the time we can realign the bone right here in the office. It involves numbing the toe and using traction to get the toe in a good position. In most severe cases, surgery may be necessary. I know you may find it hard to believe but sometimes broken toes can become a medical emergency! Anyone who has poor circulation, such as a person with diabetes or peripheral artery disease, can end up with a spasm of the small arteries caused by the trauma, which can shut down the blood supply to the toes.

If immediate care is sought, this can be reversed. If left untreated for even one day, however, amputation may be required. So next time someone tries to argue that there is nothing you can do for a broken toe, let them know that the doctors at Shenandoah Podiatry informed you otherwise. The sooner you receive care, the quicker the pain and swelling will be reduced. Don’t be fooled by the popular rumor, call us right away!

Heel Pain from...Stilettos?

While us commoners might not have heel pain from Mr. Choo, Vuitton or Blahnik, we still wear our beloved 4-inch stilettos (maybe their Steve Maddens or Sam Edelmans…) When our heels, however, constrict our foot, we are bound to have increased foot pain ranging from hammertoes or “simply” bunions, corns or calluses. That’s not going to keep us from wearing those shoes on our weekend nights or working girl days, so what precautions can we take to prevent that want of taking them off 15 minutes after we put them on?

• Make sure the shoe fits- yes, you might encounter a deal that’s too good to pass up at T.J. Maxx but if you only wind up wearing them for half the night because they’re too tight, they will only take up valuable closet space!
• Where does it hurt? – If your entire foot endures pain, get a shoe length cushion insole, or if its just the balls of your feet, purchase silicone metatarsal pads
• Thicker heels- we’re in luck ladies, the thick heel is on it’s way back! This helps relieve some pressure from the foot rather than the pin needle heels
• Gradual slope- do most of your heels look like you’re going to fall face-forward when you stand in them? Try looking for cute heels that have a gradual slope instead to alleviate some pressure on the ball of the foot
• Open-toe heels- this style might not always be possible, but again panty hose with open toe heels is back (dark tights + dark heels). Open-toe heels help reduce corns and calluses which should be removed by a podiatrist

Rain, rain go away!

Spring is just around the corner and judging by the last two weeks it’s going to be a wet one. If you don’t already own waterproof footwear, you’re probably considering it now. Many of us opt for the standard rubber boot because they’re inexpensive, keep our feet dry, and come in many different colors. Though this style of boot is widely popular, it does pose some unique concerns for your feet.

Most of these styles provide little to no arch support which means that they can lead to problems much more serious than wet feet. Shop for rain boots that have removable insoles because this will allow you to replace them with more supportive inserts or even your custom orthotics.

Another concern posed by the standard rain boot is fungal infections. Because rubber doesn’t breathe, rain boots provide a warm, moist environment where fungus can flourish if steps aren’t taken to prevent it. One of the best ways to prevent fungal infections is to alternate shoes so that the same pair isn’t worn everyday. If this isn’t possible, at least let them dry out completely between uses. You can also spray Lysol into your boots after each use to kill fungus and other germs.

Whether you’re about to break out your old boots or you’re in the market for new ones, keep these tips in mind for happy, healthy feet.

Nail Disorders

Anatomy of the Nail:

Nail Plate- Is the hard and translucent portion of the nail.

Nail Bed- Is the skin underneath the nail plate.

Matrix- Is the part in which the nail rests and is responsible for the production of the cells that become the nail plate.

Hyponychium- Distal nail groove which forms a seal that protects the nail bed.

Nail Grooves- Medial and Lateral

Lunula- The whitish crescent-shaped base of the nail.



Nail disorders are more common than people know. There are a number of different nail disorders that can be treated by your podiatrist. Nail abnormalities can show problems with the color, shape, texture, or thickness of the nails. Sometimes the nails can tell the health of a patient.


Here is a group of some common nail disorders:

Anonychia- This is the absence of the nail itself.

Beau's Lines- Is a depression across the nail plate which is caused by a stressful event.

Green Nail- A disorder of the nail that may be due to an infection caused by Pseudomonas.

Hapalonychia- A pliable nail plate that is usually caused by hyperhidrosis.

Clubbed nail- When the angle of the nail plate and proximal nail fold is greater than 180 degrees. This condition may occur in cardiac, pulmonary, or gastro-intestinal disease.

Koilonychia- This is known as a spoon nail. This condition is seen in iron deficiency anemia.

Leukonychia- Is a disorder of the nail where the nail exhibits white spots.

Lindsay's Nail- A condition that shows the far half of the nail discolored pink or brown and the near half dull and white. This disorder is seen in liver disease.

Macronychia- Is an abnormally large nail.

Mee's Line- A white band across the nail that is associated with arsenic poisoning or a stressful event.

Melanonychia- A disorder that demonstrates longitudinal, pigmented bands in the nails .

Micronychia- Is an abnormally small nail.

Onychatrophia- This disorder shows atrophy of the nail.

Onychauxic Nail- This disorder shows hypertrophy (Thickening) of the nail.

Onychia- A disorder where there is inflammation of the matrix.

Onychocryptosis- This is an ingrown nail.

Onychogryphosis (Rams horn nail) - Another disorder where there is thickening of the nail.

Onycholysis- This is a separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.

Onychomalacia- This is a softening of the nail plate.

Onychomycosis- Is a nail that is infected with a fungus.

Onychophosis- This type of nail is seen with a callus in the nail groove.

Onychopuntata- This disorder shows pitting of the nails as seen in lichen plannus, alopecia, and psoriasis.

Onychorrexia- Nails that are abnormally brittle.

Onychoschizia- This condition demonstrates splitting of the nail plate into layers.

Paronychia- Inflammation of the tissue folds around the nail. There may be infection with this type of nail.

Raquet Nail- A short and fat nail.

Subungual Hematoma- Associated with trauma. There is formation of a hematoma underneath the nail plate.

Terry's Nail- With this condition the proximal 2/3 of the nail plate is white. This disorder can be seen with hepatic cirrhosis.


So you see, there are many disorders of the nail. Some disorders may be more serious than others. If you suspect any nail disorders, make an appointment with your podiatrist to be properly evaluated.