Plantar Fasciitis

Heel spur (plantar fasciitis) affects men and women equally. It is a condition in which the bottom of the heel is extremely painful.

Causes:

A heel spur is a bony overgrowth on the bottom of your heel bone. The heel spur is usually a result of an inflamed ligament (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot that attaches to the heel bone. Constant abnormal pulling of this ligament irritates the heel bone and the body lays down a bone spur as a protective mechanism. The patient usually complains of pain with the first step in the morning, some relief following activity, but returning after extended amounts of time standing or walking.

This condition is a constellation of many causes; overweight, ill fitting shoes, bio-mechanical problems (mal-alignment of the heel), gout, pronation (a complex motion including outward rotation of the heel and inward rotation of the ankle) and rheumatoid arthritis are some of the causes of heel pain.

Treatment:

Your doctor, when diagnosing and treating this condition will need an x-ray and sometimes a gait analysis to ascertain the exact cause of this condition.

If you have pain in the bottom of your foot and you do not have diabetes or a vascular problem, some of the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory products such as Advil or Ibuprofin are helpful in eradicating the pain. Pain creams, such as Neuro-eze, BioFreeze & Boswella Cream can help to relieve pain and help increase circulation.

  Ice compresses, stretching exercises, night splint for traction of the leg muscles to stretch the muscle in the back of the leg, and massage of the back of the leg, along with padding and heel cushions are also things that you can do at home.

The number one recommendation for relief of heel pain is wearing good shoe gear. Good shoe gear usually consists of a sturdy, solid shoe. Heel pain is not relieved by a soft, ill supported shoe. Shoes such as Nike, K-Swiss, and Avia are the best shoes for this condition. Custom orthotics are highly recommended. Physical therapy is another way physicians treat this condition. Ice packs, muscle stimulation, ultra sound, paraffin baths, and the new Plantar Fascitis Night Splint are also helpful.

If all these conservative measures fail to relieve the pain, then surgery is indicated. The newer minimal incision surgeries such as the Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy surgery is extremely beneficial for this condition, and for earlier ambulation, the use of the newer Cast Walking Boot is recommended.

Are your Pedicures Safe?

Before you think about getting a Pedicure, there are a few things you need to know about making sure your Pedicure is safe, regardless of what you are paying.  One thing to be cautious of are "Walk In's Welcome" signs. It's one thing to get a hair cut without an appointment, but not a pedicure. State Board requires each Pedicure tub to be scrubbed with a brush and soap, then filled with water and bleach ran throught the jets for 10 minutes before another client, then filled again with clean water. Implements ( tools) MUST be sanitized for 10 minutes before using on a second client and never, EVER can a nail file be re-used under ANY circumstances. How well do you think your tub and inplements are being disinfected when you can walk right in,  and be the next in line without a 10 minute wait in between clients while they clean and disinfect the chair? Do you ever have to wait after someone has left the chair? Not likely. Jet tubs are notorious for giving fungal infections, staph infections and other bacterial infections IF not properly disinfected BETWEEN each client. If you do no see this process taking place before you sit down, leave immediately! Below are a few TIPS for getting a safe Pedicure in those "cheap, convenient" places.


1) Bring in your own cuticle nippers, clippers and files and ask that those be used.

2) Never ever shave your legs the day of a Pedicure. Open skin can introduce bacteria and infection as well as irritation to many soaps and lotions.

3) Ask to have the technician leave the jets OFF, so the dirty water trapped in the jets from the person before you, does not go rushing into your water.

4) Having your operator keep your pesonal files in your own personal baggie for you to use each time you come in, is not safe or legal. Usually this only applies with acrylics. Dirty files regardless of whether or not they are yours, sit and grow bacteria.

Remember it is your health and money. Don't be afraid to walk out or ask for safe service if needed. You owe it to your health!

Dare to Dream

The Dangerous truth behind acrylic nails.

Methyl Methacrylate

• Found In: Nail products, primarily used in application of acrylic nails
  
  
• Cause for Alarm: The chemical has been linked to fungal infections, nail deformities and other problems. Prolonged exposure can lead to eye, skin and lung irritation, abnormal liver or kidney function, nervous system damage or reproductive problems.
  
  
• Safe Bet: Stick with salons that use ethyl methacrylate, a safer bonding liquid, instead. It's more expensive, but isn't your safety worth it?

          
What are the health risks associated with MMA products?
MMA-related complaints range from skin allergies to permanent loss of the nail plate.  Here are the most common complaints that prompted the FDA to take action:

Nail Infections
The surface bond of the MMA acrylic is so strong to the soft tissue that even a slight trauma to the nail can cause the nail to break and lift off the nail bed. This can result in serious nail breaks, infection and loss of the nail plate. Ironically, it is the strength of the acrylic that attracts some users of the product. While MMA used in the medical and dental industries provides superior adhesion to bone, it is not appropriate or safe for use on the softer nail tissue.

Respiratory problems and eye, nose and throat irritation.
MMA vapors are toxic even in small doses and can cause lung, liver and heart valve damage, especially with long term exposure. This has been documented in laboratory animals as well as in lab technicians from dental labs where crowns and dentures are made. Wearing a mask does nothing to prevent inhalation of MMA fumes. Masks only reduce the inhalation of acrylic dust.

Permanent Nail Deformities
The small molecular structure of MMA makes it possible for it to be absorbed through even unbroken skin. It can also actually do permanent damage to the matrix of the nail and further absorb into the body. While MMA will not store in the tissue, it is stored as methanol in the blood and urine.

Severe Allergic Reactions
Repeated exposure to products containing MMA can result in severe allergic reactions. Redness, swelling and itching are common symptoms which can lead to the development of tiny blisters around the cuticles and fingertips. These blisters can develop into open sores, and the fingertips may become numb or feel itchy under the nail.

Smooth Heels