Fungal nails got you down?

At our practice, it should come as no surprise that we see a large number of young women.

Many of which ask us about nail discoloration and nail fungus. It is so common!

So many people have at least one or two nails affected and they are embarrassed by it.

Well, first, there is no reason to be embarrassed. It is not a hygiene issue...we all have fungus on our skin. It is completely normal- what is abnormal is when it works its way under the nails and overgrows. Fungus is opportunistic and it likes the dark, damp place under your nails.

Once there it is very difficult to get rid of the fungus. There are topicals, we prefer Formula 3 at our office. it is 80% effective, but what about the other 20%? Then you can turn to the orals, but they can have liver side effects so many people shy away from them. You can also remove the nail temporarily and begin treating the underlying nail bed with an anti fungal...this is VERY successful. Bad side is...you have to remove your nail.

There also are lasers that many people have asked us about. I don't have a laser, but I have heard success stories. What I don't like about it is the cost $1000 AND your nails don't look better for 6 months to a YEAR!

For most people the fungal infection is a cosmetic issue...you want it covered up! So we have a new Nail restoration system that is applied in the office in under 30 minutes. Best of all you leave the office with a beautiful 'nail' that you can polish or go bare with. The system takes approximately 5 applications 1 month apart and packages range from $500 to $750 but you can pay for a one time application that is around $150. While this is a cosmetic procedure and not FDA approved to cure fungus, we do see many nails clear of the fungus by the 5th application.

Interested? Call the office at 630-834-3668 say you read my blog and we will give you a 15 min free consultation to see if this is right for you!

You don't have to go to the pool hiding your toes! Dr Misty

www.elmhurstfootdoc.com

How I cured my plantar fasciitis with a trip to the hair stylist?

OK...I know what you are thinking...WHAT??? I am serious here! 4 weeks ago I went to a stylist who specializes in curly hair (Mallory and Salon Effigy in Elmhurst...Hi girl!) to save my curls from the Brazilian blowout damage..ok I am getting off track.

Any how, after a great cut, I asked Mallory how I could get my curls to look so nice everyday. She then gently recommended 3 products to use in my hair and in what sequence. Now the only reason I bought all 3 was because I was soooo excited to have my curls back! I was a bit skeptical and very tempted to buy only 1 or 2, but I am proud to report..she was right.

So then in dawned on me...the reason many patients don't heal their heel pain is because they won't buy all 3 products. What I mean by this is we tell our patients to ice and stretch, but many don't do it. We suggest night splints, Powersteps, and sometimes custom orthotics...but sometimes people don't end up getting them. There are many reasons this happens: cost, insurance, misconceptions, etc. The truth of the matter is here at Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Clinic we have a protocol that works to get rid of the heel pain...if you follow it.
I followed it and got rid of my plantar fasciitis while still training for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon!

So next time you go to the doctor for anything, listen carefully, take notes and go home and do ALL the suggested treatments. Don't be tempted to just pick and choose a few...we all lead busy and hectic lives, but your health deserves priority #1!!!

Why do I need those expensive orthotics anyway?

Obviously in podiatry, custom made orthotics are used to manage a number of foot problems. Many patients are hesitant to make that leap into custom orthotics and rightfully so as they can run hundreds of dollars. Take a minute and read our philosophy on custom devices. 1-You should always try a quality over the counter device first. This is true in most cases. There are a few exceptions, in which we know from experience the OTC devices will be a waste of your time and money. Now let me emphasis QUALITY!! I recommended Powerstep protechs or Lyncos, they run between $40 and $70. Not the ones you can grab from the drugstore and certainly NOT the Dr Scholls' custom scanner...don't be fooled, these are NOT custom devices. Its a computer telling you (with very little knowledge) what OTC device you need. 2-Think of the difference between Custom orthotics and OTC as the difference between Eye glasses and magnifying glasses. While the latter will help you see..it won't solve your problem. 3-Custom orthotics provide long term relief. While they are expensive, they will last you 2-3 years and typically keep your foot pain from recurring. 4- Not everyone needs orthotics. If you are having pain that is not resolving with other treatments, that is when custom devices should be introduced in your care. If someone says you need orthotics right off the bat...you should be wary. 5-They should be fitted by a foot specialist...podiatrist or pedorthist. I am a firm believer that custom orthotic should NOT be prescribed by someone who doesn't specialize in the foot. The number of patients who come in and tell me that they got orthotics by someone who doesn't specialize in the foot and they aren't working well is astounding. 6-The person who prescribes your orthotics, should actually wear orthotics. How can a mechanic fix a car if they don't own one? I have worn orthotics since I was a teenager and I know all the struggles, the break in, the problems adjusting, the shoegear fit, too cushioned, not enough cushioning...I have had them all. 7-Remember they are a custom device... just like anything that is made just for you it may take some time to adjust to it. We may need to make additions, subtractions...to make them just right for you. Most importantly, talk to your doctor to see what is best for you.

Compound W doesn't work!

I see many patients at Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Clinic with warts...otherwise known as verruca plantaris. They all come in with the same story...I tried compound W and it just got worse. If I had a dime for every time I heard this, I'd be a rich woman!

I am hear to announce, "It doesn't work!"

So what does? At our office we have a treatment protocol that consistently resolves warts in 4 treatments. Best off all...it produces little or no pain!

Here are some tips:

1-The smaller the wart, the faster it goes away...so come in sooner rather than later.

2-It's a virus...not a hygiene issue. Some people just are susceptible to the virus.

3-Don't be embarrassed. We see them all the time. My own sons have both had them!

4-Check all your other household members....they are contagious and often you'll find some other visitors.

5-Don't walk barefoot. Gyms and pools are a breeding ground!

If your curious about treatment...email me drmcneill@elmhurstfootdoc.com. I'd be happy to answer any questions.

American Diabetes Association ALERT DAY!!

Today is the day....its the 23^rd annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day, a one-day, “wake-up” call asking Americans to “Join the Million Challenge” by taking the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and if they are at high risk, to speak with their health care provider.

Some facts you should know about Diabetes:

1-Diabetes is a devastating disease that affects nearly 26 million Americans

2-1/4 of those affected by diabetes are not aware that they have the disease.

3-If current trends continue, one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050.

4- Approximately 79 million, or one in three American adults have prediabetes, which means that their blood glucose (sugar) is higher than normal but is not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

5- People with Type 2 Diabetes can live for years without realizing that they have this serious disease.

Seeking to change the future of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association is using Diabetes Alert Day to help identify the undiagnosed and those at risk for type 2 diabetes by educating people about diabetes risk factors and warning signs.

Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just 7% of body weight (15 pounds if you weigh 200) through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating

To help people determine their risk for type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association provides the Diabetes Risk Test, which entails answering simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for diabetes. People at high risk are encouraged to speak with their health care providers. You can “Join the Million Challenge” by getting your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish) at www.stopdiabetes.com, 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or text JOIN to 69866 (Standard data and message rates apply). Although Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year round.

5 most common running injuries

So you've heard it before...the hip bone's connected to the knee bone, the knee bone's connected to the leg bone. It's true, much of what happens with our core, low back, hips, legs is either due to our foot mechanics or can lead to poor foot mechanics to compensate for the weakness or instability.

Ever suffer from Iliotibial band syndrome? Achilles Tendinitis? Runner's Knee? Plantar Fasciitis?

I came across this great Runner's World article with video clips. It tells you what exercises to do to minimize your risk of some of these common injuries. Hope you enjoy it! Run Happy!

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/prevent-the-five-most-common-running-injuries-2442312

Jennifer Grey has a Neuroma

So if you love celebrity gossip, you probably already know that our beloved Jennifer Grey of Dirty Dancing fame had surgery over the weekend. After winning Dancing with The Stars, a Neuroma (or inflamed/overgrown nerve) in her foot began acting up. According to her Twitter feed the pain got "worse and worse", until she made the decision to have surgery.

So what is a neuroma? It is a thickening of nerve tissue that develops in highly used parts of the body. The most common is a Morton's Neuroma which is in the 3rd interspace between the 3rd and 4th toes. The thickening of the nerve causes it to become compressed and causes the following:

• Tingling, burning, or numbness
• Pain
• A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
• A feeling that there’s something in the shoe or a sock is bunched up

It usually begins with symptoms off and on, worse in shoes and with activity but then can progress to be non-stop.

Treatment

First line treatment is always non-surgical: F

• Padding. To provide support for the transverse arch and separate the metatarsal heads, thus decreasing the pressure on the nerve.
• Icing. To reduce the swelling.
• Orthotic devices. Again to correct biomechanical abnormalities and decrease pressure.
• Shoe modifications. wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes and heels.
• Anti inflammatory Medications.
• Cortisone Injections. These are sometimes used to decrease inflammation and pain.

When Is Surgery Needed?
If a patient has not responded to conservative care, Surgery may be needed and should be discussed with your doctor.

All of us at Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Clinic wish Jennifer Grey a speedy recovery and hope she is back on her feet dancing again soon!