Thank you to all the wonderful East Ocean Podiatry patients and suppliers that donated socks to help the homeless. This drive far exceeded our wildest dreams. We collected to date 1450 pairs of socks. Some patients donated money, which we used to purchase underwear. Thrift stores cannot accept used undergarments so the Lord's Place was thrilled we were able to take care of another need. On January 29th we went with Dr. Dorfman while he treated the feet of about 45 homeless at the Lord's Place in West Palm Beach. We were able to give each of them several pairs of socks and underwear. A supplier donated some shoes and we were able to fit about half of our visitors with new shoes. We were also able to donate compression stockings, antifungal powder, ace bandages and foot creams provided by East Ocean Podiatry.
Because of the generosity of so many people the socks continue to come as does the cold weather. This past week we donated another 120 pair of socks to NE Focal Point in Deerfield Beach. They are not a homeless shelter, but work closely with the homeless in our community and other shelters. They said socks are in great need.
"Ankles Away" for Dwight Freeney
I can't imagine Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts playing on what has been described as a grade 2 ankle sprain of his right ankle.
Playing right defensive end requires excessive force on the right ankle as he tried to get around the end.
A grade 3 ankle sprain is one in which all 3 of the ligaments that would hold the ankle stable ( bone to bone stability) are torn. This usually fro a professional athlete means surgical correction.
If they send him out to play in the Superbowl it probably means a local anesthetic, lots of tape and a fitted in shoe hinged brace. Without feeling he can certainly have a career threatening result. This certainly brings up a whole host of medical questions.
Lets hope that Dwight chooses whats on his best interest, as it is only a game, be it the Superbowl , walking is not overrated.
Nail fungus is usually caused by a fungal group called dermatophytes, these tiny microscopic organisms live in warm, moist environments like showers, hot tubs, pools, spas, saunas, and shoes. They can infect ones skins or nails through small unseen cuts or separations between ones nail and nail bed. Trauma to a nail, overaggressive pedicures, or poorly fitting shoes can be the perfect cause for early infection and if your nails are continually exposed to warm moist environments (i.e. your shoes), this is the perfect condition for the growth and spread of fungi.
Today's paper reported Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger, the teams leading scorer, will be out for 4 to 6 weeks with a turn plantar fascia. This injury does not require surgery as the plantar fascia cannot be repaired. He will probably be in a walking boot for 4 to 6 weeks and rehabilitation will help reduce inflammation and strengthen the intrinsic muscles of his arch. He will likely need to use a functional orthotic to help stabilize his arch and prevent future foot ailments.
In less than one month many people will be descending to the local gyms as part of their New Years resolution to lose weight.
Watch out as bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist places like showers, saunas, and whirlpools. Given the right conditions, these fungi, bacteria and viruses (Plantars warts) can survive for hours or even days on the surfaces.
Threats of athletes foot, fungal nail infections, warts and MRSA are possible.
How to keep your feet safe:
- Keep all sores covered with a bandage and never put an open sore in a hot tub.
- Never share shoes, socks or sandals with others.
- Wear sandals in the shower or sauna.
- Thoroughly wash and dry your feet especially between the toes, use a blow dryer or towel and an anti fungal powder.
- Rotate your sweaty shoes and allow them to dry out.
- Use a U.V. light is excellent for killing fungus.
