The Foot Doctors of Kansas City

All year long, but especially during this season, we’re grateful for our wonderful patients! Happy and safe Thanksgiving!

It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is the number-one cause of neuropathy, damage to the nerves in the feet. If untreated, neuropathy can potentially lead to infection and limb amputation. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, adding a podiatrist into a patient’s diabetes care reduces the risk of lower limb amputation up to 85% and hospitalization by 24%. Learn more about diabetes and foot health at https://bit.ly/2XBDFNY.

Embrace fall flavors with this recipe for morning glory muffins. With carrots, apple, raisins, and walnuts, it’s high in fiber and a great addition for breakfast. Substitute the oil in this recipe for apple sauce for a low-fat option. https://armagazine.com/347tRO9

Children can have foot and ankle problems, too. Common issues are ingrown toenails, hammertoes, bunions, and blisters. Poorly fitting shoes can be the cause. Shoes for children should allow space for breathing and be flexible. When trying on shoes, there should be about a inch space between the front of the shoe and the child’s toes. For more information on selecting children’s shoes, visit https://bit.ly/3fEeP61

Wounds need Protien

If you have a foot or ankle injury, walking your dog or running with them regularly isn’t always a great idea. Here are some ways to keep your dog active while allowing yourself to heal. Depending on your injury you could: Play fetch with a ball or frisbee while seated Bring your dog with you on your next boat or kayak trip Take them on car rides while running errands Have a playdate with a family member’s pet... Check out these other ways to be active with your dog once you can do more vigorous activities: https://bit.ly/3ksMkLr See more

Toenail fungus is not a cocktail party topic. But it does need to be discussed. It is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. If ignored, the infection can spread and can even result in difficulty walking. Properly cleaning the area and using over-the-counter antifungal agents can help with mild symptoms. If discoloration, thickening, or deformity of the toenails is present, then it is time to visit a podiatrist. Read more about treating and preventing toenail infections: https://bit.ly/3htlH8P

Fall is around the corner, which means it’s a great time to start your fall garden! Consider growing root vegetables, which grow well in the fall since they can adjust to cold temperatures. These are a few root vegetables you can plant now and harvest before the first frost: beets, radishes, carrots, turnips. For more information on growing these vegetables, visit https://bit.ly/2FgvNuN

Experiencing chronic pain from bunions? Now there is an innovative and complete solution the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction. Lapiplasty corrects the entire bone versus a topical cure. Patients can be weight bearing in a walking boot the day after surgery; and will experience long term correction of their bunion deformity. Contact our office or click here for more information: https://bit.ly/2MU0Qx2

Are you grilling in your backyard this summer? Here are some tips from pro chefs to get the most of your BBQ! Always bring meat to room temperature before cooking so it cooks evenly If you can, add a rack above the original grill surface for more flavor and tenderness Let grilled protein rest in aluminum foil for 8-10 minutes before eating so juices can redistribute Get more celebrity chef grilling tips at https://bit.ly/38Jt0F2

Wear A Face Mask to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 A study published in Health Affairs provides evidence that states in the US mandating use of face masks in public had a greater decline in daily COVID-19 growth rates after issuing these mandates compared to states that did not issue mandates. Learn more at: https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00818

Morton’s neuroma is thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes. This is a result of irritation, pressure, or injury to the nerve. Symptoms include a burning or tingling sensation toward the toes or feeling like you are walking on a marble. Initial therapies are non-surgical - wearing proper footwear, custom shoe inserts, or cortisone injections. If symptoms persist, surgical treatment options are available. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2Ysqyyj

Athlete’s foot is a common skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. Fungus thrives in warm, damp environments like swimming pools and locker rooms, making summer a prime time to get it. A couple ways to avoid athlete’s foot are to wear shower shoes in public showers, change shoes and socks regularly, and carefully dry feet after they get wet. Learn more about athlete’s foot at https://www.apma.org/athletesfoot

Cheaply made sandals and flip-flops can aggravate your feet causing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, corns, and bunions. Choose thick flip-flops with an arch when possible. Gently bend the flip-flop or sandal and check that the shoe bends at the ball of the foot, not in half. Avoid walking long distances, doing yardwork, or playing sports while wearing flip-flops to avoid injury. Read more tips at https://bit.ly/30F40wP

Planning a family road trip this summer? Here are a few tips to stay safe and social distancing: 1. Assemble a Corona Road Kit, e.g., disposable rubber gloves, disinfecting wipes, face masks, rubbing alcohol, hand soap. 2. Disinfect high-touch surfaces inside and out every time you get back in the care, and wash hands before you get back in the car. 3. Stay in places where social distancing is easier to achieve, e.g., low rise resorts, less urban areas. You can find more sa...fety tips at: https://bit.ly/2YhZC3Y See more

During crisis, self-care can become a low priority. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it increases your capacity to care for others. A few self-care ideas: Perform restorative activities (e.g., baking, organizing a room, journaling) Write down 1-3 things you’re grateful for daily to tamp down negativity Put limits on your news intake if it is evoking anxiety, futility, dread Check out many self-care tips at https://bit.ly/3daoYat