Dr. Selene Parekh, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke Medical Center, always makes sure to put on his glasses before scrubbing in for surgery. These are not your typical glasses, however, but a pair of Google Glass—the camera- and monitor-wielding wearable computer. In a recent operation, Dr. Parekh had the voice-activated glasses video-record his progress as he repaired a broken metatarsal and drilled a metal plate into his patient’s foot.

Google Glass has been a regular feature of Dr. Parekh’s surgeries since the previous year, as he uses the Glass recordings to help educate orthopedic surgeons in India. The doctor’s future plans involve live-streaming his operations through Glass to his native country, where he reports foot and ankle surgery is behind the U.S. by four decades.

Other Glass features include the capacity to screen helpful medical images and video conference with colleagues mid-operation; this ensures that the operating surgeon will never have to turn away from his or her patient. Software developers have also created programs that will display patient vitals, lab results, and operation checklists, turning Glass into an all-inclusive medical dashboard.

Google Glass will surely bring forth great improvements in future surgical procedures. For some patients, however, surgery cannot wait. If you require surgical consultation, see one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will provide you with the information and care you seek.

When is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases where less invasive procedures have been unsuccessful. Conditions that often require surgery are listed below:

- Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions

- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues

- Reconstruction for injuries caused by accidents or malformations

Types of Surgeries

The type of surgery you receive depends on the nature of the problem.  Possible surgeries include the following:

- Bunionectomy for painful bunions

- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones

- Nerve removal for painful nerve endings

Benefits of Surgery

Surgery can provide more complete pain relief than other options and may allow you to finally resume full activity.  Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated.  Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in California. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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According to a new study, adults over the age of 65 who were fitted for new extra-depth shoes experienced reduced pain and improved function. While extra-depth footwear is often marketed for people with diabetic foot conditions, lead author Hylton B. Menz stated that the structure and function of the foot changes greatly with age regardless of diabetic status. “With advancing age, there is a general tendency for the foot to exhibit increased soft tissue stiffness, decreased range of motion, decreased strength, and a more pronated posture,” said Menz. Many of the elderly also do not wear proper fitting shoes that accommodate to the changed shape of the feet. Those in the study wearing extra-depth footwear were more likely to report their foot pain had moderately or markedly improved and developed fewer podiatric skin conditions than the comparison group.

Maintaining proper foot care is essential for the older adult. For more information about foot care for the elderly, consult with one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and provide you with quality treatment.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away.  Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.

Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe

Shoes that don’t fit properly

Pressure sores

Loss of circulation in legs & feet

Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

For more information about Elderly and Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in California. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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According to a study led by Australian researchers, certain exercises can put pressure on the developing feet of overweight children. Due to their tendency to have fatter and flatter feet, overweight children are at risk for increased pressure on the arch—leading to foot pain and discomfort. This could ultimately cause kids to avoid participating in physical activity, which is crucial to health and well-being. Other forms of activity, such as swimming or cycling, may be a necessary alternative for overweight children uncomfortable with exercising. In a previous study, Diane L. Riddiford-Harland of the University of Wollongong and her coauthors found that overweight kids had higher “plantar pressures” while walking than normal-weight kids. The study also linked the higher pressures and flattening of the arches to a possibility that the kids would be less physically active.

Obesity can be particularly problematic for the feet. If you are overweight and have concerns regarding your feet, speak to one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will provide you with quality podiatric care.  

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

For more information about Obesity and Your Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in California. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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The successful Samaritan’s Feet event, held by Samaritan’s Feet International and Northeastern Indiana Credit Union Chapter (NEICUC), was able to put new pairs of shoes onto three hundred members of the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne and the Euell A. Wilson Center. To help spread and share hope among local children, the event also had the members’ feet washed by volunteers. Samaritan’s Feet’s leaders believe it is possible to show to the youth that they can reach their dreams. NEICUC financed the event, coordinated the logistics, and recruited over 40 volunteers to help run the project. “It is wonderful to see the collaborative efforts that have been done on behalf of the youth in our community,” said Joe Jordan, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne.

Growing children should wear proper fitting shoes to ensure that their development is not hindered by detrimental foot problems. For more information about proper shoe fitting and its benefits for children, consult with one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will help you determine the best fit for your children’s feet and provide you with the information to help answer all of your questions.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

For more information about Proper Shoe Fitting, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in California. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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