The warm sunshine of summer is near and feet everywhere are happily stepping out into a variety of sandals and flip-flops. However, in Florida these types of footwear are a wardrobe staple year-round. Though they may seem carefree and harmless, the wrong pair of flip-flops can lead to a variety of issues including, but not limited to: blisters, tendinitis, sprained ankles, ligament injuries, plantar fasciitis, cuts, scrapes, and stubbed toes.

Despite their fun or trendy appearance, flip-flops are typically not healthy for your feet. Generally speaking, most flip-flops should not be worn exclusively throughout the day. Like most things in life, moderation is key!

The following American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) flip-flop “do’s” and “don’ts” can help keep you from falling victim to flip-flop related foot problems this summer:

• Do gently bend a flip-flop at the ends, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot. Flip-flops of any kind should never fold completely in half.
• Do look for the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance on flip-flops. Many companies, such as FitFlop, Chaco, and Orthaheel, have certain flip-flops or sandals that have been awarded the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance for demonstrating proper support.
• Don't re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear. If severe signs of wear are found, discard them.
• Don't wear flip-flops if you have diabetes, as the footwear leaves feet susceptible to cuts and scrapes that may lead to serious injury. Instead, opt for lightweight footwear that covers and protects the toes.

If you have questions regarding making healthy shoe decisions, request an appointmentwith the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinicin Jacksonville today.

By Vimal A. Reddy DPM

People Magazine has announce Beyonce as its’ 2012 Most Beautiful Woman.  The Grammy winner joins a list shared by Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, and Jessica Pare of “Mad Men”. There’s no surprise the new mother to Blue Ivy Carter received this honor, as she’s always so well put together from head to toe. And with summer fast approaching in Jacksonville, FL, toes will become more visible as folks trade shoes for sandals… or just opt to go barefoot!  Unfortunately, far too many people keep their tootsies under cover due to toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the nail and one of the most common dermatologic disorders affecting the foot. The sometimes “ugly and embarrassing” toenail fungus can be ignored because the infection can be present for years causing no pain.  

Signs and symptoms of nail fungi are:

• Discolored nails; yellow streaks, white spots, brown or grey nail, etc.
• Brittle, broken, and thickened nail
• Soft and powdery nail surface
• Damaged, crumbly, nail surface
• Lifting of the leading edge of the nail
• Occasionally an odor - the condition is very tough to miss

In the past, the only medical treatment for fungal nails included:

• Topical medications: generally minimally effective or completely ineffective
• Oral agents (pills): potentially successful in treating the infection, have been known to affect the liver and/or kidneys if special care is not taken
• Surgical removal of the nail plate: painful and debilitating

Fortunately, modern medicine and the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic have an easy solution to treat nail fungus… the PinPointe FootLaser. This FDA approved, patented laser is specially designed to shine through your toenail and destroy the specific pathogens embedded in and under the toenail causing the infection.

About the PinPointe FootLaser:

• Does not effect healthy tissue
• Little to no discomfort associated with the treatment during or after (some patients report the sensation of heat on their toes during treatment)
• Will not harm or affect your activity in any way
• No age or health restrictions or limitations (Men, women diabetics and those who are pregnant can benefit from treatment)
• Only a licensed physician such as Dr. Reddy can administer the PinPointe FootLaser

If you or someone you know may be shy to show their toes due to potential toenail fungus request an appointment today. Imagine how much more enjoyable a day at the pool or Jacksonville Beach could be with a visit to the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic.

By Vimal A. Reddy DPM

Stop the presses!  Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are engaged!  And with wedding season well underway here on the First Coast, many of us will be slipping into strappy sandals, peep toe heels and cute flip-flops for upcoming nuptials in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach or St. Augustine Florida.  For the confidence to show off those toes with and pride… It’s trivia time!

Question:

What product was created by two board-certified podiatric physicians, has the ability to treat nail fungus and yellow nails without any harsh chemicals, is fully endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association(APMA), and can make you look like a million bucks???

Answer:  

Dr.'s REMEDY enriched, anti-fungal, non-toxic nail polish!

Commercial nail polishes are often formulated with Dibutyl Phthalate a/k/a DBP (banned throughout the European Union), toluene, and formaldehyde - each linked to a wide variety of health risks including, but not limited to, cancer, infertility, and birth defects. Why should looking good involve such extreme risks? With Dr.'s REMEDY polish, it doesn't have to!

Dr.'s REMEDY line of nail care products are formulated with non-toxic, natural ingredients that help - not hurt - your nails, such as:

• Tea Tree Oil:  Found to have antiseptic and antifungal effects
• Garlic Bulb Extract:  Contains a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent that helps kill harmful germs
• Vitamins C & E:  Improves the health of skin and nails
• Wheat Protein:  A vegetable-derived, high quality protein that contains moisture-binding capabilities and naturally increases shine

Dr.’s REMEDY polish is allergen friendly for those sensitive to ingredients in commercial nail polish. And it’s a vegan product!  Add these healthy benefits to a long-lasting coat of color (over 30 available) and you have a recipe for a great polish.

Don’t bother looking around the mall for Dr.’s REMEDY products. You can find them at First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinicin Jacksonville. If you have any questions or concerns about your foot, ankle or toenail needs request an appointment.

By Vimal A. Reddy DPM

Tim Tebow, previously with the Denver Broncos, has been traded.  Too much of the dismay of many Tebow fans in Jacksonville FL, the UF graduate was not picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the New York Jets.  Although Tebow is very “excited” about this, fans in the North Florida area thinks the situation stinks!

What can really stink is after a long day of anticipation and perspiration, it’s time to unwind, kick off your shoes and put your feet up. If you're like many people, it can be a bit of an eye-opener and nose-tingler the moment your shoes and socks hit the floor.

Sweaty feet (hyperhidrosis) and smelly feet (bromhidrosis) are two common and conditions of the foot. Some cases are caused by:

• Systemic ("whole body") conditions such as anemia (low blood count)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Most cases have a "local to the foot" cause

The main issue feeding foot odor is sweat. Our feet are among the most perspiring parts of the body- able to produce more than a pint of sweat in a single day! Sweat alone doesn't have a distinctive smell. The smell from sweating is caused by bacteria on our skin that eats the sweat and excretes waste, causing the stink! It's perfectly normal to have bacteria on your skin but it doesn't always produce a noticeable smell.

So do sweaty, smelly, feet happen to begin with?

1. Wearing shoes or socks made of synthetic materials contributes to the production of excessive perspiration and the bacteria growth that causes this condition and odor
2. Most footwear is made of synthetic materials- especially tennis shoes. Many synthetic materials don't "breathe" very well and therefore,
3. The sweat our feet excrete can't easily escape into the air like the sweat our hands excrete -- it all collects on our skin and in our socks.
4. The bacteria thrive in this kind of environment by feeding on the excess sweat.
5. When you take off your shoes the foul odor that hits you is all the bacteria excretion that's collected on your feet and in your socks and shoes.

What's a person with smelly and/or sweaty feet to do?!!

1.  Decrease the amount of bacteria on your feet
2.  Decrease the amount of sweat that collects on your feet and in your shoes

How to Reduce Bacteria:

•  Wash your feet with anti-bacterial soap
•  Wear clean socks everyday
•  Give a pair of shoes 24 or more hours to air out before wearing again

How to Reduce Sweat:

•  Wear well-ventilated shoes instead of very constrictive shoes, such as boots
•  Always wear socks, preferably made of cotton or other absorbent materials
•  Change socks multiple times per day, if possible
•  Apply antiperspirant to your feet

If your foot odor or sweating is excessive and basic remedies are not helping, make an appointment to visit Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic.

Hey, grown-ups! Children need regular checkups of their feet too!

On Sesame Street, Burt and Ernie, Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster and more, help teach children their ABC’s and 123’s.  Dr. Vimal Reddy with the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic wants to help parents do the same thing with their kid’s feet.

Many foot problems develop at a young age. When caught early enough, severe problems can be prevented or at least minimized. At Jacksonville, FL based office Dr. Reddy can address the needs of children’s feet—including:

How to identify if there is a problem:

A.  Whoops…Ouch!: If your child complains of pain in the feet, knees, and ankles, or you notice regular tripping and falling, there     could be lower body alignment issues.

B.   New Shoes Too Soon?: If the "wear and tear" in your child’s shoes are uneven or excessive, your child may have an unusual gait or foot position.

C.  Carried Away: A child that insists on being carried more than normal may suffer from pain or difficulty walking.

To diagnose the issue Dr. Reddy will analyze walking patterns, choice of shoes, and muscle function, to determine if there is an inherited foot problem present.

A comprehensive "foot physical exam" should be performed:

1. As soon as a child is able to walk
2. At age 3 when the foot is more developed
3. When starting grade school
4. Before engaging in any kind of sports or physical activities.

If you or someone you know may have questions or concerns about their children’s feet, make an appointment to see Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

By Vimal Reddy D.P.M.

Snow may only very rarely be in the weather forecast during winter in Jacksonville FL, but that doesn't mean it doesn’t get a bit chilly. Runners, who frequently hit the pavement or trails early in the morning, often experience the coldest part of a day. As such, it's recommended that runners have two different types of training regimes- one for warmer days (thankfully plentiful in Florida!) and one for cooler days to help keep you going.

Whether you’re a casual recreational jogger or a competitive athlete considering participation in the upcoming “26.2 With Donna – National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer” consider the following for your “winter running regime”:

1.     Not too much:Do not plan to make any increases in mileage or speed during colder weather. Pushing oneself harder in the cold could lead to injury (and a visit to the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic!) 

2.    Warm up indoors:at least briefly before running and be especially vigilant if conditions are wet or perhaps even icy.

3.    Wear clothing appropriate for running in colder weather: Running shoes in good condition are a must. Try thick, absorbent, dry socks and make sure you have adequate space in your running shoes to accommodate these thicker socks; consider buying a half-size larger running shoe for your winter regime. Also, wear a warm hat. A significant amount of body heat is lost directly from the head, which affects the whole body's circulation.

4.    Be mindful of the wind-chill factor! Some runners prefer to run into the wind to start off and then return with the wind at their backs. The return run is easier since you have perspired and your body is warmer.

5.    Protect your skin!Use a moisturizer, protective lip balm, and sun block to prevent blister formation and redness in the face area.

6.    Stay Hydrated:Drink PLENTY of water before and after running to ensure your muscles recover after running in cold weather.

7.    Most Importantly:Be safe, stay warm, and HAVE FUN!

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Three of Jacksonville’s most promising young wide receivers at First Coast High School are potentially leading their team to a perfect season. What makes this so remarkable is two out of the three athletes have struggled with injuries this season. It’s always an inspiring story when athletes overcome a setbacks like an injury to put together a winning season. With proper rehabilitation managed by a podiatric physician such as Dr. Vimal Reddy, an injury does not have to mean the end of your days competing on the football field.

One receiver, Brandon Brooks suffered from a broken ankle. The most common injury in sports is the sprained ankle, which occurs when twisting or rolling your foot inwards. If you roll or twist your foot in the opposite direction, it will likely break.

The ankle joint consists of the:

• Talus (the ankle bone)
• Tibia (the shin bone)
• Fibula

The bony bumps you can feel at your ankle are actually the lowest parts of the tibia (inner) and fibula (outer). During ankle fractures, one or both of these bony bumps will break off. Dr. Reddy will first check the bone fragments for stability to see if they will heal on their own.

Ankle fractures almost always need surgery to heal.  Dr. Reddy would make a small cut over the broken bone and drill screws into the bone fragments so they stay connected.  After surgery, you will need to stay off your ankle for 3-4 weeks, followed by a few weeks in a walking cast and physical therapy to help regain your strength to get back on the field.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

With the Holiday Season officially under way, ski trips are a great way to make the most of your time off during the wintery weather. While a snowy mountain may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Jacksonville, FL, getting away from the grey skies and misty rain to pristine white ski slopes can be a pleasant change of pace. For those of you who make regular trips, or if you just want to try skiing, Dr. Vimal Reddy offers these tips to make the most of your ski vacation.

1.     Keep your feet warm: Being out with ice cold feet can ruin your day. Make sure not to store boots outdoors overnight, making them frigid the next day.  Also, Invest in thermal socks they are worth the expense. By keeping your feet warm, not only will it be more comfortable, you lessen your risk for cold injuries such as chilblains or  frostbite.

2.     Wear properly fitting boots: Dr. Reddy recommends this for running shoes as well, but it is twice as important in skiing.  Due to the trauma that affects your feet on the bottoms, sides, tips of the toes and ankles, boots should be tight enough to cushion your feet, but not too tight as to bruise your toes or cut off circulation.

3.     Stretch out…Just like any other sport: If you limber up before skiing, you can improve your performance and lessen the chances of developing cramps. This article features some easy stretches to do before hitting the slopes.

4.     Know your skills and know your limits: While a ski vacation is enjoyable and unforgettable, don’t attempt a run that is beyond your level. An inexperienced skier might not be able to react to the twisting forces of the ground against the skis.  This could potentially lead to severe ankle sprains or worse. Enjoy the beauty of a crisp winter day while you relax on a run you can manage… don’t try and overdo it.

If you or anyone you know has more questions about winter and their feet, please contact the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic to make an appointment

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Recently new strains of antibiotic-resistant infections have been popping up throughout Europe.  Due to the over-use and abuse of antibiotics, these bacteria have developed defenses against the drugs doctors utilize most to fight infections. Concerns of this “super bug” migrating across the Atlantic Ocean and potentially making its way to The First Coast are a little alarming.

So what does this have to do with podiatry in Jacksonville, FL? On a daily basis Dr. Vimal Reddy prescribes antibiotics to:

Treat infections from diabetic ulcers

Prevent infection after surgery on painful:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes or
• Neuromas

The emergence of this “super bug” would require an entirely different approach to treating and preventing infections in the future. The good news for now is these antibiotic-resistant bacteria are not the usual bugs encountered at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic. If you have any questions or concerns, please request an appointment to speak with Dr. Reddy.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Do you have dry peeling skin or calluses on your feet?  If a few state there is a new and controversial treatment currently offered by pedicurists—not podiatrists. Just like any regular pedicure, your feet are place in a tank of water, but instead of a pumice stone or razor used on your rough spots, tiny “doctor fish” swim around sucking the dead skin off the bottom of your feet. The fish have no teeth, so the procedure is completely painless, but perhaps ticklish for some.  If you are feeling adventurous, this may be a therapy you are willing to try!

Your skin consists of two layers:

1. Outer epidermis

2. Inner dermis.

The epidermis grows from the inside out and at the outermost levels the skin cells are dead. These dead skill cells act as a barrier to the outside world and eventually will shed away. The fish take advantage of this normal function and eat away at the dead outer layer. This results in skin that is softer, smoother and more cosmetically pleasing.

So, whoohoo, softer feet!... But is it safe? Some state cosmetology boards, including Florida, require tools be sterilized between uses.  Since it’s impossible to sterilize fish, unless you want to add a snack after your pedicure, the fish are banned. For now you will need to leave Jacksonville, FL to receive such a treatment. However, if after receiving a pedicure at any local nail salon in the area, and your feet just don’t seem the same, the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic is here to help.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Do you wake up in the morning feeling pain in your heels? If so, there is a good possibility you are suffering from plantar fasciitis - inflammation of an important supporting ligament (the plantar fascia)on the bottom of the foot. 90% of people at one point or another in their lives will be affected by this condition.  In many cases, the pain goes away on its own. These exercises will help speed the process up:

1. Stretching: Your foot is an arch supported by several ligaments, including the plantar fascia. By stretching it out, it is loosened and strengthened. A good exercise is to sit on the floor with your legs forward and knees straight. Wrap a towel around the ball of your foot, and pull back for 30 seconds, and then repeat for another 30 seconds. This will not only stretch your plantar fascia, but also your calf muscles and Achilles tendon. This muscle group actually wraps around the heel bone and is continuous with the plantar fascia, so by stretching this muscle, you will relieve plantar fascia pain!
2. “ABC”…Draw the alphabet with your toes: On the bottom of your foot are 4 layers of tiny muscles, which contribute to stabilizing the foot when you walk. By making fine movements with your toes, you will strengthen these muscles that help support the arch, so the plantar fascia won’t need to do so much work.
3. Toe crunches: Just like drawing the alphabet, this also will strengthen the small muscles of the foot that underlie the plantar fascia.

These exercises can be done before going to bed at night or when you wake up in the morning. If all goes well, the exercises should minimize your pain. However, Dr. Vimal Reddy warns that not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, it can be a symptom of a bigger problem. If your pain does not improve or gets worse after two weeks, request an appointment with Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic in Jacksonville, FL to see if a more advanced treatment will help.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Bad news for those strutting their stuff around Jacksonville, FL in Reebok EasyTone shoes: Reebok recently agreed to settle a $25 million lawsuit filed by the FTC. The international shoe company claimed their EasyTone shoes strengthen:

• Buttock muscles (gluteals) by 28 percent
• Calves and hamstrings by 11 percent.

Although these are very powerful muscles (the gluteals lift the body up stairs and calves propel the body forward) the FTC alleges this to be false advertisement. For a shoe to boast these kinds of strength gains is amazing—and hard to believe.

Supposedly the shoe works because the unstable sole forces the individual to use other muscles in the lower leg to stabilize the body. At best, Dr. Reddy believes the unstable shoe could help to improve balance and strengthen some of the stabilizing muscles of the lower leg—possibly leading to improvement in athletic performance. On the flip side, feet like a flat surface and will bend side to side until they are leveled out. These unstable soles may actually force the foot into bending in ways that are harmful to the wearer. It may even damage the very muscles you are trying to strengthen!

Despite advanced technology and flashy marketing, it’s still best to wear stable and sturdy walking shoes. If you want to tone your calves and glutes you’ll get better results the old fashioned way—diet and exercise… Sorry.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Jaguars fans are getting excited about the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday at Jacksonville’s EverBank field. Unfortunately in a recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets center Nick Mangold was taken out of the game due to injury. Mangold suffered a high ankle sprain—a tear in the ligaments connecting the two bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula.

Ordinary ankle sprains usually occur as a result of tears to the ligaments connecting the leg bones to the bones of the heel and foot.  This typically happens as a result of the foot rolling inwards toward the center of the body. On the other hand, high ankle sprains are the result of the foot twisting outwards, which can cause ankle fractures if the motion is more violent.

As with many traumatic sports injuries, Dr. Vimal Reddy recommends the RICE treatment to keep down the swelling and to reduce pain and inflammation:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

To diagnose a high ankle sprain, Dr. Reddy will order an MRI to see if there is separation of the leg bones or fluid leakage from the ankle joint. If the bones are not moving around, the injury is said to be stable and the patient will be back on their feet in days or weeks.  If the tibia and fibula (the two bones of the lower leg) have separated, surgery may be necessary to repair the ligaments and recovery will be much slower. The First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic looks forward to a victory this weekend for the Jaguars and no injuries on the field.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Whether you are a weekend warrior suffering from irritated tendons or the Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams suffering from plantar fasciitis, the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic may have your solution. Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) is a new therapy able to help people with inflamed and irritated tendons. The best part... No surgery required!  Other treatments effective in taking care of such aches and pains are:

• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
•  Stretching
• and the dreaded…cortisone injections

EPAT is the most advanced and highly effective, non-invasive, treatment method approved by the FDA. The word extracorporeal means the entire treatment takes place from outside of the body—no knife required. It then transmits shockwaves through the tissue to the area of injury causing micro-trauma. This will stimulate blood flow to the area and insure the injured tendon receives the nutrients it needs to heal. Because EPAT works by causing small, localized areas of inflammation, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and so on. The benefits include:

• Cost effective
• Patients are immediately fully weight bearing
• Bilateral patients can be treated at the same time
• Returning to your work/normal routine within 24-48 hours after the procedure

The procedure itself is performed in our Jacksonville, FL office and takes less then half an hour. While it is not painless, patients usually are not in extreme discomfort. Dr. Reddy will anaesthetize the area to minimize any pain.  The expected results are often experienced after only 3 treatments at weekly intervals but may take up to four weeks for pain relief to begin.  The overall goal is to achieve maximum healing in minimum time.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic is excited to announce MLS laser therapy! Dr. Vimal Reddy is one of few in Jacksonville, FL who is currently offering this amazing treatment.  The laser therapy painlessly and effectively relieves:

Many diseases treated by podiatrists involve pain, swelling, and inflammation. The MLS laser will counter the injury on all three fronts completely pain free! It’s like shining a flashlight on one’s skin. Unlike with cortisone injections, the patient can continue to be active throughout their therapy. Most individuals will feel relief within their first few visits, but Dr. Reddy recommends 6-10 treatments depending on the situation.

How does this amazing therapy work?  MLS stands for Multi-wave Lock System. Photons of laser energy penetr

ate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth, thus speeding up the recovery process.  As inflammation is reduced, so is the pain.

While MLS laser treatment shows tremendous promise, many insurance plans still consider it an experimental therapy and unfortunately do not cover the therapy.  This may change as studies continue and as patients continue to feel the results.  To find out more about relieving your foot and ankle pain today please contact us at (904) 739-9129.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

A recent study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that in the past decade the number of Americans taking antidepressants has doubled.  Psychiatrists are not prescribing most of these antidepressants because the majority of Americans taking antidepressants are not being treated for depression. The drugs are not being used to treat a mental health problem so it’s unnecessary to call in the mental health specialists.

Using antidepressants to treat conditions other than depression might sound wrong, but some drugs have more than one use. The FDA must initially approve a new drug for a specific condition, for example, treating depression.  If a new use for a drug is discovered, doctors are free to prescribe it for that use as long as they find it justifiable. After many studies and trials, the FDA might approve the drug for a new purpose beyond what it was originally invented for.

So how is this relevant to podiatry? According to Dr. Vimal Reddy, a variety of diseases—including diabetes—result in painful tingling sensations in the feet, peripheral neuropathy. It has been discovered that certain drugs used to treat depression also have the benefit of reducing these painful sensations. Under the care of a physician, these drugs are generally safe and can provide relief for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy. With the diabetic population growing, even in Jacksonville FL, more people will suffer from peripheral neuropathy and seek the relief these antidepressants may provide.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

“Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek recently made headlines after injuring his Achilles tendon.  When his hotel room was broken into, Trebek chased the burglar down his hallway until he heard a loud pop from his heel.  This is the attachment point for the Achilles tendon, a thick, rope-like structure that connects the powerful calf muscles to the heal bone. A ruptured Achilles tendon is one of the most severe injuries that can occur in the leg, and it must be repaired surgically. Fortunately for the game show host, it looks like he will have a speedy recovery.

While this took place on the West Coast, Dr. Vimal Reddy has some lessons for us here in Jacksonville, FL about what we can do to prevent this devastating injury from happening.

• Stay in shape. At age 72, Mr. Trebek probably leads a less active lifestyle.  For those of us who are able however, staying in reasonably good shape is the best way to prevent injuries in general.
• Warm up before exercising.  Of course, if you need to chase a burglar down a hallway, you may not have a chance to warm up. However, if you do some brisk walking to get your calf muscles warmed up, you lessen the chance of injuring your Achilles.
• Strengthen your calf muscles. A good way to do this is to stand up on your toes and then slowly lower yourself down. Lowering oneself down in a slow, controlled manner will really build up strength.
• Wear the proper shoe gear. Dr. Reddy may sound like a broken record saying this, but wearing the right shoes goes a long way to preventing injury!

As a podiatric surgeon and sports medicine specialist at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Reddy is qualified to perform Achilles tendon repair surgery. Consult with Dr. Reddy for a detailed assessment of your foot structure and recommendations for exercising your legs to prevent such injuries.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

When is the last time you showed off or took a good look at your legs?  Celebrities like Heidi Klum have made a career out of showing off her legs.  Even going as far as having them insured! 

One of the body’s amazing adaptations is the network of vessels carrying blood from the heart to the feet and back again. Arteries transport blood away from the heart to the feet, and our veins are equipped with valves and muscular pumps to move the blood against gravity back to the heart. 

As we age some will find that the veins of the lower leg have a harder time carrying the blood back up, causing blood can to pool in the lower leg. This will result in swelling (edema)and veins that pop out—varicosities.  Unfortunately, there is not much we can do to prevent varicose veins. The most important factor is genetics, so look to your parents to see what may be in store for your legs. Also, women are particularly at risk.

If you have swollen legs, ankles and varicose veins, Dr. Vimal Reddy recommends:

•  Elevating your legs above the level of your chest: This way, your veins can work with gravity instead of against it! So sit back, kick your feet and chill.
• Compression stockings: available at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic, over the counter or as a prescription. These will compress the feet and legs, preventing blood from pooling in them. To get the most out of your compression stockings, make sure you put them on the moment you get out of bed in the morning and wear them all day.  This may mean you will need to start showering at night.
• In severe cases, more advanced treatment may be necessary. Consult with Dr. Reddy to determine the best strategy for dealing with your varicose veins.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

After watching the USA and Japan duke it out in over time at the FIFA 2011 Women’s World Cup, one may think to themselves, “Do their feet hurt after all that running around?” The calcaneus, or the heel bone, is the largest bone in the foot and the first part of the foot to hit the ground.  This makes the heel bone more vulnerable to injury and something seen often at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic.

Heel pain is an issue many people on the First Cost deal with and it is commonly attributed to plantar fasciitis. Dr. Vimal Reddy believes it is best to X-ray the heel in order to check for a stress fracture, which can occur in any bone of the foot as a result of overuse. As we age and our bones become weaker, we are more at risk for stress fractures, and the calcaneus is one of the most common places for it to happen.  Utilizing a digital X-ray to quickly and efficiently examine and diagnose, Dr. Reddy can even tell you about osteoporosis, since he is able to use X-rays of the calcaneus as a measure of how strong the bones are.

Of course, people will have accidents and have been known to break the calcaneus, like any other bone in the body. This happens most when individuals fall from great heights and land on their feet.  Sadly, they usually break both, and fractured heel bones are a very serious injury due to the difficulty of healing.  The individual may never function the same way again.  As a podiatric surgeon, Dr. Reddy is qualified to surgically correct these injuries to line up the bony fragments and work towards the best possible recovery.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

With things heating up in Jacksonville, FL, from wildfires to the summer heat, many of us will be sliding into our favorite flip-flops and showing off our toes.  The American Podiatric Medical Association has released a set of Do’s and Don’ts for pedicures. Dr. Vimal Reddy has found that the common theme in all of these tips is to watch out for infectious germs, from bacteria or fungi. Here are the highlights Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic picked out:

1.     Trim your toenails straight across, not tapered: Nails want to grow straight out. If your toenails are rounded, they can start to grow sideways into your skin, which hurts! This is also an open invitation for a bacterial infection and the pain level will only increase from there.

2.     Use clean tools: If the salon is not properly sterilizing their tools, bring your own. Also, never share emery boards, because they are porous and can trap germs. Finally, don’t use the same tools for a manicure as for a pedicure, because that can transfer germs from your feet to your hands….Yuck!

3.     Not too dry, not too wet: Moisturizing creams will help dry feet.  Just be careful not to keep your feet confined in a damp environment (especially between the toes!) since this creates an ideal breeding ground for fungi.

4.     Thick discolored nails?: You might have a fungus. If this sounds like you, check in with Dr. Reddy to come up with a treatment regimen to eradicate the unwelcome guest living in your toenail!

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Have you noticed your child’s toes point inward?  Is your son or daughter pigeon toed? Dr. Vimal Reddy will be able to identify one of the three reasons your child’s feet are doing this.

As children’s legs develop from infancy into adolescence, the bones undergo various twists and turns. Inward pointing toes, or intoeing, may be due to one or more of the following:

• Inward twisting of the thigh bone (the femur)
• Inward twisting of the shin bone (the tibia)
• Inward pointing of the front bones of the foot (the metatarsals)

Will my child grow out of this? In the majority of cases, yes. The bones of the feet will likely straighten out before age 2, while the bones of the shin and thigh might take a bit longer—age 6. The thigh is especially tricky since it twists in such a way that intoeing may not become obvious until age 5. Your First Coast pediatrician will be a valuable resource in helping you decide if you need to watch and wait, or if you need to seek the help of a podiatrist.

While intoeing will usually not cause pain or arthritis, it may lead to children stumbling as they catch their toes on their heels. In each of these cases, treatment generally consists of casting with or without bars. The purpose of these treatment schemes is to gradually guide the bones into a more functional position. It’s important not to wait, since, by age 7 or 8, the bones a child has will be the bones he or she takes into adulthood. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic will be able to help you decide what treatment is best, if any is needed at all.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

With diabetes on the rise, it is important more then ever for diabetics to manage their health by keeping their blood sugar (or blood glucose) under control. To do this, patients need to check their blood glucose regularly. Here at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic, we take the same position as the American Diabetes Association:

1. Check your blood glucose daily
2. Keep a log to monitor how it changes from day to day

By keeping a close watch over your blood glucose, you are doing something of vital importance for your over-all health, including your feet.  Unfortunately, many people in Jacksonville, FL have trouble maintaining the daily regimen recommended due to:

• Checking your glucose can be painful: To minimize the pain, try to draw blood from different sites each day.                                      

• Glucose test strips are not cheap: If you have difficulty paying for test strips, at the very least try to check your blood                                                            glucose three times a week.

People who do not control their blood glucose are at risk for losing sensation in their feet—a disease called peripheral neuropathy. Without the ability to sense pain, touch, or pressure in your feet, you won’t be able to know if you are doing something that is hurting your foot. At this point, foot care becomes extremely important because of the heightened possibility of injuries and infection.

Being diagnosed with diabetes can seem like a life-altering event, but does not mean you cannot continue living a healthy, active, life.          Dr. Reddy can work with your primary care provider to help you manage your diabetes while still getting the most out of your life.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

According to this article, there are new shoes out to help you make the most of your springtime walks and summertime strolls. Some of them are quite fancy but also expensive. Dr. Vimal Reddy has these tips for figuring out what is best as you explore scenic Jacksonville on foot!

Tip 1: Spend some money: Cheap shoes will wear out quickly.  You want something that will last you throughout the season.

Tip 2: But don’t spend too much money: Beyond a certain price, high-end shoes are more about fashion than about protecting your feet. Also to keep in mind, this is a shoe you will be replacing after 300-600 miles of walking, or 6-10 months. Take a look at the different models offered by each brand and you might decide the fancy shoe is too much for you!

Tip 3: You can walk in running shoes:  If you are more of a runner, your money will be better spent on a pair of running shoes. No need to dedicate a pair of shoes just for your walks. However, if you are training intensely, it might pay off to have a pair of backup shoes for your ordinary activities. In that case, see tip #2.

Tip 4: Choose a shoe that fits:  Yes, you knew this already, but it bears repeating. Dr. Reddy has written previously on this topic here. You should make sure you have extra room for the tips of your toes (about half an inch).  Make sure the point where the sole of the shoe flexes lines up with the ball of your foot.

To help find the best shoe for you stop by the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic.  Dr. Reddy can help recommend what to look for in a shoe that will accommodate your unique foot structure. And remember, every foot is different, so there is no such thing as the “best” shoe.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

With summer on our heals, you might be thinking about adding miles to your runs along A1A or joining a summer sports league here on the First Coast. Whichever activity you choose, you may be worried about Achilles Tendonitis; a condition where the Achilles tendon becomes sore after over use.

***Just so you know: The Achilles tendon is the thick rope-like structure on the back of your lower leg and one of many tendons we have connecting our calf muscles to our feet. ***

Another important tendon is the posterior tibial muscle. Located behind your shin-bone (the tibia), the posterior tibial (PT) muscle is used for flexing your foot inwards at the ankle joint. This is an important muscle for stabilizing your foot when your heel hits the ground and when your foot pushes off.  Like your Achilles, the PT tendon will become sore if it is overused.

According to Dr. Vimal Reddy, PT tendonitis is characterized by pain that gets worse with running. You will feel the pain in your inner leg, next to the heel cord.  You are particularly at risk if you tend to flatten your feet out, or pronate when you run. Doing this stretches and irritates the PT tendon even more.

Tips for prevention and treatment:

• Arch supports—to minimize the amount you pronate your foot
• Protective taping—again, to restrict movement of your ankle
• Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Brace, walking boot or cast—to immobilize the tendon and give it some rest

In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to give you some relief. If you pronate when you run or if you have pain, consult with Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic to find out what is the best treatment option for your case.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

With summer on our heels in Jacksonville, FL, many will be slipping into a pair of their favorite flip-flops.  Flip-flops are perfect at the pool or beach. However, if you plan on going for a long walk or know you’ll be standing for several hours, you will need a shoe with a thicker sole for more support.

Problems that arise from wearing flip-flops at the wrong time:

• Tendonitis: Irritation of your Achilles tendon, due to poor arch support
• Heel Fissures: Cracking of the skin on the heels due to the additional friction on your heels
• Toe stub injuries and fractures: due to lack of protection.

Of course, flip-flops aren’t all bad. Some instances                   when flip-flops are beneficial:

• If you sweat excessively: Open-toed shoes will ensure your feet stay dry, particularly between the toes. This is important for preventing fungal infection and maintaining skin strength.
• Public Showers: Always wear flip-flops when using a public shower like you would find at pool or gym locker room.
• If the back of your heel is sore, flip-flops can reduce irritation to the area.
• They’re fun and stylish!

If you are planning on wearing flip-flops, make sure you get a pair with a thick, rigid sole. This will strengthen your foot’s ability to absorb shock. Also, while you’re wearing them, make sure you take it easy on your feet to minimize injury. If you have questions on where to find a more rigid, yet stylish sandal, you can inquire at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Do you have burning, tingling pain in the ball of your foot? If so, it is possible you have neuroma.  Neuroma is when nerves on the bottom of the foot become overgrown. When you step down on the foot, the bones press on the swollen nerve, causing the waves of burning, tingling, pain.  Neuromas occur commonly in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. This special case is referred to as Morton’s neuroma.

Dr. Reddy at First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic has many different treatment options available for this problem:

• Fabricate and apply padding to the foot to prevent the bones from squeezing the nerve.
• Orthotics
• Cortisone injections - this will reduce the inflammation.
• Alcohol injections - if the above measures don’t work, this will destroy the bothersome nerve (neurolysis). Not 100% effective, though.
• Surgery - to cut out the nerve manually, in severe cases.
• Cryogenic neuroablation - a relatively new procedure with similar results to surgery but fewer complications and high patient satisfaction. Instead of destroying the nerve with chemicals, it is frozen.

High-heeled shoes aggravate neuromas. The toe box of a high-heeled shoe is usually tight, forcing all your weight down onto the ball of your foot. These two factors contribute to the swelling and irritation.  So ladies the next time you’re running aorund your office or in downtown Jacksonville with your girlfriends for a night out, if you start to feel a burning, tingling pain in your feeet you may want to consider different footwear.

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

A recent study by Thomson Reuters found if diabetic patients visited a podiatrist just once before complications from a diabetic foot ulcer set in, it would result in $3.5 billion in savings for the US health-care system in one year. Podiatrists like Dr. Vimal Reddy are well trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.  If caught early the disease process does not escalate like it otherwise would if the patient had not seen a podiatrist, equaling fewer health care dollars spent.

People with diabetes often lose feeling in their feet, known as neuropathy. As a result, an individual with diabetes is more at risk of injuring their feet without knowing so. For example: You decide to check out the Jacksonville Riverside Art Market on Saturday.  Unfortunately, you have a rock in your shoe and walk all day without knowing the rock is rubbing the same spot over and over again. By the time you get home to kick off your shoes, you discover the rock and a fresh new wound. Unfortunately, people with diabetes heal wounds more slowly, causing the wound to become infected more easily. Sadly, many patients can lose their feet as a result. Podiatrists are at the forefront in preventing these disasters, and the physical, emotional and financial savings are substantial.

This is an EXTREMELY big deal and here’s why:

• As a nation, we are already in a cost-cutting mode
• Finding ways to trim health care expenditures is important, and podiatrists can help
• Jacksonville lies just outside the Diabetes Belt, and podiatrists like Dr. Reddy have an important role locally.

If you have diabetes, you have everything to gain from forming a good relationship with a podiatrist. So stop over to the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic near St. Luke’s Hospital, and learn how you can save both your feet and your money!

By Dr. Vimal Reddy

Last night you may have been entertained by the fancy footwork of wrestlers such as John Cena, Randy Orton, Triple H and The Undertaker while watching WWE Wrestlemania 27.  Or perhaps you were engaged in the Country Music Awards admiring the couture of your favorite country music stars and taking pleasure in Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood’s performance of “Walk This Way”.  When it comes to walking into a wrestling ring or strutting your stuff on a stage, many problems can arise in the foot as a result of not wearing the right shoes.  Today I would like to dispel a few myths about shoe sizing to help you find the right fit for your foot.

1. You don’t have a shoe size! – You have a foot size. Your foot size is measured in a Brannock device (pictured above).  In a perfect world, your shoe size and foot size would be a perfect match.  Unfortunately, in reality there are differences between brands and the only way to know which shoe fits best is to try them on! 

2. Sizing shoes: Most clerks at shoe stores will measure your heel-to-toe length. While this is important for making your toes comfortable, the more important measure is your heel-to-ball length. You can measure your heel-to-ball length by using the pointer that slides along the side of your foot on the Brannock device.  Your foot size will be the larger of the heel-to-toe and heel-to-toe sizes. Dr. Reddy can give you a proper and accurate measurement at the First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic.

The heel-to-ball measurement is important because your foot bends the most at the ball of your foot. When trying on a shoe:

• Bend the shoe as if you were pushing the toes upward
• Make sure the shoe bends around the same place as the ball bends
• Lastly, if the shoe bends in a way that your foot does not then it won’t give you the support you need!

3. Size is just a number: Some patients are self-conscious if their feet measure larger then they would like. Just remember the feet you are born with are the only ones you will have.  So if you’re running around your office in Downtown Jacksonville, or taking a stroll by the St. Johns River, be happy, be comfortable, and wear a shoe that fits!

By Dr. Vimal Reddy