Tenex Health TX

There is now exciting news for those who suffer from chronic heel pain.  In the past, for those sufferers of heel pain that did not respond to injections, medications, orthotics or physical therapy, surgical procedures would be indicated.
                 
Now there is a new advanced treatment that quickly and safely removes the source of pain.  Tenex Health TX, in conjunction with the Mayo clinic, has developed a minimally invasive treatment that has proven to be extremely effective in treating chronic heel pain.
                 
Tenex Health TX is performed with local anesthesia in a hospital setting.  During treatment, sophisticated ultrasound imaging is used to identify the location of the damaged soft tissue.  Once located, a small Microtip is inserted into the chronically damaged area through a small incision.  Ultrasonic energy then breaks down and removes damaged tissue quickly and safely, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.  Recovery is rapid, and the patient is able to walk immediately.  Relief of the symptoms normally takes about 6 weeks.
                 
If you are suffering from heel pain that has not responded to traditional conservative treatment, but do not want the risks and recovery of open surgery, Tenex Health TX may be right for you.

Falls pose serious health risks for elderly

More and more both insurance companies and health care professionals are recognizing the perils seniors risk when they fall.  Falls are among the leading causes of injury in people age 65 and older.  They can cause everything from minor cuts and bruises, to fractured bones to serious- and potentially fatal- head injuries.

                        

In older people, a fall can really be life changing.  For someone who has managed to live on their own independently, a major fall can take you out of that situation and put you in assisted living or a nursing home.

                        

According to one fall prevention guide, at least one-third to one-half of the population over 65 years of age will experience a fall, which accounts for more than 90 percent of hip fractures suffered by older adults.

                        

The following are tips to help prevent falls:

                         

Keep moving by exercising regularly.  Focus on building leg strength and improving balance.  Tai chi programs are considered beneficial.

                        

Review all medications to see if they are making you unsteady.

                         

Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update eyeglass prescriptions.

                         

Make your home safe by reducing tripping hazards, adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet, adding railings on both sides of stairways and improving lighting.

                        

Be aware as you age, your reflexes might not as good.

                         

Wear shoes that give you more support and aren't likely to cause you to slip or fall.

                        

When getting out of a bed or chair, sit then stand.

                         

To lower risk of fractures, get adequate calcium and vitamin D from food or supplements.  Get screened for osteoporosis.

Sources; Sheila Poole, CDC.gov, Atlanta Journal Constitution

Surgery Not Always Necessary for Bunions by Dr. Dennis Cardone

Surgery Not Always Necessary for Bunions
                       
A bunion is a deformity of the big toe.  The big toe tilts toward the smaller toes and a "bump" develops at the base of the big toe.  In some people the deformity of a bunion grows very rapidly, while in others progression is very slow or not at all.  Bunions are more common in women.
                       
The medical name for a bunion is Hallux Valgus.  Hallux is the term for the big toe and valgus is an anatomic term for the rotation of the toe.
                       
Footwear such as tight-fitting shoes or heels may contribute to the development of the bunion deformity but other factors such as very flexible joints or a family history of bunions appear to be more important risk factors.  Bunions can also be caused by injuries to the foot, various forms of arthritis and certain neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy.
                       
Shoes that squeeze the big toe or do not fit properly or have an excessive high heel can contribute to the deformity of a bunion in people who are already at increased risk.  Such shoe wear can also cause pain or worsen the deformity of a bunion.
                     
In addition to a bump at the base of the big toe, people with a bunion may notice decreased motion of the big toe and swelling, redness or soreness in the area around the bump.  As the deformity of the bunion worsens, the first and second toes overlap.  Pain symptoms can range from none at all to very severe.
                       
Bunions often require no treatment and surgery should generally only be considered when there is persistent pain or severe deformity.
                       
Nonsurgical treatment to relieve the pain of a bunion include wearing roomy and comfortable shoes, using soft protective pads over the bunions and getting padded shoe inserts or orthotics.
                       
Studies have shown that 15 percent or more of people who have bunion surgery remain dissatisfied with the end results.  Pain can persist even after surgery.  Always discuss with your physician all the complications of bunion surgery.
                       
If you have a bunion and there is no pain associated with it, and the deformity is not severe, I would recommend not having surgery.

This was a recent article by Dr. Dennis Cardone that appeared in The Star Ledger, NJ

Fungus Toenails

Tired of thick, discolored, crusty, painful toenails?  

So are most people. In most cases, this is due to a fungus. The offending fungus is generally the same fungus that causes athletes foot on the skin. The skin fungus is often effectively treated with topical medications. However, when the fungus gets into the toenails,it is difficult for the medications to penetrate the nail plate and reach the fungus.  This is why over the counter treatments have been ineffective.  Prescription topical medications also have shown limited results. The best results of clearing fungus toenails have been from oral medications. Although many people are wary of the side effects of oral anti-fungal medications, they are in fact relatively rare. When considering oral medication for fungus toenails, blood testing is necessary. Laser therapy for fungus toenails have unfortunately yielded inconsistent results.

                         

Within the past few months, there have been some exciting and encouraging news. There have been at least two new topical toenail fungus treatments that have become available.  Studies have shown that although the data has not been overwhelming, the new medication appear to be much more effective than the older topical products.  Also these topicals are completely safe and no blood work is needed.

                         

So don't lose hope, there has never been a better opportunity to have healthy normal looking toenails !

Do You Have Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious circulatory problem in which blood vessels that carry blood become narrow or clogged.  It affects millions of Americans, most over the age of 50.  People who have PAD have an increased risk of stroke,and heart attack.  Healing is also impaired in people with PAD.  

Warning signs include;

                         1) Discomfort or cramping of legs when walking

                         2) Foot or toe pain that keeps you up at night.

                         3) Pale skin, shiny skin, or hair loss of legs

                         4) Cold feet

                         

If you have any of theses symptoms and you smoke, it is important that you quit.  A podiatrist can help determine if you have PAD.  With the use of a non-invasive Doppler, our office can identify if there is a circulation problem.  Only then can proper treatment be initiated to save life and limb.