tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47026183355282179642024-03-12T15:58:13.070-07:00Mitchell J. Wachtel Podiatry BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10531645127575870998noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-83122059950567089622013-11-09T11:44:00.000-08:002014-05-08T07:54:10.523-07:00Feaster Five Expo Andover, Massachusetts <div class="MsoNormal">
We are so excited to be helping to sponsor the Feaster FiveExpo and Road Race. On Thursday November 28<sup>th</sup> the race will start at
8:30 in the morning and includes both a 5k and an 8k race. There is also an
expo that will be held on Monday November 25<sup>th</sup> from 12-7, Tuesday
November 26<sup>th</sup> from 12-7 and Wednesday November 27<sup>th</sup> from
12-6. All three of these days the expo will be at Merrimack Valley YMCA in
Andover, Massachusetts. You can pick up your race registration and goody bag at
this time as well as check out the expo booths from many of our local
businesses. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanksgiving is a time for family and loved ones to come
together and spend time catching up. But before all of the hub bub with the
family starts and the turkey coma that is sure to get you, come out and join us
for a great morning workout. We will get your metabolism jump started and make
you super hungry so that you can enjoy all of the yummy goodness that is sure
to follow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A great thing that my office is offering is a free Foot Book
for each of the racers. If you are unable to get out of the home because you
are busy preparing for your family, no worries, you can visit our website and
get your own copy for free. Should you have any foot concerns either after the
race or just in general, free to give my practice a call. I would be more than
happy to help you with your foot problems and get you back up and at it so that
you can continue your healthy workout habits. If you live in the North Reading
or Boston Massachusetts area give us a call. You can come to any of my
locations at either 451 Andover St. Suite 300 North Andover, MA, 655 Rogers St.
Lowell, MA, 87 Jackson St. Methuen, MA or 145 Ward Hill Bradford, MA. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-33201789432087048102013-10-31T14:59:00.001-07:002014-05-08T07:54:00.063-07:00Biopsy Chronic Ulcers<div>
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Longstanding ulcerations may not be healing as a result of the cause of the ulceration. There are several skin cancers that may take on the appearance of an ulceration. When an ulcer is taking longer than it should to heal or has an appearance that is just not quite the way that it should look it is important to take a closer view as to what is really going on. </div>
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A biopsy is a simple test that your podiatrist can do in the office. It involves a small punch biopsy. Your doctor will numb you up so that you don't feel the biopsy. After taking the biopsy, it will be sent off to a pathology lab. Within a couple of weeks, your results will be back and treatment can continue from there. If your results do not show any signs of cancer, then your treatment will continue, but if there is cancer then depending upon what type it is will determine the next steps. Most likely though, it will require excision to remove the cancerous tissue. </div>
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Biopsy is a gold standard that you podiatrist will most likely do during your first couple of visits. it is a way for us to know exactly what we are treating and be able to get you the best results possible. If you or someone you know has an ulcer on your foot or leg it is important for you to see your <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> so that your ulcer can be treated quickly. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you live in the North Reading or Billerica, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-21078403403063152802013-10-30T18:15:00.000-07:002014-05-08T07:53:21.745-07:00Jim Graham Plantar Fascia <a href="http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/2010/11/9066822-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/2010/11/9066822-large.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a>New Orleans Saints player Jim Graham is dealing with a lot of pain right now from a partially torn plantar fascia. He is not on the injured list, but they are taking it day by day to determine how he is feeling and what his activity level can be for that day.<br />
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Plantar fascia tears are a common result of plantar fasciitis. Your plantar fascia extends from your toes to your heel bone. When the band of tissue has been constantly stretched it can end up having microtears throughout the body of tissue and these tears can cause a lot of pain and inflammation. A partially torn plantar fascia can be an issue for a patient due to some fibers still holding on that are stretching and tearing throughout the day.<br />
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So, how can we treat this condition? For plantar fasciitis, the best form of treatment is stretching. By stretching your calf and the plantar fascia, you can loosen up this band of tissue to where it is not as tight and the tissue can move with more flexibility. Another treatment option is steroid shots combined with stretching, because the steroid shot will stop the inflammation cycle and allow you to be able to do the stretches more comfortably. Orthotics are a great treatment option because they can take the stress off of the band of tissue and provide long term relief. Finally, if all other treatment options fail, surgery is the final step for treatment.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Heel pain is not something to be taken lightly, it can affect your everyday performance. If you notice you are having heel pain, it is important that you seek care from your<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> so that your plantar fasciitis can be treated before it becomes a chronic more difficult condition to treat.. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you live in the Reading or Dracut, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-23913673473120159382013-10-30T18:00:00.000-07:002014-05-08T07:53:01.409-07:00Why do I have Leg Pain When I Run? <blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" type="cite">
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I recently began running and went from not ever running to running about a 5k three to four times a week. I notice my endurance has increased obviously over the past three months. I notice cramping in the legs the first ten to fifteen minutes in the run and it tapers off on the second half of the run. Cramping in the feet and ankles Is caused by a demand and supply problem. Not enough oxygen is being supplied by the arteries to the muscles that connect to the foot, ankle and leg. Going up hills is the worst where the cramping gets more severe. Some believe running faster up the hill is better, and others believe a slow steady run and slow breathing pattern works to decrease the cramping. I have taken the latter of the two thought processes and slow my pace slightly while going uphill, along with slowing my breath. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I enjoy running because there is a sense of personal achievement and accomplishment. When you achieve the personal goals that you have set forth with running, not only do you feel healthier, but there is a sense of pride. I am looking forward to going further in my running and developing relationships with people that have the same goals.</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-18250485125214615822013-10-23T14:50:00.000-07:002014-05-08T07:52:45.529-07:00Infected Ulcers<a href="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/media/medical/hw/h9991432_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/media/medical/hw/h9991432_001.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a>A second cause for ulcers not healing is infection. An ulceration can show various signs of infection. The most characteristic of these signs is redness, pain, swelling, heat and eventually a loss of function of the extremity. There are other things that can serve as clues that you could be dealing with an infection. One of these is drainage. There are some types of drainage that are normal. These include a bloody discharge or a clear fluid. The types of drainage that you should be wary of is a fluid that is milky, thick and has an odor to it.<br />
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Another sign that points to an infection of your ulcer is if there is redness extending from your ulcer that travels up. This is called cellulitis and it is a sign that there is an active infection occurring. One way that your podiatrist will keep track of your cellulitis is by using a skin marker to draw a line so that they can tell if the redness is receding or if it is growing.<br />
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If your podiatrist is suspecting infection they may culture your wound to send it off to a lab and see if anything grows from the swabs. Your doctor may also send you to get some blood work done to see if you have a white blood cell count. In the case of infection, white blood cells will increase and is a way to determine if an active infection is occurring.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Infection is a cause for your ulcer not healing. It is a situation that can be fixed through antibiotics. If you notice any of the above signs and symptoms, it is important that you seek care from your </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;"> so tha</span>t your ulcer and infection can be monitored for other complications. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you live in the Rading or Dracut, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-82679916171094260002013-10-20T09:37:00.000-07:002014-05-08T07:52:08.152-07:00Why is my Ulcer Not Healing? <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/American_Beaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/American_Beaver.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a>Ulcers can be very finicky things. One week you have had great success and the ulcer has shrunken down dramatically and then next thing you know that ulcer has sprung to life and has doubled in size. There are multiple reasons as to why your ulcer may not be healing and over the next couple of blogs, we are going to discuss some key factors.<br />
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The first factor that we are going to talk about is your blood flow. If those pipes are not wide open and clear you may be having issues with blockage. You may be wondering why on Earthy would blood flow affect how my wound is doing? There are a couple of reasons. The first main one is oxygen. Oxygen is incredibly important for energy and vitality of your tissues. If there is a disconnect where your tissues aren't getting enough oxygen, you can actually get an ulcer just from that. This ulceration is called an ischemic ulcer because your tissues will actually die as a result of lack of blood flow and the only real fix for this is to send you to a vascular doctor and see what they can do for you.<br />
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The second reason that poor blood flow is a problem is that you will not receive the antibiotics or the nutrients that may be necessary for your wound to heal because if there is no flow transporting these vital substances to your wound then there is effectively a block. It is as if a beaver has built a dam in your transport system and all of the good stuff is being blocked from reaching you.<br />
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The reasons for blood flow mentioned above are the same reasons that your podiatrist will check your pulses and may run some diagnostic tests on you to see if there is enough blood flow reaching your tissues. If you have an ulcer it is important that you seek medical help from your <span style="color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;">podiatrist</span> so that your ulcer can be monitored for other complications such as infection. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you live in the Chatham or Dracut, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-81865841327456385332013-10-18T13:02:00.000-07:002014-05-08T07:51:51.613-07:00Carl Nicks MRSA Infection<a href="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nfl/players/full/11398.png&w=350&h=254" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nfl/players/full/11398.png&w=350&h=254" height="232" width="320" /></a>Carl Nicks, guard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is currently out after having surgery done on his left foot for his MRSA infection. The sportscasters are reporting that no other information has been passed on from the Bucs about details of the surgery. However, we do know that this is the second time that this was Carl Nicks second bout with MRSA.<br />
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MRSA is a highly contagious infection that can be spread easily and is very hard to treat. MRSA is very resistant to most antibiotics and as a result it can be hard to find an antibiotic that will treat the condition. The tricky part is that even if you get the MRSA to go away with antibiotics, there is still the chance that it could return. The ultimate treatment for MRSA infections that have reached the bone is amputation. Amputation can be very difficult for a football player if you are talking about amputating the big toe because this is the main source of balance, without it, it would be very difficult if not impossible to make those sharp cutting moves that football players are so dependent on for their routes.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">So if you or someone that you know is struggling witha blister, open wound or a scratch that is just not healing right, you should seek support from your<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">podiatrist</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. MRSA infections can be very difficult to treat and it is important to get a jump on them early. If you live in the Reading or Dracut, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-60902382942563692562013-10-11T13:53:00.001-07:002014-05-08T07:51:41.081-07:00Yellow, Thick, Crumbly Nails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is starting to get colder outside and its time to be putting those little toes away into closed toed shoes and boots. With this being said, it is the perfect time to be treating your toenail fungus. Toenails take about 6 months to a year for them to fully grow out and so you are looking at the exact time frame that you would need between now and when it becomes sandal season again.<br />
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Laser nail therapy is a process where specific wavelengths are used to kill the fungus that is causing your toenails to become yellow, thick, flaky and crumbly. Using the laser nail therapy can require 1 usage to several depending upon how receptive your body is to the treatment. Often times, your podiatrist will pair the laser therapy with an additional antifungal treatment to make sure that your fungus is fought the best way that it can be. Consulting with your podiatrist will provide you with knowledge about the treatment options that are best for you. They will also be able to give your a good idea as to the results that you can expect.<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">So if you or someone that you know is struggling with fungal toenails that you are not happy with their appearance or they are causing you pain due to their thickness and pushing against your shoes.
If you are needing fungal nail treatment, you should seek support from your<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="background: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">podiatrist</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">. If you live in the Wesford or Dracut, Massachusetts area, Dr.
Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are
also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451
Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA
01835</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-18417466671508148552013-10-11T13:35:00.000-07:002014-05-08T07:51:25.874-07:00Mike Donohoe 5k Run/Walk for Melanoma<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L74vDrzcYss/Ulhgu66h51I/AAAAAAAAAGs/L2EJturRAeA/s1600/08racestart1-300x142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L74vDrzcYss/Ulhgu66h51I/AAAAAAAAAGs/L2EJturRAeA/s1600/08racestart1-300x142.jpg" /></a>We are so excited to be helping to sponsor the Mike Donohoe 5k Run/Walk for Melanoma. Come out and join<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>us October 20t<span style="font-size: x-small;">h</span> of this year
for a 5k walk or run to support funding for melanoma research. Melanoma is a
type of skin cancer that often develops from a mole or can develop as a new
lesion you have not noticed on your skin before. Common causes include UV
light, genetic predisposition, and being a white male over 50 years of age. All
of these predisposers can lead to melanoma. Melanoma is a condition that
although it can be easily treated, if it is not caught early then it can spread
and ultimately lead to death. By raising funds for research, we are helping
find better treatment and hopefully a cure for melanoma.</div>
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5k run/walks are great because they bring people together
for a cause. It also helps you to cheer one another on for a common cause. Dr.
Mitchell Wachtel, a podiatrist <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">with locations
in Methuen, Lowell, and Bradford, Massachusetts will be helping to sponsor the
race. As part of your goody bag, you will receive a flier that will allow you
to get a free copy of his book, The Foot Book. It provides great information
about various conditions and will serve as a good resource for both the
competitive runner and the weekend warrior. So, make sure and grab your copy. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">This race is held in honor
of Mike Donohoe who lost his battle to cancer in June of 2006. Join us on
October 20<sup>th</sup> at Perley School at 51 North Street Georgetown, MA at
noon or 11:30 for kids under 8 years of age. Hope to see you there! If you are unable to make it, you can click on this link to order your own copy of The Foot Book. Should you find yourself having any number of foot problems, please feel free to call us at </span><o:p></o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; white-space: nowrap;">(978) 794-8406, we would be more than happy to help take care of you. </span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-18981635705997181672013-10-10T15:57:00.000-07:002014-05-08T07:51:15.177-07:00Julio Jones Out for the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons is out for the rest of the season. In Monday night's game against the New York Jets, Jones injured his foot and broke one of the screws that was placed during a previous surgery. Jones will need surgery and will require the rest of the season to recover and rehab.<br />
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Hardware placement in any kind of surgery is always a procedure that could eventually lead to needing to have that hardware removed. Sometimes, your hardware can end up becoming more prominent or it can sometimes back out. In either of these situations, it is better to have your hardware removed so that it no longer hurts and doesn't cause you further damage. In some instances, your hardware can actually break. This often takes a great deal of force, much like can be expected in the life of a football player.<br />
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As simple of a procedure as removing hardware seems, you are still going to have all of the same issues as you will with any other surgery. You will still have pain, swelling and an incision site that needs to be healed. Depending upon whether or not your incision site is on the top or bottom of your foot will also dictate healing time. If the incision is on the bottom of your foot then it means that healing time will take longer due to it being an area where pressure would be when you walk.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you are having any pain in your foot where you had surgery then you should head to your </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;">podiatrist</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;"> to have an x-ray. It is very important that you seek medical care to prevent further damage. If you live in the Reading or Chatham, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span><br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-42179449488959138372013-10-08T19:38:00.001-07:002014-05-08T07:50:59.555-07:0034th Fall Foliage Classic <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBsrVebWwAc/UlTBfmqrnPI/AAAAAAAAAGc/zYPaopL1ASw/s1600/ffcdes12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBsrVebWwAc/UlTBfmqrnPI/AAAAAAAAAGc/zYPaopL1ASw/s1600/ffcdes12.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a>We are stoked to be one of the sponsors for the 34<sup>th</sup> Fall Foliage Classic. What
better way to get back in shape and enjoy the beautiful fall weather than to go
for a 5k run? All proceeds will go to benefit the rotary clubs charity
organization. The run is beautiful and takes you down a country road so that
you can see the beautiful fall leaves. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is not a better way to start getting in shape than by
enjoying the fall colors and supporting local charities. If you are starting
training for your first 5k then make sure that you take it slow. There is
nothing worse for your body than rushing into something rather than taking your
time and allowing your body to slowly ease into a new routine. There are
several great apps that can help you work up to doing a 5k run. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
Mitchell Wachtel a podiatrist with locations in Methuen, Lowell, and Bradford, Massachusetts will be helping to sponsor the race. As part of your goody bag, you will receive a flier that will allow you to get a free copy of his book, The Foot Book. It provides great information about various conditions and will serve as a good resource for both the competitive runner and the weekend warrior. So, make sure and grab your copy.<br />
<br />
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The run will be held on October 20<sup>th</sup> at 1:00PM.
The race will be at the Proctor School in Topsfield, Massachusetts. If you are
interested, registration closes October 19<sup>th</sup> at 11:59PM. The
following website http://www.rotarytbm.org/fallfol.htm#racemap
has a map of the race course and there are also beautiful photos of last year’s
race. Hope to see you there! If you aren't able to be there and would still like a copy of The Foot Book, just click on this link to order your free copy. <o:p></o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">Should you find yourself having any foot pain, please feel free to call us at </span><o:p></o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; white-space: nowrap;">(978) 794-8406, we would be more than happy to help take care of you. </span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-13531369889059881972013-10-08T18:59:00.000-07:002014-05-08T07:50:46.125-07:00Knights on the Run <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K87S9HJ4SDo/UlS4YiIsfzI/AAAAAAAAAGM/pnNOuR53i9g/s1600/1340649827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K87S9HJ4SDo/UlS4YiIsfzI/AAAAAAAAAGM/pnNOuR53i9g/s1600/1340649827.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a>It’s that time of year again. It is time for the Knights on
the Run and our office is excited to be helping to sponsor the race this year. So head out to your North
Andover High school to the practice stadium behind the Walsh Stadium and
support your local athletics by joining us in a 5K run or a 5K walk. Regardless
of your participation, all proceeds will go to benefit your local high school
kids and their athletics. There will also be a pre-race warm-up held by Beta O
Fitness and afterwards there will be health screenings done by Off-Season
Sports and Physical Therapy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Athletics has a long history of building teamwork, creating
leaders and nurturing a sense of drive and determination. Each of these
qualities are part of an important set of skills that teenagers need to
cultivate before venturing into the world of young adulthood. With your
support, we will be able to help teach the young people of our area these
traits. They say that it takes a community to raise a child and through your
support, we will be able to continue supporting athletics for the high school
students of North Andover. Proceeds will go to the North Andover Athletic
Association and will be put towards trophies, scholarships, banners,
landscaping and more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Mitchell Wachtel a podiatrist with locations in Methuen, Lowell, and Bradford, Massachusetts will be helping to sponsor the race. As part of your goody bag, you will receive a flier that will allow you to get a free copy of his book, The Foot Book. It provides great information about various conditions and will serve as a good resource for both the competitive runner and the weekend warrior. So, make sure and grab your copy. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The event will be held on October 19, 2013 and will start at
8:00 AM. Registration details can be found at http://www.knightsrun5k.com/registration.html.
There will also be a free t-shirt for the first 150 entrants. Running and
walking are a great form of cardio and the race is a great way for you to come
and see the community, see some familiar faces and help a good cause. So come
on out and support your North Andover High School athletics and while you are
at it don’t forget to grab a hot chocolate or coffee from the concession stand. If you are unable to make it this year and would like a copy of The Foot Book, please click on this link so that you can order your own copy. <o:p></o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">Should you have any pain, please feel free to call us at </span><o:p></o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; white-space: nowrap;">(978) 794-8406, we would be more than happy to help take care of you. </span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-39301293930502213492013-10-06T07:35:00.000-07:002013-10-06T07:35:19.068-07:00What's With This Painful Heel? <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.naplesheelpain.com/resources/heel_pain_fig1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.naplesheelpain.com/resources/heel_pain_fig1.gif" height="304" width="320" /></a>Are you having pain at the first step out of bed in the
morning? Do you have pain through the arch of your foot? Do you feel like you
would rather slam your finger with a hammer that take a step and feel the pain
of your foot If any of these symptoms describe you, there is a good possibility
that you have a conditioned known as plantar fasciitis. This condition stems
from a tightening of the band of tissue that extends from your heel to your
toes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, if you are having this severe pain, what can you do to
treat your foot? You can apply ice to the area to reduce your inflammation. You
can also take ibuprofen to reduce your inflammation. The most important thing
you can do for yourself is stretching. There are several different stretches
you can do that is the most important part of your treatment. In order to
reduce the pain you are feeling you must stretch out the tissue so that you are
not so tight and you won’t cause little tears in your fascia. There are several stretches you can try at
this website <a href="http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/a/footstretch.htm">http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/a/footstretch.htm</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are having the
above mentioned symptoms of heel pain, then it is important that you seek help
from your </span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E"><span style="background: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">. It is very important that you seek medical
care to prevent further damage and pain from a chronic condition. If you live
in the Dracut or Chatham, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than
happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our
Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North
Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-22114005898100138332013-10-03T19:07:00.000-07:002013-10-03T19:07:49.073-07:00How Does Your Toe Get Put to Sleep? <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.gg.rhul.ac.uk/ict4d/GG3077/Cholera/Images/needle-t8768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gg.rhul.ac.uk/ict4d/GG3077/Cholera/Images/needle-t8768.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a>What is it like to get your toe numbed up for surgery or for
getting your toenail removed? Many people are scared of needles and
understandably so. There is usually at least one bad experience that you can
think back to where an injection really hurt or someone said something that
made you even more nervous. Regardless of the situation, it is a fear that is
shared by many people. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An injection for your toe or for your foot for surgery
consists of a numbing agent that will put your nerves to sleep to where you
won’t feel pain. A common misconception is that you won’t feel anything, but in
reality you may feel some pressure, and that is perfectly normal. When the
injection is placed you will feel a stick and then you will feel a bit of pain
for the first couple of seconds and then it will start to feel numb. Your toe
will stay numb for approximately between 4-10 hours depending on your body’s
metabolism. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A numbing injection for
your foot is not something that you should be overly concerned about. It does
not take long and you will barely feel anything for the injection. It is much
more important that you get your ingrown toenail taken care of or that you have
an injection before surgery because it will greatly reduce your pain both
during and after the procedure. If you are needing foot care, you should seek
support from your<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E"><span style="background: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">. If you live in the Wesford or Wilmington,
Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help
treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover
offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87
Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-46981838676769734902013-09-30T18:59:00.000-07:002013-09-30T18:59:24.867-07:00Does a Bed Sheet Make Your Toe Hurt? <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/The_gout_james_gillray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/The_gout_james_gillray.jpg" width="320" /></a>Do you have such extreme pain that you can’t bear a sheet to
touch your toe or your ankle? Do you have a joint that is red, hot and swollen?
If any of these characteristics describe your current symptoms, it is possible
that you may have gout. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gout is a condition where the uric acid in your body is not
being properly metabolized and the urate crystals collect in a joint. One way
that your gout can be diagnosed is by drawing some of the fluid out of your
joint for analysis to make the definitive diagnosis. This collection of
crystals is very painful and if they are left untreated for too long they can
start to erode the bone and lead to areas that appear to be chewed out on an
x-ray. Ultimately this can lead to joint destruction. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what can be done for your gout? There are medications
that can be taken in the instance of an acute attack and then medications that
can be taken to prevent an acute attack from occurring. In very serious
situations, the crystal formations will need to be removed. There are also diet changes and restrictions
that will need to be made to help with preventing another attack.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are having the
above mentioned symptoms of gout, then it is important that you seek help from
your </span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E"><span style="background: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">. It is very important that you seek medical
care to prevent further damage from a chronic condition. If you live in the Bradford
or Chatham, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you
and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North
Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845
and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-87909419584982613622013-09-22T12:53:00.001-07:002013-09-22T12:53:36.449-07:00Jeff Driskel's Broken Ankle<a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/dam/assets/130704123609-jeff-driskel-story-body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/dam/assets/130704123609-jeff-driskel-story-body.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a>Those of you that are fans of college football probably know that the Florida Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel broke his ankle in yesterday's game against Tennessee. Unfortunately for Driskel, this means that he will be out for the rest of the season. He will need surgery after his fracture and will require physical therapy to get back to the level of college athletics that he was at prior to his injury.<br />
<br />
Ankle injuries are a pretty common occurrence for both athletes and non athletes alike. People commonly will sprain their ankles only to find out that they have actually fractured their ankles. People will commonly hear a pop that is associated with a broken bone, but sometimes you may have broken a bone and not here an audible pop. This is why it is so important that if you have injured your ankle you should seek help from your podiatrist to determine if you have actually broken your ankle. Your podiatrist will probably want to get x-rays, do a physical exam and talk to you about your options.<br />
<br />
The most important thing you can be doing for your injured ankle is seeking medical care. You may have a serious injury that you don't know about and every day that you wait, it will become more difficult to repair. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you have injured your ankle, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. If you live in the Dracut or Chatham, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-10053998014347555642013-09-21T16:28:00.001-07:002013-09-21T16:28:13.311-07:00Why is my Ulcer Not Healing? <div>
<a href="http://www.ndow.org/uploadedImages/ndoworg/Content/public_images/Taxonomy_Images/Red-tailed-Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ndow.org/uploadedImages/ndoworg/Content/public_images/Taxonomy_Images/Red-tailed-Hawk.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Ulcers are a very finicky thing. One day they are looking great and you are almost healed and then the next thing you know, it has popped back open and you feel like you are back at square one. There are many different factors that contribute to healing. These include your nutrition, infection, blood flow and if there is any pressure to the area. If your ulcer is not healing or it has opened back up, chances are, one of these factors should be blamed. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, what can you do for an ulcer that is being stubborn or has decided to be a bit more awnry? The first thing you should do is head to your podiatrist. They are experts at foot ulcers and will be able to give you a good idea of what is going on. Once you see your podiatrist, they will do several things to check what is causing your ulcer to not heal. They will check your pulses, check for signs of infection, offload the pressure from the area of your ulcer and they may send you for some blood studies to see what your nutrition value is. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The most important thing you can be doing for your ulcer is watching it like a hawk. Any changes in the healing of your ulcer or it opening back up is a sign that something is not working. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you have notcied something changing to your ulcer, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. If you live in the North Reading or Chatham, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-5969316099847021352013-09-19T19:11:00.000-07:002013-09-19T19:14:51.936-07:00Break a Toe...<a href="http://shellyfish.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/my-left-foot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://shellyfish.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/my-left-foot1.jpg" width="240" /></a>Have you recently dropped something on your foot or accidentally run into a bedpost or the wall? If you have and you have a lot of foot swelling? It is possible that you may have fractured one or more of your toes. If you have, you may see lots of swelling, bruising and have a lot of pain. If your swelling is not going down and it has been a couple of days, then you should go and see your podiatrist so that you can have x-rays done to confirm if they are fractured and whether or not the bone is displaced.<br />
<br />
If you do have a fracture, it will depend on the type and appearance on x-ray as to what treatment will be best for you. You may be able to get away with just wearing a boot or a postop shoe or you may need to have surgery. None of this can be decided until you have an x-ray. The important thing to remember is that it is much easier to do surgery on a newly fractured bone because not as much healing has occurred. Better reduction will be able to be achieved and your bone will look much more like it is supposed to.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you have dropped something on your foot recently, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. If you live in the North Reading or North Billerica, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-48128048431675687102013-09-15T18:22:00.000-07:002013-09-15T18:22:33.744-07:00Dress Shoes and Blistered Heels<a href="http://pad2.whstatic.com/images/1/13/Blisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://pad2.whstatic.com/images/1/13/Blisters.jpg" width="320" /></a>Have you ever had that new pair of shoes that rubs against your heels and gives you blisters? Or maybe you have that favorite pair of high heels that after a night out leaves you wishing you had opted for flats. Regardless of how it happened, now that you have those blisters or raw heels, it's time to treat them. It is very important that when you have raw skin, you keep it protected from bacteria. A good barrier such as neosporin and a band-aid is always a good idea.<br />
<br />
There are times that your wound can actually get infected though. In this situation, you may need to be put on a stronger antibiotic. If you start to notice redness around the wound, streaking up your leg or drainage from the area that is anything but clear, your wound could be infected. If this is the case, you need to see your podiatrist immediately. Your heel skin is very thin and your achilles tendon is right underneath the surface. This is an area of your ankle that needs to be well protected.<br />
<br />
An important question is how should you be avoiding this situation in the future? Women most often will buy their high heels about one size smaller than they should be. This helps you to better keep your shoe on your foot, but it also makes it easier for your heel to be rubbed raw. Many heels or dress shoes can be found that provide a little bit extra cushion in the heel area. These will help to prevent you from getting these blisters.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you have a blister that appears infected, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. If you live in the Chatham or North Billerica, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-62270563818133826732013-09-12T19:55:00.000-07:002013-09-12T19:55:10.539-07:00What Concerns Should You Have for your Feet in a Flood? <a href="http://embodiyoga.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/feet-in-water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://embodiyoga.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/feet-in-water.jpg" width="320" /></a>With all of the rain that Colorado is getting it is important to remember to keep your feet dry. Many people forget that when your feet sweat a lot and your socks get wet that your skin is basically sitting in a puddle all day. If you think about how your feet look after they have been wet for a long time, they get that wrinkly whiter look to them and they look like you have been swimming all day. This is not a big deal if your feet get a chance to dry out, but if they don't you can end up getting macerated skin that is not as strong as your regular skin and can actually break down.<br />
<br />
So, why is this even important? Well, if you are a diabetic patient that already has difficulty healing wounds, you are going to be more prone to an infection or a long term ulcerations that can take anywhere from weeks to years to heal. If you are making your skin less strong, then it will be easier for you to rub a sore and introduce an infection. The most prone area to these kinds of sores is the skin between your toes. When they get wet, the rubbing motion of your toes can easily form a sore.<br />
<br />
What can you do if this happens to you? Well, for one you need to see your podiatrist because they can offer you tips on how to prevent this from happening in the future and what to do for your current wounds. They will also be able to rule out any infection for you or deeper probing bone that should be of concern.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you have unusually wet feetl, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. There could be an ulcer forming that could have an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics and it could become much worse if not taken care of quickly. If you live in the Wilmington or North Billerica, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-53651444064195550282013-09-08T16:36:00.003-07:002013-09-08T16:36:50.118-07:00My Legs are Swollen and I Have Sores on my Legs <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.vasocare.net/Portals/86957/images/edema.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.vasocare.net/Portals/86957/images/edema.JPG" width="224" /></a>One of the most common causes of ulcerations is venous
insufficiency. These glitzy medical terms just mean that your veins aren’t
working as well as they used to. As a result, the blood and lymph is not able
to return to your heart as readily as it once was. The valves in your veins
aren’t working as well and the veins are stretched from many years of hard
work. As a result, your fluids will pool at the point of greatest gravity: your
feet. You will notice a swelling in your legs and feet and in later stages, your legs will start to turn a darker color. If your feet or legs swell enough, your skin will no longer be able to
withstand the pressure and as a result you will have breaks in your skin
ultimately leasing to ulcers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what is the best way to heal your venous stasis ulcers? The
answer is simple, compression. You have to help your body move the fluid from
your feet and legs back up to your heart for circulation and ultimately you
need to discard some of the fluid through the use of your kidneys. An option
for fluid overload is diuretics that will remove fluid from your body.
Ultimately, the treatment of this condition is a joint effort between your
podiatrist and primary care provider to get rid of this excess fluid. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you have an ulcer though, it is a combination between
compression and wound care treatment to get you healed as well as to reduce the
fluid in your feet and legs. Your podiatrist has many tools in their toolbox to
help you achieve these results including biologic grafts, wound care ointments,
bandaging and compression options. Once the wound is healed, compression
options need to be looked at to prevent future ulcerations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If you have an ingrown
toenail, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E"><span style="background: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">. There could be
an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics and it could become much
worse if not taken care of quickly. If you live in the Wilmington or North
Billerica, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you
and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North
Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845
and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-41047955039213999722013-08-31T17:31:00.000-07:002013-08-31T17:31:03.791-07:00Alabama's Quarterback AJ McCarron's Ingrown Toenail <a href="http://throwtheflagblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/AJ-McCarron-QB-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://throwtheflagblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/AJ-McCarron-QB-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>It is the start of college football season and people are grabbing their jersey's team gear and making all of the delicious football snacks you can think of. Fans are gathering at the stadiums and around their living room tvs to watch their team fight it out to the end to become the best. For the quarterback of the #1 Alabama team, he is having a rough start to the season. AJ McCarron <br />
is said to have been walking around in a boot after having had an ingrown toenail removed.<br />
<br />
When most people have an ingrown toenail, they think big deal, how could it be that painful. The reality is that until you have had one, you have no room to speak. They hurt like all get out and anyone that tells you otherwise hasn't had a full on one. Now you might ask, why did he get it removed right before the season started? Ingrown toenails have the potential to become an area of infection and great pain. This is why it needs to be removed as soon as possible so that it doesn't become an area of infection and lead to much bigger issues. Once you have had your ingrown removed, you will need a surgical shoe just for a couple of days while the are heals and closes up well.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you have an ingrown toenail, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. There could be an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics and it could become much worse if not taken care of quickly. If you live in the Dracut or Reading, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-77413843292559040852013-08-28T15:53:00.001-07:002013-08-28T15:53:43.849-07:00Injured Achilles <a href="http://www.bioniccrossfit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ruptured-achilles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://www.bioniccrossfit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ruptured-achilles.jpg" width="320" /></a>Achille's ruptures are a fairly common occurrence and they tend to happen more often in sports that include jumping and fast side to side movements. They can also occur in just everyday life by stepping off of a curb wrong or going up a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, as important as it is for you to get back to exercise and work out, new work outs that are jumped into too quickly can lead to many injuries because you can irritate your tendons due to overstress.<br />
<br />
So, how can an Achille's injury be treated. There are two options, either conservative or surgical. Either way, it is important that you get to your podiatrist as quickly as possible. Achilles injuries are an emergency and require immediate treatment. If surgery is being sought after, it is best to have surgery within the first 24-48 hours. if you wait, then it doesn't really matter when surgery is because your tendon will have already started to retract. While you wait to go to the doctor, you need to stay off of it, ice, prop your foot up and take some ibuprofen if needed.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you have injured your Achilles, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. There could be an injured Achilles that can become much worse if not taken care of quickly. If you live in the Chatham or North Reading, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-78240429146064632512013-08-25T08:10:00.000-07:002013-08-25T08:10:18.601-07:00Athlete's Foot<a href="http://www.discountqueens.com/uploads/2011/11/disinfectant-spray-lysol.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.discountqueens.com/uploads/2011/11/disinfectant-spray-lysol.png" width="225" /></a>Summer time is one of the worst times of year for athlete's foot. With the heat, the humidity and everyone wanting to go swimming, this leaves the perfect environment for fungus to grow. Fungus likes wet, dark area and in between your toes is the perfect definition of this. The harm of this environment for your feet is that athlete's foot can be something as simple as itching and burning, when it gets worse though, it can become an infection that could require surgery to rid the infection from your body.<br />
<br />
So, what can you do to avoid athlete's foot. There are a few simple rules including don't share shoes with anyone, use a paper towel to dry between your toes after a shower, if your feet tend to get very sweaty then change socks throughout the day, and finally if you have a tendency to get athlete's foot, then you can spray your shoes with Lysol at night and let them dry before the next morning.<br />
<br />
It is important when your foot starts to itch that you check your foot to see if it is dry, red or flaky skin. Athlete's foot generally starts between your toes, but it can quickly spread to the entire foot. If you notice patches of dry skin with a clear center to them this is a pretty reliable sign that this is athlete's foot.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you notice your foot is itching, dry skin, blisters or drainage from your foot, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. There could be an athlete's foot infection that can become much worse if not taken care of quickly. If you live in the Lowell or Reading, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702618335528217964.post-89275345135655399892013-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:002013-08-24T15:51:17.290-07:00Do you Have Ankle or Arch Pain? <a href="http://www.advancedfoottexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/flatfoot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.advancedfoottexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/flatfoot2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Do you have pain in the arch of your foot or on the inside of your ankle? Are you unable to stand on your feet for very long before you have to sit down and take a rest? Have you noticed that your foot seems flatter than what you remember? If you have noticed any of these things occur then you should come in and see your podiatrist immediately.<br />
<br />
There is a condition where when your arch starts to collapse pressure and strain is placed on one of your tendons that causes irritation and a great deal of pain. The key to treating this condition is to get it early on. The sooner you start to treat this condition, the less of a problem you will have. However, if you choose to delay, the problem will continue to progress and can get to the point where conservative treatment is not an option.<br />
<br />
In the early stages of this condition, you can start with orthotic inserts to help support the arch. If the condition has progressed, then you may need to use a brace in order to hold your arch that can be tightly tied and strapped to prevent the stress on your tendon. Past this stage, surgery becomes a possibility, but it is a very involved surgery that should be avoided if necessary.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">If you notice your ankle or arch is hurting, you should seek care from your <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mitchellwachteldpm.com/%E2%80%8E" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">podiatrist</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">. There could be a problem with your tendon that can become much worse if not taken care of quickly. If you live in the Lowell or Reading, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0