Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A.
  • Home
  • Services
  • About
  • Blog
  • Appointment
  • Contact
  • Gallery
  • Education

Interesting Information

Dried Up Feet!

10/31/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Leaves are not the only dry things you'll find this season! The seasons of summer and winter are the harshest time for feet! You may have noticed that your feet become exceptionally dry in the summer due to too much sun while in the winter they become chapped and cracked due to the cold. In both instances, the lack of moisture in your skin lead to the unsightly and uncomfortable conditions of excessive dryness. 

Your feet are accustomed to staying moist and supple; there are over 250,000 sweat glands between your two feet! In one day, your feet may produce up to a pint of sweat! 

The medical term for rough, dry skin on your feet (or in any other bodily area) is xerosis and it may not just arise due to seasonal conditions. Xerosis may also occur if you wash your body and feet too often or may occur due to malnourishment. Basically, xerosis comes about when the natural oils in the outer layer of your skin become depleted. These oils function to retain water, and in the absence of oil your skin loses water or dehydrates. 

Xerosis affects anyone and everyone regardless of gender, race or age; however incidence rises with increased age. In some cases, other medical conditions may cause xerosis: diabets, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism, or Down syndrome. Xerosis is dry skin and may be accompanied by other signs such as scaling skin, cracking, and red/pink patches due to inflammation. Itching may or may not be associated with xerosis. 

If you find that you are experiencing these symptoms, there are several care guidelines that you can follow to diminish the discomfort:
  • Take short lukewarm showers just once a day to prevent dehydration 
  • After bathing, make sure to dry your skin by patting with a towel rather than rubbing 
  • While skin is still moist, apply a oil-based moisturizer (Oil-based moisturizers function to keep your skin hydrated better by preventing water escape from your skin and they work better than water-based moisturizers in that respect). 
  • Use a humidifier in seasons where you notice dry skin occurring (A humidifier will put water into the air and reduce the rate of your skin drying out).
  • Drink plenty of water!

If you find that your condition of xerosis is still bothersome, make an appointment with by calling Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. at (352) 513-4867! Dr. Nisha Krishnan can help find the right treatment for you! 

0 Comments

Nail Polish or Nail Poison?

10/23/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
The immense variety of nail lacquers and polishes make it hard to choose the perfect product! Whether you want to strengthen brittle nails, lengthen short nails, or just add a little color to your fingers and toes – there is a vast arsenal of products in an infinite palate of hues to satisfy every fancy. However, do not be fooled by the seemingly innocent contents of that small, brightly colored bottle. Did you know that the chemicals in nail polish are potentially hazardous for your health?

The dangers of nail polish are directly correlated with the chemicals used in their manufacture. Most nail polishes are chock-full of a variety of harmful substances. The major toxic compounds that you need to watch out for are toluene and dibutyl phthalate.

Toluene is a clear fluid that is a component of many products: gasoline, paints, shoe polish, and even explosives! This compound allows t the nail polish to stay in its liquid form in the bottle and is responsible for the rapid drying of the nail polish when on your nails.  Toluene is bad for your health because it affects your nervous system causing nausea, headaches, and depression. In addition, toluene induces kidney and liver damage as well as eye, nose and throat irritation. It has even been implicated in the development of cancer!

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a chemical that is used as a binder to improve the endurance of nail polish when applied to your nails. This is the substance that allows plastic ware its flexible properties.  Women of child-bearing age are being asked to avoid DBP because it has been linked to cancer in laboratory rats and the disruption of hormone levels in humans. In addition, this compound may play a role in childhood asthma, lasting fertility problems in newborn boys, and liver toxicity.

Besides toluene and DBP, compounds such as ethyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and glycol ethers are potential toxins found in nail polish as well!  Why are these chemicals so bad?

Ethyl alcohol – irritant of mucous membranes and suppresses the activity of the central nervous system.

Formaldehyde – neurotoxin that has produced cancer in certain laboratory rats

Glycol ethers – substance that has been associated with birth defects in animals, lower sperm counts in human males whose mothers were exposed to low levels, and higher than normal rates of miscarriage with increased exposure

Take the time to find a product that is DBP and toluene-free! There’s no point in taking an unnecessary risk just to keep those toes colorful!

If you're using nail polish to hide unsightly nails, come into Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. to see how we can work together to solve the issue. Call the office today at (352) 513-4867 to book your appointment! Want to know more about a particular topic or have a suggestion for a blog idea, post your comments right here! 
2 Comments

Ahh My Legs!! Part 2!

10/17/2014

1 Comment

 
Picture
Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition where the affected person has the uncontrollable urge to keep their body in motion in order to prevent unpleasant and uncomfortable sensations. Body movement relieves the RLS-affected individual’s symptoms.

What are some causes of Restless Legs Syndrome?
There are several associated factors/conditions that may lead to this neurological disorder.
  • A family history of RLS has been noticed, suggesting that this syndrome has a genetic component. 
  • Individuals with iron-deficiency anemia or other vitamin deficiencies may be at risk of developing RLS.
  • Individuals with unremitting diseases such as peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, kidney failure, and Parkinson’s have a connection with RLS (RLS symptoms may diminish by treating the underlying disease) 
  • In some instances, child-bearing women may feel symptoms of RLS. The abnormal neurological sensations usually occur in the last trimester. In most cases, RLS symptoms fade away around1 month after delivery. 
  • Medications such as anti-nausea drugs, anti-psychotic drugs, anti-seizure drugs, anti-depressant drugs and allergy/cold drugs (Benadryl) may increase RLS symptoms! 
  • Caffeine (found in coffee, teas, soft drinks, and chocolate), alcohol and tobacco may contribute to the increased intensity of symptoms of RLS. 
  • A recent publication in the journal, Neurology, has shown there is an association between belly fat and Restless Legs Syndrome. This new study found that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater were 42% likely to have symptoms of this neurological disorder than persons with normal BMI (23). 
Unfortunately, a majority of RLS cases have no known cause.

How is this disorder treated?
RLS may be caused by several different factors. As such, several different treatment methods are employed to handle the syndrome.
  • Iron, magnesium, and folate supplements 
  • Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco 
  • Normalizing sleep patterns (may be achieved by moderate exercise or hot showers) 
  • Hot baths or leg massages
  • Change in medications (talk to your doctor) 

These remedies may play a role in reducing RLS symptoms and bring about relief, but do not expect them to completely eliminate the abnormal sensations.

If you feel unpleasant tingling, creeping, “pins-and-needles” or tugging sensations on or in your body, especially in the leg area – you should consult your local podiatrist. When discussing your condition, be sure to inform them of all the medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you may be taking as well as your smoking and drinking habits. They will prescribe the right treatment/medications to help reduce and may be eliminate Restless Legs Syndrome! Come to Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. for an evaluation. Dr. Nisha Krishnan can help diagnose and treat your problem, call (352) 513-4867 today for an appointment! 

1 Comment

Ahh! My Legs!! (Part 1)

10/7/2014

1 Comment

 
Picture
What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) also known as Wittmaack-Ekbom syndrome is a neurological condition that is characterized by burning, itching, gnawing or creeping sensations of the legs. Some people have even described the feeling as insects crawling up and down the insides of their legs!

Who is affected?
It is thought that 12 million Americans may be plagued with this condition! Although both males and females are affected, it occurs slightly more frequently in women. The disorder can occur at any age – from infants to the elderly. The majority of those affected with RLS lie in the middle-age to geriatric age range. Unfortunately, the intensity of syndrome increases with age. Older individuals experience longer episodes of symptoms with greater frequency.

What are some characteristics of this condition?
The most unusual and distinguishing feature of this disorder is that relaxing or lying down will trigger the symptoms of this condition! If left undiagnosed and untreated, this syndrome will cause sleep deprivation which can lead to exhaustion and fatigue during the day as well as the lack of concentration, reduced memory and the inability to accomplish daily activities.

What are signs and symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome?
Paresthesias which are irregular sensations and dysesthesias which are unpleasant irregular sensations are indications of RLS. These abnormal feelings usually occur in the leg – between the knee and ankle, deep inside the body. RLS may also occur in the torso, arms, hands, thighs and feet! This condition usually occurs bilaterally (on both sides of the body), but in some cases only one side of the body may be affected.

The way to relieve these abnormal sensations is by continued movement – so people with RLS usually keep their legs in constant motion to prevent the uncomfortable feelings from arising. A person with RLS will pace around, toss and turn in bed and shift their legs continuously while seated.


Individuals with RLS usually find that the symptoms of the syndrome are less obvious during the day and more definite in the evening hours. This condition may be brought about by stillness, immobility, or inactivity such as sitting in a theater, airplane, or car seat for extended periods of time.


If you liked this blog, please “Like!” it! Stay tuned for Part 2 of “Ahh! My Legs!” Please call Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A., today if you need a foot, ankle or lower leg specialist! Dr. Nisha Krishnan would love to discuss your condition and treatment options! Contact us at (352) 513-4867!

1 Comment
    About the Author 
    Dr. Nisha Krishnan is the President of Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. She specializes in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and offers a full-range of foot, ankle and lower leg services.

    Archives

    January 2016
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A.
Dr. Nisha Krishnan
3404 North Lecanto Highway, Suite A
Beverly Hills, FL 34465
Phone: (352) 513-4867
Fax: (888) 314-9873

  • Home
  • Services
  • About
  • Blog
  • Appointment
  • Contact
  • Gallery
  • Education