 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!
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 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.
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.
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!  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!  With fall upon us and harvest time approaching, thoughts of gardening and yard work come to mind. Whether picking out pumpkins from the patch or raking those autumn leaves, this new season ushers in new types of outdoor activities!
When foot or leg pain strikes, the first idea that comes to mind when determining its cause is asking about recent strenuous activity such as running, swimming, skiing or other high-motion sport. However, did you ever stop to think that under-the-radar activities can contribute to or be the source of lower extremity pain? Gardening is a commonly overlooked activity that requires the manipulation of the body to bend, crouch, and kneel and involves the movement of the foot, leg, thigh, and back! With the advent of the autumn season – many gardeners are probably feeling the effects of their seasonal toil! Gardening is a labor-intensive, weight-bearing hobby and like any strenuous activity, should involve warm-up and adequate protection. Your feet play a variety of roles when it comes to the body: they are essential for mobility, help with preserving balance, bear the full body weight and act as shock absorbers. Gardening requires all the above foot functions when it comes to bending and kneeling to plant seeds, crouching and squatting to weed, AND standing to mulch, fertilize and water your vegetation. Gardening and harvesting are intense exercises, especially when coupled with the sun and the repetitive lifting of various tools such as shovels and hoses. You will burn some serious calories! What can you do to make sure that you have a comfortable, pain-free gardening experience?
Talk to your podiatrist about the best way to approach gardening – they will show you the correct way to stretch your muscles to prevent aches and pains. If you happen to find a problem after gardening, your podiatrist will take the right measures to treat your problem and make recommendations for preventing its reoccurrence! Visit Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. today to talk about your "growing pains" with Dr. Nisha Krishnan! 
When it comes to feeling sore and tired all over, you can bet that your feet have a lot of sway! By paying a little attention to your feet, you can promote relaxation and wellness! How about a little yoga that deals with foot positioning and lower body strengthening? Try these exercises below to rejuvenate your entire body! Virasana Hero Pose What does it do? Stretches thighs and ankles, improves posture How do I do it?
Adho Mukha Svanasana Downward Facing Dog Pose What does it do? Stretches the entire body and with practice, you can stretch/strengthen your Achilles tendon. How do I do it?
Baddha Konsana Cobbler Pose What does it do? Helps relieve pain due to sciatica, improves lower body flexibility. How do I do it?
If you decide a massage is more your style, follow these effective massage tips to ensure you pamper your feet and achieve total-body relaxation!
Yoga and massage, like exercise, helps to stimulate blood circulation. Do these movements in front of the T.V. or take a 5-minute break from work to pause and stretch. The human body is meant to move, so move it! By toning and strengthening your muscles, you are taking active steps in managing your health! If you have any questions on how to do these exercises, post them on the blog or come into the office for an appointment! Call Dr. Krishnan at Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. today! 
1: Hero Pose 2: Downward Facing Dog Pose 3: Cobbler Pose
 Think about all that our feet do for us – they help us move, assist in shock absorption, balance our bodies and support our body weight. What does this mean to us spiritually? In the whole-body sense, have you ever thought about the impact of your feet upon your mind, body and soul?
In the spiritual sense, our feet connect us to the Earth and are our very foundation. They mirror our bodies and reflect our health and our ailments. Think about how relaxed you feel after a foot massage or after a warm foot soak! When your feet are taut and tight, your entire body is simultaneously engulfed in tension. Many circulatory, musculoskeletal and neurological diseases such as diabetes and arthritis first manifest themselves in the feet! These facts compose a small fraction of the reasoning behind foot yoga. Yoga for the body enhances well-being and positive energy flow throughout the body and as does yoga for the feet! There are a series of exercises you can do to encourage the well-being of your feet! (Full descriptors of the exercises will come in the next blog!) Virasana Hero Pose This important pose stretches the top of the foot and ankle and tones the sole of the foot at the same time. It is very therapeutic for flat feet as strengthening the muscles in the feet helps recreate the arches. Adho Mukha Svanasana Downward Facing Dog Pose This well-known pose involves your entire lower extremity. As your aches lift, your feet muscles work and stretch the soles of your feet. Baddha Konsana Cobbler Pose The Baddha Konasana pose involves pressing the four corners of the feet together and drawing the toes away from each other. The foot muscles are strengthened and the arches activated. If you find these exercises too difficult, there are simple movements that you can do to still reap the same benefits!
Still feeling the effects of wear and tear on your feet? Still having ankle pain? Come visit Dr. Nisha Krishnan at Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. for an evaluation today! Call us at (352) 513-4867!  Everyone has experienced the odor of shoe-confined, sweat-ridden feet! It is a phenomenon that either has occurred to you or to someone around you… and that unpleasant scent has traveled to your nose. Intense foot odor, also known as bromohidrosis, is a problem that millions of people experience every day!
Why does bromohidrosis happen? Bromohidrosis is primarily caused by wet, sweaty feet that find themselves confined in close-toed shoe wear. The feet have the most sweat glands out of any other part of the body, almost 500,000 glands all together! Unfortunately, when feet are enclosed in shoes – the sweat has nowhere to evaporate and thus stays on your feet and in your shoes! The warm temperatures and the moisture due to perspiration create an optimal environment for bacterial growth. Bromohidrosis is essentially the metabolic product isovaleric acid caused by the thriving bacteria in your shoes. What causes sweaty feet? The condition of excessively sweaty feet is termed hyperhidrosis and is fundamental cause of foot odor. This disorder affects approximately 1% of the population. Other causes for more than normal perspiration leading to bromohidrosis are stress, hormonal changes and even some drugs. Is bromohidrosis dangerous? Although bromohidrosis is uncomfortable and embarrassing, this foot condition is not a health hazard. However, bromohidrosis is a condition that should alert you that your feet and shoes are now home to plenty of bacteria. If not prevented or treated, toenail and skin fungus may follow your sweaty predicament. Fungus also grows in the same type of environment as bacteria: dark, wet and warm. If you have a nail laceration or rupture in the skin, the organisms may find their way into your toe and spread in the area. What are ways to prevent smelly feet? - Wear cotton or wool socks instead of those made of synthetic materials (like acrylic) as cotton and wool will help absorb moisture and allow your feet to breathe - Change your socks often, at least once a day to keep bacteria from taking hold - Wear open-toed shoes or minimize the wear of close-toed shoes - Practice good foot hygiene and shower regularly - Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them (especially between toes) and keep your feet dry - Dust your feet with foot powder (like talcum) to discourage sweating - Air out your shoes in natural sunlight What treatment options are available for bromohidrosis? These options should be considered after you have tried preventing the condition. Consult your podiatrist about your problem and they may recommend stronger alternatives. Treatments may involve aluminum chloride hexahydrate 20% solution, electric current devices used to diminish sweating, or surgical intervention which involves cutting the nerve responsible for perspiration. Your medical professional will know the appropriate course of action for you and help you control this unpleasant problem! Come into Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. today to see how Dr. Nisha Krishnan can help you with your feet problems! Together, we'll find a treatment option that works for you! Call us at (352) 513-4867!  Everything you possibly wanted to know about shoes, and... a bit more!
All the different components of athletic shoes should work together to keep the foot protected, balanced, and optimized in performance. Athletic shoes of various sports have variations of the anatomical characteristics listed above to enhance performance of the foot. Refer to the diagram in the previous blog post to help you learn the terms and their functions in regards to their placement on the shoe! Upper – the entire portion of the shoe that covers the foot Sole – the entire portion of the shoe that the foot rests upon Shoe upper + Shoe sole = entire shoe Toe box – the horizontal and vertical space near the tip of the shoe to accommodate the toes, comes in different shapes Vamp – the upper, middle section of the shoe were the laces are located – Velcro fasteners may also be found in the vamp section Laces – one of the common closure types of shoes (Velcro is another one) – the purpose of laces is to anchor the shoe firmly onto the middle portion of your foot Eyelets – a round cutout in the vamp section of the shoe to allow the passage of laces, the resistant material that encircles the eyelet is called the eyestay Tongue – a thick flap of material that sits underneath the laces to protect the top of the foot from pressure of the laces Top line – the top edge of the upper portion of the shoe Achilles notch – always found at the back of the shoe, this notch keeps the Achilles tendon from encounter irritation from the shoe Heel counter – stiff material employed to reinforce the shape of the back portion of the shoe, helps with shoe fit and shoe stability Outsole – the outsole is the portion of the shoe that directly contacts the ground Quarter – the portion of the shoe that covers the heel and connects it to the vamp Athletic shoes for different sports and recreational activities have modifications of the characteristics listed above to help enhance the wearer’s performance and to protect the wearer’s feet. For example, basketball shoes have a much higher top line (hi-top shoes) to help keep the ankle in place and reduce the incidence of ankle sprains. Soccer and football cleats have large studs on the bottom of the sole (connected to the outsole) to provide traction on the playing surface. So next time you’re in a shoe store with a friend, impress them with your knowledge of shoe anatomy. Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. and Dr. Nisha Krishnan thank you for taking the time to read our blog! We welcome you to call us for an appointment today at (352) 513-4867!  Within every profession, there are descriptive terms to specify characteristics or locations of features on an item. For a botanist, the anatomy of a plant is crucial in determining how a plant functions and plays an important role in how it reacts to its environment. For the musician, each instrument has their own sound and frequency as dictated by its anatomy – all the parts work together! For many healthcare professionals and patients, it makes sense that the human body has its own anatomy – there’s a name for every bone, joint, ligament, tendon, organ and blood vessel. And even those structures have structures on or within them that are named or classified. Each area of study has its own focus and that focus is very detailed.
In regards to biomechanics of the foot, a podiatrist/foot and ankle specialist must be knowledgeable of all the structures and the geography within the foot. In addition, the anatomy of footwear is also important to know. It helps the clinician evaluate the footwear and deem it worthy or unworthy of your feet. Check out the diagram that highlights the structures in a typical tennis shoe. Shoe designers and shoe manufacturers must also have an expert handling of shoe terms because they work with its creation on a day-to-day basis. For a shoe to work, all the components must be secure, comfortable and work together in harmony. Different shoes have different functions or combinations of functions: arch support, shock absorption, balance, traction and ambulation. In addition, athletic shoes designed specifically for a sport all have properties that help the activist excel in that sport. Take a look at a typical athletic shoe and compare it to the diagram with various parts labeled. Descriptors of the terms will follow in the next article. How many of these features do you see on them? With a little time, you too can be familiar with all the components of a tennis shoe and their functions! Who knew that even tennis shoes had such a specific anatomy!? Come into Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. today! Dr. Nisha Krishnan will devise a a treatment strategy specific for your feet! Call us at (352) 513-4867!  So what is Podiatric Medicine? To what does the field of Podiatry pertain?
While the scope of practice in this field of medicine varies from state to state, Podiatrists or Foot and Ankle Specialists in Florida are licensed to do procedures on the foot, ankle and lower leg (below-the-knee). Many people equate Podiatry to feet and feet only! However, ankles and the lower leg are also part of our daily practice. The foot, ankle and lower leg is a rather extensive complex. With an enormous number of muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, bones and ligaments - the pedal structure of the human is definitely a marvel! Here are some foot, ankle and leg facts for you to jump all over:
In terms of foot health, your Podiatrist is well-versed in foot ailments that may mirror serious medical problems. The first sign of many systemic diseases may manifest in the feet such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, nerve disorders and circulatory problems. During daily activities like standing, walking or even running - all ground forces are transferred from your foot --> ankle --> knee --> hip --> spine --> neck --> head. The slightest injury or pain in your foot is greatly amplified as it distributed through the rest of your body. Any misalignment in the foot and ankle off-balances the other joints in your body so it is extremely important to find the root cause so the rest of your body stays in sync! Take the time to care for you feet, your entire body will thank you! Come to Beverly Hills Foot and Ankle, P.A. to see how Dr. Krishnan can help you! |
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
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