Sean J Pincus Podiatrist

World diabetes day 14 November
For people living with Diabetes, every day is Diabetes day

To mark World Diabetes Day 2022 under the theme “education to protect tomorrow,” the International Diabetes Federation has launched a global survey to explore the levels of access that healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes have to diabetes education.

Great to host Dr Richard Chasan from Melbourne's The Lower Limb Clinic. Sharing knowledge learning as we teach, and teaching as we learn

Dr Chasen has spent the week in Cape Town, learning the ins and outs of our new orthotic manufacturing machinery with the incredible Sean Pincus, one of South Africa's leading podiatrists. We would like to thank the entire team at Cape Podiatry and Ripple Effect for helping get us up to speed and spending so much of their own time to make sure things turned out right. And if you're in South Africa and you're looking for good podiatrists, call Sean Pincus, Calvin Sinnett, Karina Gajjar and Anelia Marais...

Interesting coincidence that today is international Plantar fasciitis day, and I share the lecture podium with Prof Jon Patricios. Lecturing on Plantar fasciitis

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar fasciitis is a common and a disabling musculoskeletal disorder primarily affecting the fascial enthesis; it is thought to have a mechanical origin. It is predominantly a clinical diagnosis. Symptoms are stabbing, inferior heel non radiating pain in the morning; the pain becomes worse at the end of the day and can be triggered and aggravated by prolonged standing, walking, running and obesity

In particular, pes planus foot types and lower-limb biomechanics that result in a lowered medial longitudinal arch are thought to create excessive tensile strain within the fascia, producing microscopic tears: inflammation is rarely observed in chronic plantar fasciitis. Evidence indicates a link between arch function and heel pain. With proper treatment, 80% of patients with plantar fasciitis improve within 12 months.

A Podiatric complete differential diagnosis of plantar heel pain is important; a comprehensive history and physical examination guide accurate diagnosis. Many nonsurgical treatment modalities are used in managing the disorder, including rest, drugs, custom and off-the-shelf orthoses, injections, physical and shock wave therapy as nonsurgical management of plantar fasciitis is successful in approximately 90% of patients.
A Podiatrist can arrange investigations, perform gait analysis and be helpful for this condition; he can advise strapping technique and appropriate shoes, custom made orthotics. Ha can help with an accurate diagnosis, reduce the pain and relief pain to a better quality of life.

References:
Plantar fasciitis: evaluation and treatment. Steven K Neufeld 1, Rebecca Cerrato - PubMed (nih.gov), 2008 Jun
www.fip.global

Plantar digital Neuroma: General Surg/ConserMorton’s neuralgiaMorton's neuralgia is a painful nerve disease of the foot due to chronic compression, which is caused by swelling and nodular thickening of the interdigital nerves (neuroma) mainly in the area of the metatarsal heads III and IV, more rarely between II and III.Additional compression can also be generated by an inflammatory altered and enlarged bursa, which is also located between the heads of the metatarsals and can form a conglomerate with the nerve node.Other foot deformities such as splayfoot and hallux valgus, which can also be caused by wearing unsuitable shoes that are too tight, are particularly conducive to the development of Morton's neuroma.Symptoms are severe pain in thearea of the metatarsus heads up to the toes especially after longer walking distances due to the rolling of the foot and can be detected by the compression of the Metatarsal heads, the “squeeze test”, which is very painful in Morton ́s neuralgia.At the same time, there is usually numbness of the toes in the shoe, requiring patients to remove their shoes and massage their feet. These intermittent paraesthesia and pain in the forefoot are caused by sclerosing thickening of the nerves digitales plantares communes.Conservative treatment may consist of padding and spreading the anterior transverse arch, also with orthosis, to widen the spaces between and straighten the toes and thereby relieve the neuroma. Also, temporary pain management with local anaesthesia or infiltration of a local anaesthetic may be performed.Surgical removal of the neuroma may be necessary.www.fip.global

https://omny.fm/shows/the-morning-review-with-lester-kiewit/foot-health-during-diabetes-awareness-month

Foot health during Diabetes Awareness month - The Morning Review with Lester Kiewit - Omny.fm Lester speaks to Dr Sean Pincus Podiatrist at Sore Feet.

International Podiatry Day Podiatry Association of South Africa

Feet are complex.

High arched feet can lead to instability and ankles sprains. Also, there is considerable amount of pressure happening on the rear and fore foot. Consult a Podiatrist to help you to find the right treatment for your feet.

An essential read! If you have a family history of PAD, or you have any of these symptoms act early and get assessed. Early treatment can avoid major issues later on

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition where a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to leg muscles. It's also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Seek professional advice....visit your Podiatrist 🦶👣

With temperatures dropping around the country it isnt uncommon to start seeing cold related skin lesions like chilblains. These are small lesions seen on extremities (like fingers, toes, nose and ears). They can itch, tingle or burn and become painful.
Basic advice is to keep warm naturally. So using thermal socks, gloves, furlined boots, ear covers etc.
Avoid artificial sources of heat like putting feet near heaters, fires, hot waterbottles or in hot baths etc.
There are some meds that can help and some ointments that help too. However Covid-19 can present with similar lesions so it would be adviseable to send a photo to your podiatrist first and have a virtual consult beforehand.
Keep warm, keep safe.

Covid-19 has affected the worldwide population. Signs and symptoms vary. Acro-Ischemia was also reported in patients with Covid-19. Studies are still ongoing

Its good to understand the difference between tendonitis, and tendonopathy. Most times it's tendinopathy (amd plantar fasciopathy) which takenlonger to treat
But the quicker you start the better

What Is the Difference Between Tendonitis, Tendinosis, and Tendinopathy? Trauma to a tendon can result in various forms of tendon injury. A knowledge of the different types of tendon problems can help a patient understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

A common injury! But wjat is more common is that people dont look after these injuries properly. They tend to ignore them, paste on a bandage hobble for a few days and get on with it. Only to present a few years later saying "I have a weak ankle".
Truth they have a poorly managed and poorly rehabilitated ankle injury.
My advice is if you sprain/strain your ankle get it seen and manage it properly.
Rest Ice Compression elevation! Get to a Podiatrist, physio, or orthopaedic surgeon for a good assessment. Dont ignore xrays and give it time to recover and rehabilitate it properly.

All About Ankle Sprains and Strains Ankle strains and sprains are common injuries. This article reviews what you need to know about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

I am not sure what the reason is but it certainly seems to be "ingrown toenail season".
I cannot recall a time in practice where I have done so many procedures in such a short time, so with that in mind some basic tips.
Don't try treat them yourself, if you think it's ingrown, or it's hurting, it is an ingrown nail.
Treating it yourself is a guarantee that it will become a problem. Come see me sooner rather than later.
If it has become infected, it is a more serious issue.
If you need a procedure DO NOT GOOGLE IT AND WATCH A YOUTUBE VIDEO. That kak is scary.
Bottom line, ingrown nails can hurt like crazy, they can become infected and be the cause of ongoing chronic issues. Treat it asap