1 Foot 2 Foot

Okay, here comes a déjà vu moment... Dr. Oz is on and today it is about ‘your feet’. Not just yesterday, a co-worker sent a ‘flicked feet’ joke email to everyone in your office – all of this coming on the ‘heels’ of a progressive pain having had previously ignored a recommendation by your healthcare professional to consider support before style. You may ask ‘but what does that mean?’ It all stems from the footwear we outfit our street beaters with. I’m talking about the infamous pair of high heels, stilettos, and all-around pointy-toed shoes that have become the social convention for women throughout the decades.

The question of whether or not shoes cause foot deformities had been a highly debated topic within the podiatric community. However, we do know that other factors play a prominent role in the development of foot deformities such as genetics, biomechanics etc. Yet it’s safe to say that proper shoe gear has proven to be just as vital in preventing such deformities from making a mess of your foot. Honestly, most know what makes a ‘bad’ shoe. I often see my patients discretely (and sometimes not so discretely) nudge their pair of ‘foot offenders’, out of plain view, in hopes that I won’t notice.

I will admit I too used to wear much of the latest style of shoes that had me smiling on the outside but crying on the inside. As cute as they were and how flawlessly they matched my outfit, they hurt my feet like the dickens! Neither abnormal pressure, lack of support nor the act of contortion could change my conviction – I forced my foot to perform. What may begin to happen over time is the development of high pressure points that may cause pain, calluses or corns. Toes begin to adjust to being crammed and forced in unnatural positions which may lead to hammertoes, bunions, capsulitis and neuromas. A lack of support can cause shifts of pressure to increase in certain areas, producing arch pain, plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.

My goal is to not scare you into a pair of shoes shaped like a box and weigh a ton. I want to foster awareness and present a new way to see the role your shoes may play in your feet’s discomfort or deformity role. At the Shoe Fits, we have a certified shoe fitter who can make suggestions and help you find that ‘good’ shoe. We have doctors that are able to help you if you are already beginning to experience any of the ailments previously mentioned.

As it has been said, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’….

Dr. Daria Dalrymple, DPM

Your Foot is Saying… Did you know that your feet speak to your podiatrist? You can consider us the ‘Foot Whisperers’. I know I am poking fun but there is validity to the fact that your feet can shed light on medical conditions that may be affecting the rest of your body. I would like to present a few scenarios in which we can hear your Foot Speak.

You enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner with a glass of wine. Within some hours, something unusual begins to happen to your big toe joint. It becomes red, hot, swollen and painful. Foot Speak: Help, crystals are hurting me! What we hear is that you may be experiencing a gouty attack. Gout is a condition that can be caused by having high amounts of uric acid. Certain foods, like seafood, contain high amounts of purine. When purine breaks down, it becomes uric acid. High amounts of uric acid levels can cause crystals to develop resulting in pain and inflammation to a joint. The most commonly affected joint is the big toe joint.

How about sleepy feet? Have your toes and other parts of your feet felt like they were trying to take a nap? They tingle, with an overwhelming sensation of pins and needles. Foot Speak: Help, I don’t feel the same way like I used to! What we hear is that your nerves are being affected in such a manner which is causing them to respond differently. High blood sugar, vitamin deficiencies and kidney disease are some medical conditions that can cause a nerve disorder known as neuropathy. Neuropathy is a collection of nerve disorders that affect how your nerves detect sensations and control muscle movement.

You might even have been going for your evening walk, your calf muscle cramps up and you have to stop and rest. This is usually happens after you walk about 5 blocks. Foot Speak: Help, I am not getting enough oxygen! What we hear is that your muscles are not getting enough blood, which will result in lack of oxygen. Blockage in your leg arteries can cause this decrease in blood flow. This is known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). There is a strong connection between PAD and blockage of the arteries in the heart, known as coronary artery disease (CAD).

These were a few examples of systemic conditions in your body that may be identified in the feet before showing signs at their source. We at 1Foot2Foot work as a team with your primary care & other specialty physicians to remedy these situations with early detection and proper treatment. From head to toes, we aim to have you in tip-top shape, and we won’t tip-toe around it.

My name is Dr. Daria Dalrymple and I am a foot whisperer.

As I am writing this blog, I realize how quickly this New Year came and how quickly it is advancing. Over the course of the past few weeks, we had sneak previews of what lovely weather will greet us in a matter of a month or so. With the advent of sunny, blue skies and warm weather, an urgency or an anxiety begins to develop. One may ask themself questions that express sentiments such as – ‘Oh no, how did I let this sneak up on me again?’ or ‘Is it too late to do something about it?’ Yes my dear readers, I am talking about getting your feet ready to make their debut this spring/summer.

During the colder months, we shove our feet into boots, sneakers, devices that conceal and keep our feet warm. All along we are not uncomfortable or bothered by the appearance of our feet. We say to ourselves – ‘No one sees them but me.’ Or in some cases our close relatives or friends get to behold our tootsies. As the weather gets warmer, the shoes get skimpier and our little piggies are on display for others to see.

It is not too late to address the matters of your feet. Whether or not the solution arrives in time for them to shine in the sun is all dependent on the cause and how soon you are seen by a podiatrist. There are an array of conditions that can not only affect the appearance of your feet but also cause discomfort and pain. Our website contains a wealth of information about a multitude of ailments or disorders that involve this aspect of our bodies. From fungal nails and warts to shortened toes and bunions, your 1Foot2Foot doctor is able to help you navigate the course of the journey to happy feet.

Dr. Daria Dalrymple, DPM

“Why feet?” has proved to be a rather popular question on behalf of our patients at 1Foot2Foot. In fact, I once shared the very same curiosity and quizzical expressions while navigating the high seas of medical specialties before docking at ‘Port Podiatry’.

You see, feet are considered to be one of the more unglamorous parts of the body and not often given the same level of priority as those parts seemingly reigning supreme in today’s society. However, I liken our feet to that of one’s faith in something. Much like faith, our feet are the foundation upon which your mind, body and spirit rest. Essentially, your feet are structural masterpieces that provide the strength and support needed to lead a great quality of life.

I believe it was this revelation that gave flight to my passion in caring for feet. The seeds of this awareness were planted as a young girl when I had the fortunate opportunity to witness the positive impact of a podiatrist in the life of my wonderful grandmother. It was by far the most patience and kindness I had ever encountered from a pair of healing hands.

As a practicing podiatrist today I endeavor to render that same care and welcome questions from patients I serve. I absolutely enjoy the dialogue and interaction they yield. But it is the “why feet?” that continues to reaffirm my passion and commitment towards significant service which I strive to deliver as a doctor of your feet. Remember that your feet support a weighty load and are entitled to the utmost care and concern. A good rule of thumb is, if you - “live on your feet, love on your feet”.

It is said that the average person takes about 10,000 steps per day which in a lifetime equates to circling the world four times! It is no wonder then that seventy-five percent of Americans will endure foot problems at some point in their lives. So in your journey to boldly go where no one has gone before or just circle the world a few times, we wish you healthy feet and prosperity -“live long and prosper”.

Dr. Daria Dalrymple, DPM

“So, what brings you in today?” It’s a quarter to 9 and you’re getting yourself together for your 10 o’clock-with-the ‘Doc’. Whether something recent, or maybe something you have just been putting off for a while, you have made the decision to seek further treatment – and we’re glad you chose 1Foot2Foot. However, upon signing in with the receptionist up front, apprehension begins to mount, unsure of what to expect. Before you can finish your thought, a voice emerges from the hallway calling your name and escorts you into an examination room where the doctor comes in and asks ‘So, what brings you in today?’ You take a deep breath and immediately place a wall between yourself and the doctor. With each passing question, you add more bricks to your wall.

It is important to note that our foremost interest is to neutralize any notions or feelings brought on by past experiences and foster a positive experience going forward. One of the ways we do this is to engage you in a series of questions with compassion and kindness. It is extremely helpful to know how long you have been experiencing the problem, has it progressively worsened, improved or remained unchanged? Is the condition is painful, how would you describe it? What makes it better? What make it worse? What treatment have you received? These questions create the canvas for a more detailed picture that allows us to provide the best possible treatment and care for your specific condition.

It may seem like you are being placed under the proverbial microscope and being picked apart but the truth is - you are in fact an invaluable part of developing the most favorable diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan. You are the direct line of communication to your body and that which has brought you to see us.

So, if you’ve waited a long time to seek further treatment, don’t hesitate to let us know how long you have had the problem. We will not judge you or make you feel negligent. Even if you’ve discovered a home remedy that might provide some relief, please share, we will not ridicule this treatment or down play your creative intuition. After all, it is the comfort and mutual respect in doctor-patient relationships that breed the invaluable dynamic that will only enhance your all-around experience and encourage your vigilance in maintaining great health and a great quality of life.

We understand that gaining your trust is vital and we take that very seriously. We want you to have a pleasant encounter with us each time we meet. When you hear, ‘So, what brings you in today?’ we want to you feel comfortable with us. This is the cornerstone of a lasting patient- doctor connection. Let’s build that firm foundation 1Foot or 2Foot at a time.

Dr. Daria M. Dalrymple, DPM