Dr. Suz Heals Health Blog

Improve Your Golf Game with Custom Orthotics

10/18/2018

Whether you are playing for a large prize or with your friends, golfers of all levels really want to win. Any extra edge may help you beat your competition.

As a podiatrist, I have worked with athletes of all levels and sports. The one device that has benefited my patients the most are custom made orthotics. Orthotics are devices that are placed in your shoes and are able to change the physical characteristics of not just your feet, but of your entire body.

These inserts can be placed in the golfer's shoes in order to vary their posture or playing style. Orthotics can be purchased over the counter but it is best to receive custom golf orthotics. Custom orthotics are specifically prescribed and tailored to your needs. A qualified podiatrist can evaluate you with a thorough physical examination and analysis of your gait, stance and golf swing. This should also take into account your foot type and any complaints such as location of foot, ankle, knee, hip or back pain.

I tend to compare custom or prescription orthotics to eyeglasses. Before using prescription eyeglasses, your doctor performs an exam. Based on the results of the exam, your doctor will tell you if you need prescription eyeglasses and gives you a specific prescription for your needs. The same is true for prescription orthotics. Your doctor will prescribe you an orthotic based on your examination and needs. If your doctor finds that you do not need a custom orthotic, they may recommend treatments such as exercises or physical therapy instead. Orthotics should be prescribed on an individualized basis. If you wear orthotics in your golf shoes you may not need them for other sports or daily life.

Three studies were performed and published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics from 1997-2001. They examined the effects of custom golf orthotics on player's swings, balance, gait and fatigue over a six week period. The golfers wore the devices every day for one and a half months, and then the statistics were taken.

The studies revealed that use of the custom orthotics increased the speed at which the golfers swung their clubs. The increased velocity allowed the players to hit the ball further away than they could without the orthotics. The study also showed an apparent decrease in fatigue and body pains among the golfers. Also, although individual differences were anticipated, data trends suggest that nine holes of simulated golf promotes change in standing balance and proprioception and that six weeks of wearing custom-made, flexible orthotics has a positive influence in promoting balance and proprioceptive symmetry. However, the researchers who did the study cautioned that the study was only done on a specific group of golfers and that results would probably vary if the study was done on a wider segment of the population.

The use of orthotics in golf can improve your game by decreasing fatigue, preventing pain and increasing the speed and quality of your swing. The effects of the devices may not take players from amateur status to a high paid professional overnight, but they will provide golfers with an edge over their opponents. Any extra edge can help you win your next game!

If you would like to schedule a consultation for custom made orthotics or any other foot or ankle conditions with Dr. Suzanne Fuchs in her private office in Jupiter, Florida please call (561) 619-3557 or
Email: Admin@LuxePodiatry.com. WEBSITE

Cheers to Your Health

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3 Non-Surgical Treatments For Foot & Ankle Pain

9/30/2018

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Foot and ankle pain and other problems can be extremely debilitating. Undergoing foot and ankle surgery usually requires a lot of downtime and a long recovery. Many people think that most foot problems require surgery, however, there are several non-surgical treatments before choosing to go under the knife.

Before deciding on foot or ankle surgery, our doctors will try several non-surgical treatments to relieve the pain or inflammation in your foot or ankle. At LuxePodiatry™, my private practice in Palm Beach County, we provide many non-surgical treatment options for our patients. Here are three non-surgical treatments that are easily performed in our office with little to no downtime.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronan is a natural substance found in your joints and joint fluid. In the foot and ankle, hyaluronan acts like a lubricant and a cushion in the joint. When you lose this lubricant and cushion, you will get decreased motion, pain and swelling in your joints.
The goal of this type of injection is to supplement poor-quality hyaluronan in your painful joint with additional highly purified hyaluronan. We use an injectable solution made from highly purified sodium hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid) that is extracted from chicken combs. These are harvested from chickens that have been certified as suitable for human consumption via pre- and post-mortem veterinary inspection.
The treatment will be injected directly into your joint right in the office by one of our trained physicians.
The whole procedure takes only a few minutes:

Your doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Your doctor may remove any the fluid that is currently in your joint with a process called arthrocentesis.
Your doctor injects hyaluronic acid therapy into the painful joint space.

You may be instructed to avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days following the injection. Most patients experience little or no discomfort during the injection.
The injections are usually done in a series. Your doctor will inform you as to how many injections you will need.
We are currently using Supartz FX™

Traumeel® Injections
Traumeel is a homeopathic prescription drug that is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative conditions. Traumeel is a botanical extract and agent found in nature that not only reduces swelling, but balances it to promote its benefits. Traumeel is primarily composed of arnica montana root, a plant extract that is commonly found in tablets and creams to relieve pain and inflammation.
Since the solution is mostly plant based, there are little to no side effects or allergic reactions. Traumeel is an anti-inflammatory treatment that can be used as often as necessary. Compared to corticosteroids, though safe when regulated by a physician, may have adverse effects if used too often.
Traumeel injections treat several inflammation based conditions. Soft tissue injuries respond very well to Traumeel treatment, including muscles ligaments, and tendons. It is very helpful to those who experience chronic inflammation, such as athletes who may have an area or body part that they overuse during performance.
Some of the common conditions Traumeel is used for:

Tendinitis
Strains/Sprains
Tears of ligaments, muscles or tendons
Plantar Fasciitis
Joint Pain
Sports Injury
Muscle Spasms
Fractures
Bursitis
Neuroma
Minor Arthritis Symptoms

Human Amniotic Cell Membrane
Get back to the activities and sports that you love!
Amniotic cell therapy is an all natural injection therapy designed for soft tissue injuries in the foot and ankle. Amniotic therapy is used for patients who have found no relief through conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, insoles and bracing or are looking for non-surgical and non-steroidal options.
Amniotic fluid is highly concentrated in stem cells, proteins, cytokines and other important compounds, which are one some of the most fundamental cells in our bodies. Studies have shown this fluid to be naturally regenerative and can reduce inflammation and scars. Amniotic fluid is the fluid surrounding a fetus in pregnancy. During most pregnancies, this fluid is thrown away after birth. Consenting mothers of cesarian section babies can donate this fluid because of it’s amazing regenerative process. It is important to note, these cells come from the amniotic sac and are not part of the embryo.
You will be back on your feet immediately with little to no downtime.

For Questions or To Schedule a Consultation with One of The Foot & Ankle Specialists at LuxePodiatry™ Please Call Us at
(561) 619-3557
LuxePodiatry.com

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Is BPA Free Plastic Safe?

8/5/2018

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Glass Water Bottle with built in Alkaline Filter

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health, Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are used in some food and drink packaging, i.e., water and infant bottles, compact discs, impact-resistant safety equipment, and medical devices. Epoxy resins are used as lacquers to coat metal products such as food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. Some dental sealants and composites may also contribute to BPA exposure.

Most people are exposed to BPA through their diet. While air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA in food and beverages accounts for the majority of daily human exposure. Bisphenol A can leach into food from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned foods and from consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage containers, water bottles, and baby bottles. The temperature of the substance or bottle may effect how much BPA leaches from polycarbonate bottles or containers. BPA has also be found in breast milk.   BPA has been shown to be capable of interfering with the body's hormones, particularly estrogen, and research has linked BPA exposure to diseases such as cancer.   BPA is an endocrine disruptor and developing breast cancer is a multi-factorial and hormonal-dependent process, which may be triggered by many risk factors including chemicals like BPA.

One reason people may be concerned about BPA is because human exposure to BPA is widespread. The 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of 2,517 urine samples from people six years and older. The CDC NHANES data are considered representative of exposures in the United States. Another reason for concern, especially for parents, may be because some animal studies report effects in fetuses and newborns exposed to BPA.  Some studies suggest that infants and children may be the most vulnerable to the effects of BPA. (ReferenceNIH)

If we use bottles and containers that say "BPA-free" does that mean we are safe?

Shopping for a water or baby bottle online or in a store you will notice many that say "BPA-Free." There are several reasons why this label gives a false sense of security. When plastic bottles or other containers that usually contain BPA are removed, it is often replaced with a chemical that can be just as dangerous. BPA may be replaced with BPS or bisphenol-S, a similar chemical that may be just as harmful or possibly worse. Researchers call this swapping of chemicals "regrettable substitution." The replacement chemicals only have to be different enough to be considered distinct by regulators. They actually do not have to be proven safe! Most chemicals used commercially have not been tested for safety. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could take decades to review the 80,000 chemicals currently in use. Each year in the U.S. there is approximately 2,000 chemicals added to what companies are using in their products and have yet to be tested by the EPA.

BPA is already in so many products that it is pretty much unavoidable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012, but BPA is still being used in many other products such as water bottles, canned food and receipt paper. Even with extensive research and evidence of the harmful effects of BPA, the FDA has not banned BPA or other similar chemicals from items produced in the United States. The FDA has said that BPA is safe at very low levels that occur in some foods. BPA may be safe at very low levels, however, when combining BPA with other toxic chemicals found in our food, air, water supply and household items, this all adds up. We can all take steps to reduce our exposure to BPA and other chemicals.

Steps to reduce exposure to BPA and other chemicals:
  (Reference NIH)

Use BPA-free and BPS-free products. Check the products for labels. If a product doesn't have a label then look for the recycle codes 3 or 7, these may be made with BPA.
Stop using canned goods. Reduce your use of canned foods since most cans are lined with BPA or BPS containing resin.
Avoid heat. As I stated previously, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, advices against microwaving polycarbonate plastics or putting them in the dishwasher, because the plastic may break down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.
Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from over use at high temperatures. Use glass food containers to store and reheat food.
Use alternatives. Use glass, stainless steel or porcelain for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers. I suggest using glass for all of your liquids cold or hot especially in warm weather. The heat from outside, or leaving the container in your car, may cause chemicals to leach out. Drinking from a glass bottle is the best way to ensure you will not be ingesting added chemicals. Try this glass water bottle from Invigorated Living. You can take this glass bottle everywhere you go and fill up since it also has a built in water filter. The alkaline water filter filters out chlorine and other toxins. Grab your very own FDA approved bottle here: Invigorated Living. Just click on the link, follow the steps until checkout and an automatic discount will be applied at checkout.

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5 Tips To A Whiter Smile (Without breaking the bank) By Avalene Roberts R.D.H

5/27/2018

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I'm sure that we can all agree that a bright healthy looking smile is attractive. What if I told you that you can keep your smile white and not break the bank? As a Registered Dental Hygienist I have seen many patients and helped many people keep a sparkly smile. Today I will tell you exactly how you can keep your teeth white with these 5 tips.

Have A Professional Dental Cleaning
The first step to a whiter and healthier smile is to have a professional Dental cleaning. This will remove all the calcified bacteria off your teeth and polish off the surface stain. Instantly your smile will be brighter and your breath fresher.

Use A Recommended Over The Counter Whitening Strip
Before trying In Office Whitening I recommend starting off with an over the counter whitening strip such as Crest White Strips. Crest 3D white has been approved by The American Dental Association and has received their official seal. I have noticed significant results from patients using Crest white strips. Whitening at home first gives you a good starting place. Some patients reach their desired results while others may need In office treatment. While whitening, it is best to using a whitening toothpaste as well. Sensodyne True White has the lowest abrasivity on the market and helps with sensitivity from the whitening process.

Brush With An Electric Toothbrush
When it comes to brushes, some are more effective than others! Electric brushes simply move faster and tend to keep stain off the teeth. The Oral- B Genius and Sonicare Diamond clean electric toothbrushes are the top of the line. Both brushes are an investment and will cost you over $100. If cost is a concern, then consider The Goby electric toothbrush which is very affordible and highly effective.

Load Up On The Strawberries
While most berries stain teeth, Strawberries are the only berries that are proven to actually whiten teeth. Strawberries contain Malic Acid which whitens the teeth. It is widely known that brushing with Baking Soda and Strawberries are quite effective at whitening the teeth. I would NOT recommend this as Brushing something acidic into the tooth structure with an abrasive agent will erode enamel. Wearing away the enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity. Your best bet is to simply eat the berries.

Rinse
Most of us drink Coffee, Tea and the occasional glass of Red Wine. All these thing will stain teeth and make your smile dull and darker. I recommend drinking beverages through a straw whenever you can and rinse with water immediately after. Do not brush until 30 minutes after drinking. Some beverages are acidic and can erode enamel if you brush after drinking it. Rinsing right after can make such an amazing difference. As a practicing Dental Hygienist for over 12 years, I recommend these tips to my patients. I have noticed major improvement. Some people have a deep internal darkness to their teeth and they may need additional professional In Office Dental Whitening or Porcelain Veeners to cover their enamel. If you have any questions about brightening your smile, stop by Tribeca Smiles for a complimentary Consultation, just mention this blog post!

Author: Avalene Roberts R.D.H
Avalene Roberts graduated the top of her class at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of Newark, NJ (UMDNJ), Avalene is a licensed Registered Dental Hygienist in the State of New York and New Jersey. Both enthusiastic and caring, Avalene believes that every patient deserves the best possible care and prides herself in ensuring that every experience is a comfortable one for the patient. She is a mother, the hygiene department leader at Tribeca Smiles, founder of DDS Connections, blogger, podcaster and founder of the fun Dental game Cavity Smash.

Where to Find Her:
Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/ddsconnections Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/ddsconnections FaceBook: https://www.FaceBook.com/ddsconnections Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%94%B9avalene-roberts-rdh-6169497/

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

Avalene Roberts R.D.H

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Injury Prevention for Dancers

4/24/2018

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One of the basic characteristics of ballet dance is the external rotation of the legs, also known as turnout. A popular style of ballet is pointe which is danced on the tips of 3 toes. Pointe shoes have a reinforced toe box that is flat on the tip, creating an even surface for the dancer to stand on. These elements can all potentially cause severe injuries.

The rotation of the legs seen in ballet and pointe, occurs at the hip joint. This motion at the hip uses six deep muscles and is extremely important for proper movement. All six of these muscles connect the femur to the pelvis and are used to rotate the legs externally and internally. Many young ballet dancers are taught to use their feet as a guide for turnout. This focus on rotating out at the the feet can lead a dancer to only turnout at their feet instead of utilizing their hips, an unnatural occurrence, and can lead to knee and ankle injuries.

Pointe dancers need to have strong ankle muscles and good flexion in the ankles. I have seen students start pointe too early which has compromised the structure of their foot and leg bones and lead to very damaging injuries. Dance injuries are categorized as acute or new injuries and chronic injuries that develop over time.

Some common chronic injuries I see in my practice are stress fractures, plantar fasciitis and patellar tendinitis. Chronic injuries develop from overuse and activities such as repetitive jumping and landing. Common acute injuries are ankle sprains, muscle cramps and broken toes. These occur from weak or fatigued muscles, instability when performing jump landings and incorrect technique.

Acute and chronic injuries can be prevented. In order to prevent injuries in dancers, specifically ballet dancers, you must incorporate exercises that help with flexibility, strength, posture, alignment, balance and mobility. I recommend adding pilates and yoga to your workouts 2-3 times per week.

Pilates helps strengthen the core and improves alignment. Pilates classes that use the reformer are not easily accessible for many and can get quite expensive. You can take a pilates mat class or even better find a local Rollology™ instructor. If you can not find one, you can get certified to become one yourself here: www.RollologyFitness.com.

Rollology™ targets each and every part of your body helping to strengthen core muscles, improve alignment, posture and balance. It helps strengthen arms and legs and can promote flexibility. You can also use the foam roller to self massage and release tight fascia and muscles. Make sure to MOBILIZE your fascia. Just stretching, or even too much stretching, can cause injuries if the fascia and muscles are immobile or stiff.

Yoga is great for gaining muscle strength, joint stability, balance and focus. Hatha yoga is a very common type of yoga and can likely be found in your area. Hatha yoga focuses on balance, breathing and flexibility. It will also help young dancers focus, stay centered and ease performance nerves.

I hope this helps your little dancer stay injury free and dancing for a long time! I will be launching ShopDrSuz.com. This is a brand new website that will have foot care solutions for all your foot, ankle and leg conditions. Stay tuned for more blog posts and information on keeping your feet, ankles and lower body healthy and injury free.

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Dr. Suzanne Fuchs has a passion for nutrition, health and fitness. She aims to connect the dots between our overall health and the substances that go into our bodies on a daily basis by using only evidence based medicine, science and expert advice.
Dr. Suzanne Fuchs currently practices concierge foot and ankle medicine and surgery in Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida at LuxePodiatry™

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Improve Your Golf Game with Custom Orthotics

3 Non-Surgical Treatments For Foot & Ankle Pain

Is BPA Free Plastic Safe?

5 Tips To A Whiter Smile (Without breaking the bank) By Avalene Roberts R.D.H

Injury Prevention for Dancers

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