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<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0><script type="text/javascript" src="http://hb.lycos.com/hb.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://ratings.lycos.com/ratings/lycosRating.js.php"></script> <script type="text/javascript"><![CDATA[//><!]]></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://scripts.lycos.com/catman/init.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-start.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-middle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-end.js"></script> <noscript> <img src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/img/common/ot_noscript.gif?rand=990165" alt="" width="1" height="1" />  <iframe frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="728" height="90" src="http://ad.yieldmanager.com/st?ad_type=iframe&ad_size=728x90&section=209094"></iframe>  </noscript> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=110 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="041f0f21egerdp.jpg"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="042203c0.jpg" border=0 width="32" height="60" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#66334C" FACE="Arial" ><B>FOOT HEALTH CENTER OF BRAZORIA COUNTY</b></FONT><B>      |     </b><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FOOT HEALTH CENTER OF BRAZORIA COUNTY"><U><B>home</b></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Us"><U>About Us</U></A>   |   <B>FAQ</b>   |   <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MAP to OFFICE"><U>MAP to OFFICE</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Products and Services"><U>Our Products and Services</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MY Favorite Westys"><U>MY Favorite Westy's</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="HOSACKELWAGEN Vanagon Used Parts "><U>HOSACKELWAGEN - Vanagon Used Parts  </U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="040f2f02egerdp.jpg"> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">AS WE AGE.......</b></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Diabetes and our feet</b></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">GOUT</b></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Heel Pain</b></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ingrown Toenails</b></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Foot Orthotics</b></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Plantars Warts</b></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=370 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="043f0f03.jpg"> <div> <I>FAQ</I></div> <div> <B>Question:</b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Doctor, as I grow older my feet are changing. Why is this? How does time change our feet?</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Answer: </b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Dr. Hosack</FONT></div> <div>                 Foot Health Centers - Lake Jackson/Bay City</div> <div>                 (409)297-3204 (409)245-3434</div> <bR> <div> From heel to toe, your younger feet are stronger and more resilient. But the years and the miles can take their toll on your feet. In a course of a lifetime, the average person walks more than 100,000 miles.   During the first three decades of life the skin is a protective covering which has elasticity and the skin on the soles is thicker than on any other part of the body. Your toenails have strong layers of protein that protect the tips of your toes. Your foot bones form the framework of your feet and support your weight with ease. In youth, our joints connect the foot skeleton and provide flexible, pain free movement. Our fat pads in the feet cushion the bones. Our blood vessels carry nutrients and oxygen from your heart and lungs to your feet. Our youthful nerves relay messages such as pain between our feet and our brains. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles are strong flexible fibers that move and support our feet.</div> <div> As we age: Our skin loses elasticity and less resistant to injuries.  Skin may become dry and callused. Our toenails may get brittle and thin, causing cracking or splitting. This can open the nail plate to fungus and infection which causes them to become thicker. Bones may change shape, becoming brittle and more easily broken. Joints may lose some flexibility, making movement difficult and painful. Our fat pads become thinner, particularly on the balls and heels of our feet. Blood vessels may narrow. Arteries can clog, reducing blood flow to your feet. Veins may enlarge and cause swelling.  Nerves are more easily damaged, since surrounding tissue is thinner. This may lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or burning.  Ligaments, tendons, muscles may weaken or tear from strain of weight or overuse. This can cause pain, swelling, and loss of movement. </div> <div> What to do? </div> <div> 1.Wear supportive shoes. </div> <div> 2. Walk 30 minutes 3 times a week </div> <div> 3. Stop smoking. </div> <div> 4. Balanced diet- lower fat intake!  </div> <div> 5. Treat  foot problems immediately - do not wait!  </div> <div> 6. Move to a weightless environment - (i.e. of course this may cause other health problems, but your feet will feel great!</div> <bR> <div> _____________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Question:</U></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > I have diabetes and my feet are starting to  give me trouble, what should I do to protect me feet. </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>Answer:</U></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Dr. Hosack  (Office Hours - Lake Jackson _ Tuesday,Wed, Thursday)</FONT></div> <div>                 Foot Health Centers - Lake Jackson/Bay City</div> <div>                 (409)297-3204 (409)245-3434</div> <bR> <div> It is understood that individuals with diabetes can have significant underlying  abnormalities in the absence of other symptoms. It thus becomes the responsibility of the podiatric physician to assiduously investigate the presences of all and any complications of the lower extremity. The care of our diabetic patients involves the participation of a multidisciplinary team, which includes the internist, diabetic nurse educator, certified pedorthist, and vascular surgeon. The day -today of the diabetic patient should involve the surveillance of their blood glucose levels, inspection of the lower extremity, and daily foot hygiene. It is important to seek the help of a podiatrist if any symptoms arise. Podiatric Physicians are trained in all aspects of foot care and prevention. Most foot exams included baseline x-rays and preventative surgery to treat conditions before the become limb and life threatening. Most people with diabetes have good circulation and it is only late in the disease that significant arterial problems begin.</div> <div> Most people with diabetes heal just as well as those who do not have the disease. At our office we specialize in diabetic foot care and people who have diabetes our treated the same day as they call. Helping people with diabetes is PRIORITY #1 in our office.</div> <bR> <div> _____________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Question: </b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><U>I've been told that I might have Gout. I don't understand what that is. Please explain this to me. </U></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Answer:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Dr. Hosack</FONT></div> <div>                 Foot Health Centers - Lake Jackson/Bay City</div> <div>                 (409)297-3204 (409)245-3434</div> <bR> <div> For many people, gout is a subject of history. King Henry VIII,  suffered with gout and was treated with leaches and serial bleeds to try to cure his condition. Humorous drawings of these episodes show a small giggling, red devil sticking the poor old King's big toe joint with a pitch fork. King Henry VIII put the blame on his condition on one of his many wives, but his suffering was because of his appetite for rich food and drink.  </div> <div>         For people with gout, it is anything but humorous. It can be excruciatingly painful, some say the most intense pain a person can experience. It's often connected to rich diets, with lots of red wine and brandy.</div> <div>     Gout is a form of arthritis, which strikes the lining of the joints. The big toe joint is a common target. Gout is caused by the bodies inability to process uric acid, which leads to a build up of acid salts in the blood stream, and this build up crystallizes into joints that are cooler and farther from the heart.  The most common sites form this arthritis is the big toe joint, ankle and knee. Onset of pain is usually at night. The joint becomes inflamed, swollen and painful to touch.  Men develop gout 10:1 in comparison to women and usually after bingeing on Lone Star Beer on the weekend.{Beer brand name can be substituted}</div> <div>   You can get some relief by applying warm compresses and elevating the foot. But do not take aspirin for the pain it can intensify the symptoms.</div> <div>   You should seek advice for diet modification, prescription medication to lower uric acid levels, and evaluation to determine if joint damage has occurred. Without treatment,  Gout will slowly get better - but without diet modification the red devil may soon return.</div> <bR> <div> ______________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Question: </U></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > My husband's heels hurt terribly with his first steps out of bed. It gets better after a few minutes, however if he sits for any length of time and then stands the pain comes right back! </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Answer:</U></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Dr. Hosack</FONT></div> <div>                           Foot Health Centers - Lake Jackson/Bay City</div> <div>                          (409)297-3204 (409)245-3434</div> <bR> <div> This is one of the most common foot complaints. Heel pain or plantar fascitis inflammation at the bottom of the heel is a wear and tear type injury that can happen to anyone.  Because of the nature of this injury, sleep or resting the foot does not seem to help. As we rest,  our feet naturally relax in a downward position(plantarflexed).  This allows the plantar ligament(fascia) to heal in a contracted position. With the first steps out of bed, this ligament is stretched or torn causing pain in the heel which can sometimes even shoot up the leg.  As it loosens up the pain is somewhat relieved, however as we drive in a car, veg in front of the T.V.,  or sit down to rest,  the ligament contracts again. Pain returns as we get up to walk. </div> <bR> <div> There are NO Quick Fixes with heel pain.  Surgery should be the last option because it is very unpredictable and debilitating. A complete podiatric examination including history, x-rays,  and physical and walking exam should be done to evaluate your pain and individual needs. This condition, often referred to as plantar fascitis or Heel Spur Syndrome, has been treated by the medical community by almost every method conceivable, including the use of prescription arch supports, heel pads,  soft tissue heel cushions, message oils,  night splints, and tape strapping to more invasive treatments of local cortisone injections to surgical release of the plantar fascia.   Most people can have their heel pain relieved without surgery and time off of work which Heel Spur Surgery can bring.</div> <div>    </div> <div> You do not have to suffer with heel pain forever.  Make a call to your Foot Specialist to get the answers to your heel pain.</div> <div>   </div> <div> ______________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Question:</U></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >    My son has a big toenail that is red, swollen and draining. This has happened several times but it has gone away with soaks and antibiotics. This time the redness has gotten worse and hasn't gone away. Could this be an ingrown nail? Can it be fixed? He is also allergic to needles and pain!</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Answer: </U></b></div> <div>       Yes, this could be an ingrown toenail and yes certainly can be fixed with little to no pain. An ingrown nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. This is often occurs at either edge of the big toe. Ingrown nails may be caused by improper trimming, inherited nail deformities, injuries, fungal infection, or pressure (for example -Steel-toed Boots). Ingrown nails can occur on any  toe and  may cause pain at the tip or all the way down the toe. The pain is usually worse while walking and in shoes.</div> <div>        If it's infected, you may see drainage or redness  along the border of the nail. To determine the extent of your problem, your podiatrist will examine your toe and recommend solutions.</div> <div>        In our office we provide solutions  to ingrown toenails. First, if its infected and other  problems  with the toe are suspected, cultures, blood tests, and X-rays may be done. Some ingrowns are caused by a spur on the tip of the toe which can cause an extreme curvature to the nail that causes  pinching of the skin at the end. Most of the time a solution is provided by removing the offending nail border, and then permanently remodeling the nail bed to prevent regrowth. We have found that CO2 Laser removal works best and provides our patients  with a quicker, less  painful, recovery.  The toe is always completely numb before any work is done. The is achieved by cold spray and local anesthetic. We warm the anesthetic, use a pH balance anesthetic that does not burn, and a special instruments that achieve anesthesia without pain. We shield the patient and provide a comfortable chair and you can even hold a  Teddy Bear. </div> <div>       We also give a 1 year guarantee against regrowth- so if it comes  back  we will  fix that side at no charge.  </div> <div> If you have this kind of problem please give use a call at (409) 297-3204. We provide- hassle-free insurance filing, convenient office hours, and a commitment to an enjoyable experience.</div> <div> _____________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Question: </U></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >My Doctor says one leg is longer than the other</FONT></div> <div>                          I've been told that I need foot orthotics. What are these used for and are there different </div> <div>                          kinds?</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Answer:</U></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     Dr. Hosack</FONT></div> <div>                         Foot Health Centers - Lake Jackson/Bay City</div> <div>                        (409)297-3204 (409)245-3434</div> <bR> <div> Foot Orthotics, more commonly referred to as custom arch supports, are individually designed shoe inserts. They often improve foot function and minimize stress forces that could cause deformity.  They are also one of the only ways to change the way a person walks without surgery and are good preventative medicine.</div> <div> ”</div> <bR> <div> 1. Rigid Orthotics- device designed to control function, are made of firm material such as plastic  or steel. they are use primarily in walking or dress shoes to ease strain or pain in the lower back due to abnormal foot function or difference in leg length.</div> <div> 2. Soft orthotics- devices help absorb shock, increased balance, and take the pressure  of sore spots. They usually are constructed of leather and cork, and are especially effective for arthritic and deformed feet which lack protective fatty tissue.</div> <bR> <div> 3. Semi-rigid orthotics are devices that help the foot through the proper functions while walking or participating in sports customized to each sport as well as to the individual, they are usually constructed of flexible plastics surrounded by accommodative materials such as cork and leather.</div> <div> All of these orthotics are designed with a custom cast that is taken by a plaster mold in a neutral suspension cast technique.  The foot is casted non-weight bearing so that the arch and joints are captured in the proper position. This takes more time, however the accuracy of the mold is much greater than foam block or foot tracing techniques. Many surgical procedures are followed up with orthotics to help prevent reoccurrence.</div> <div> If you have other questions contact your podiatrist.</div> <div> ______________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div>    ________</div> <div> <B><U>Question:</U></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > My child has a painful growth on the bottom of her foot that is slowly spreading.  My mother says its a Plantar Wart. However, she does not play with frogs and has not stepped on anything.</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Answer:</U></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > This growth could well be a plantar wart. A test you can do at home - if the growth has changed in size or several small satilites are around the main growth, this could be a plantar wart. If it is not over a bone and when you press on the sides of the growth there is pain- it is  likely a wart.  Plantar warts are very common and when on the bottom of the foot are extremely painful to walk on. They are caused by a virus  that attacks the healthy cells in the skin. There appearance can be spongy and elevated. they look different than healthy skin cells. Another good sign is if there is small black, brown, or red spots in the growth. These are small blood vessels(capillaries) which feed the wart and allow it to multiply and spread quickly.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Treatment: Most treatments involve removing the blood supply to the wart so that it dies and goes away. Over-the-counter medicines such as Compound W</div> <div> are acid plasters that burn the wart tissue away. This works some of the time but it is hard to control the chemical burn and it is recommended to keep the foot dry so that the solution does not spread to the surrounding healthy tissue.  Freezing the wart also works by causing a blister to form under the wart tissue allowing the wart to fall off.  Freezing is usually done without anesthesia which can be painful. At our office, we have found that the C02 Laser is a good modality against the painful plantar wart. The laser allows the podiatrist to control the amount of cutting needed to remove the wart. The laser also cauterizes, sterilizes, and numbs the area after surgery so that the amount of pain,healing time, and regrowth rate is reduced.  The laser physically removes the wart which can then be sent to a pathologist  for identification. Plantar warts can come back and it is hard to predict the outcome. Usually after 1 treatment with the Laser the wart is removed and the area heals from the inside out in a few weeks. Requiring only saltwater and vinegar soaks and a  covering Bandaid after 24 hours . The laser is used only with local anesthesia so there is no pain during the procedure. Early treatment usually gets best results. Sometimes they just go away without treatment.  Please call our office if you need further information.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> __________________________________________________________________</div> </td> </tr></table></body>