Dr. Yuko Miyazaki Podiatry Blog | Foot and Ankle Care Tips

Using Flexible Spending Funds Before the New Year

Posted on 12.15.16 | Yuko Miyazaki, DPM |

The end of the year is approaching quickly, which means many different things, like making plans for your New Year’s resolutions or preparing taxes if you own a business. It also means you will lose the money in your flexible spending account (FSA) if you don’t use it!

get a procedure done with your flexible spending account An FSA is an account you might have wherein you make contributions out of every paycheck. The money goes into the account before it is taxed, so this can be a nice way to save money. During the year, if you need to pay for approved expenses, you can simply use the money saved up in your account. For many FSA plans, you can even withdraw the money you haven’t placed into the account yet (which is helpful if you get hurt in the middle of January!).

The one downside to having an FSA is the fact that you will lose any money you have in the account if you do not use it by the end of the year. Now, with a health savings account (HSA), this is not the case. An HSA allows you to save up money (to a certain amount) every year, and then carry over the account’s balance.

So what does this all mean? Well, if you have a flexible spending account with money in it, you should really consider using it between now and the end of the year.

One consideration you might want to make with regard to your FSA money is to schedule a procedure you need, but haven’t gotten around to having performed. Another suggestion for using FSA funds is to replace an old pair of orthotics or get your first pair.

Orthotic devices are versatile medical tools that can be used to treat and prevent a wide range of foot and ankle problems. We can take a look at your unique foot structure and gait, and then determine if you might benefit from a pair of custom orthotics. The “custom” part is important because these devices are created to work specifically with your unique feet.

For more suggestions on how to use your flexible spending account money before it disappears, or to find out if anything you want is approved, simply give us a call at (510) 647-3744. You can also contact our Berkeley, CA office online today!

The Best Ways to Care for Elderly Feet

Posted on 10.21.16 | Yuko Miyazaki, DPM |

Foot care is important at every stage of life. There are different considerations that need to be given as we start to become older, however. Understanding the best ways to care for elderly feet will help keep you safe and healthy. keep feet healthy in old age

Tips on responsible senior foot care practices include:

Keep feet dry. As you become older, your immune system is not as strong. This means your body is less able to fight infections. Many infections are the result of tiny organisms that need damp, dark places to thrive. Feet can easily become damp if you are not careful.
Moisturize. Whereas damp feet can be bad, excessive dryness is also a problem. Heels can crack and fissure when they are too dry. You can avoid both problems by using moisturizer on the tops and bottoms of feet, but not in between toes.
Keep toenails trimmed. In addition to dampness, another potential cause of infection is skin pierced by an ingrown toenail. Prevent this from happening by trimming toenails correctly (straight across and even with the edge of your toes) and wearing shoes with enough room in the front (toes should be able to wiggle freely).
Choose comfortable shoes. As we age, we lose padding underneath the heel. You can help your feet by wearing shoes that have lots of cushioning in the heel area.
Keep clear pathways at home. The fall risk for older individuals is high, so make sure you have pathways that are clear in your home. You might also want to give some thought to furniture placement as well.

These tips will help you maintain optimal foot health and safety as you become older, but an even more important one is to come see us at our Berkeley, CA podiatrist office. We can examine your feet, create treatment and prevention plans, and provide additional tips. Your first step is to give us a call at (510) 647-3744 or contact us online right now.

What to Expect at Your First Podiatry Visit

Posted on 09.13.16 | Yuko Miyazaki, DPM |

Trying something new can be nerve-wracking. Think back to the first time you learned to ride a bike, or rode your first roller coaster. You were probably excited, but you may have been a little nervous, too, because you weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Other new experiences—like visiting a new doctor—can be even more nerve-wracking, though, as you deal with your foot pain. Preparing ahead of time for your first podiatry visit can help you cut back your nervousness and feel confident and calm as you go to your appointment.

As you get closer to your first appointment, preparing the things you need to bring with you will help avoid last-minute scrambling. Many offices, including ours in Berkeley, CA, have new patient forms that can be printed off. Filling out these forms beforehand means you won’t have to take extra time doing them on the spot at the front desk. Instead you can simply hand them to the front desk staff, along with your ID and insurance cards.

Preparation can make the post-check in time easier, too. By writing down your medications, relevant medical history, and any questions you may have, you ensure you won’t forget that information when you’re talking to the doctor.

Once you’re actually at your first appointment, you’ll spend some time talking about your symptoms and what brought you in that day. Then your feet will be evaluated. This definitely means looking at and feeling your lower limbs, but you might also be asked to stand up, walk around, or perform certain movements, depending on your complaints. Some injuries might even require diagnostic imaging.

Through all of this, our team is happy to answer your questions. We want to make sure you understand what is going on and what will come next. Once we have a clearer picture of a diagnosis, we’ll go over treatment options with you. These will be different depending on what’s up with your feet as well as your unique needs.

Your first podiatry visit doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. After all, it’s your first step toward healthier feet. Preparation and knowing what’s coming can help you get the most out of your appointment. If you have any questions about what to expect or what to bring to our office, please let us know! Simply contact Yuko Miyazaki, DPM through the website or by calling (510) 647-3744.

What to Look for When Buying Children’s Shoes

Posted on 08.15.16 | Yuko Miyazaki, DPM |

Children's Shoes There are plenty of messages out there about what to put on your kids’ feet. TV ads, website videos, and shoe department displays use popular music, vivid images, and appealing words to convince you that brand, style, and color are the deciding factors. According to them, every girl needs pink athletic shoes with pumas on them, and boys need the same shoe styles that their favorite basketball players wear. We have another message: if you care about buying children’s shoes that are good for your kids’ feet, make three Fs—form, function, and fit—your main concerns.

By form, we mean the basic construction of the shoe. The best kids’ shoes share certain characteristics. They have adjustable closings (Velcro, laces, or straps and buckles) that can be loosened or tightened as needed. They have non-marking soles with good traction, and insoles that cushion the feet. The heel doesn’t buckle when pressed, the bottom of the shoe bends only where the toes bend and can’t be twisted, and the toes aren’t too narrow or pointed. Finally, the material lets the foot breathe and perspiration escape.

Function means that they fit the activity your child is doing. Babies learning to walk need something totally different on their feet than a teenager who likes to skateboard. Flip-flops may be okay on a beach or at the pool, but don’t buy them for everyday wear. If your child plays sports, choose footwear designed for safety and performance in that sport (cleats, high tops, etc.) Function can also refer to the way shoes support the arch, provide proper traction, or protect the feet.

The last—and maybe most important—thing to look for is fit. No shoe—no matter how stylish or well-constructed—is good for your child if it pinches, rubs, slides around, or otherwise irritates the foot. Follow our fitting tips so that toes can wiggle, heels are cradled, and tender skin is protected from blisters and ingrown toenails caused by friction and pressure.

Still confused about what shoes would be right for your child? Call the office of Yuko Miyazaki, DPM in Berkeley, CA and we’ll evaluate your child’s feet and suggest styles that would work best for them. Our number is (510) 647-3744, or you can schedule using our contact form. Take care of your kids’ feet now, so they can grow healthy and strong and support them throughout life.

Stretches for Achilles Tendinitis

Posted on 05.17.16 | Yuko Miyazaki, DPM |

Stretching You used to enjoy a game of beach volleyball every weekend and never had any problems. Now that you are older, and spend most days seated at your desk, those weekend games have left you with pain at the back of your ankle that comes and goes. Your Achilles tendon is likely causing the discomfort, but simple stretches for Achilles tendinitis may do a lot to relieve your pain.

First things first: have your ankle pain evaluated to make sure the issue really is tendinitis. Other conditions like bursitis and arthritis could also cause pain in the ankle area, so let us identify the true cause.

Second: learn how to do the stretches correctly, so your problem doesn’t become even worse. We will describe some of them here, but you really need someone guiding your technique, so come see us for coaching.

Here are the stretches that may help:

Sit on a chair with the sore ankle out in front of you, heel on the floor. Reach down with the opposite hand and pull the big toe back toward your shin. Hold 15 to 30 seconds, release, and do up to 4 repetitions, several times a day.
After a couple of days, add this calf stretch: sit on the floor, legs out in front and knees level. Loop a towel around the ball of the affected foot (just below the toes). Hold the ends of the towel at knee distance and pull to stretch the foot gently towards you, using the same repetitions as above.
A few days later, replace this plantar-calf stretch with a standing one: Place hands on chair back, countertop or vertical surface and step back with the sore ankle. Back leg should stay straight at the knee and have the heel firmly on the floor or ground. Lean forward gently at the hips while bending the other knee slightly, feeling the stretch at the back of the calf. Hold 15-30 seconds, building up to 4 reps per session.
A few days later you can try the stair stretch. Stand on a step with heels off the edge and gently drop the affected heel slightly below step level. Hold and repeat as before, using the handrail for balance and keeping part of your weight on the other foot.

We hope your Achilles pain will disappear by doing these stretches faithfully. If not, please call Yuko Miyazaki, DPM in Berkeley, CA at (510) 647-3744 for further treatment options—that’s what we are here for!

Hate Heel Pain? Practice These Habits to Prevent It

Posted on 03.15.16 | Yuko Miyazaki, DPM |

Runners With so many wonderful places to enjoy in the East Bay, you don’t want to be bogged down by heel pain. Hiking around Lake Anza at Tilden Regional Park or wandering among the interesting foliage and blooms at UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens can become a painful proposition if you have foot problems. We want to share five “Do this—not that” tips to prevent pain in your heels and your feet in general:

Maintain a healthy weight—don’t pack on the pounds. It’s a fact: heavier people experience more stress on the bones and tissues in their feet, and often have more painful problems than those who stay in a normal weight range. While you are at it, be sure to eat foods that help you build strong bones and tendons.
Wear shoes—don’t go barefoot. This is especially important when walking on bare floors or hard pavement. Your feet are much better off with protection under them to head off a stone bruise, cut, or callus.
Choose shoes wisely—don’t follow the latest fashion. We know—those towering heels and skimpy ballerina flats look so cute, but people look at your face first, and they don’t want to see you grimacing in pain. It’s simply not worth the trouble to ruin your feet in the name of style. Also remember to get the right shoes for any sports activities. There are attractive shoes around that still provide the support and cushioning your feet need, so do your footwork and find them!
Warm up before physical activity—don’t just dive in. Cold muscles and tendons are much more susceptible to damage than those that are properly warmed up. Start with a brisk 5-minute walk or jumping jacks, followed by some dynamic stretches that mime the movements you will be making, and then take time for some static stretches and cool down after your workout or game. Proper conditioning of your calf muscles, for instance, can go a long way in heading off painful Achilles tendon and plantar fascia problems.
Take rest times—don’t keep up constant stress. That may mean mixing up your running routine with a biking or swimming day a couple times a week. It could mean taking frequent breaks if you are on your feet all day at work to take the pressure off. Your feet can be damaged by trauma from running or long periods of standing. The only way for them to repair the damage is allowing them enough rest time for healing to take place.

Follow our advice and you have a much better chance of avoiding heel pain, but if you still encounter a problem, don’t wait too long to call the office of Yuko Miyazaki, DPM in Berkeley, CA. You can reach us by phone at (510) 647-3744, or schedule online using our contact form. We’ll help you figure out what’s causing your issue and determine the best way to treat it.

Frostbite Prevention Tips—Stay Safe in the Cold

Posted on 01.18.16 | Yuko Miyazaki, DPM |

Winter Running Californians are happy with the recent snowfalls in upper elevations. Not only could it mean the end of our long drought, but also resorts like Donner Ski Ranch and Boreal and Sugar Bowl Resorts are now reporting a solid base and consistent snowfall that makes for great skiing. It’s time to share some frostbite prevention tips so you can stay safe on the slopes.

Before you go:

Eat a good meal or snack—your body needs energy to keep warm.
Drink a glass of water before you head out.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which can increase your risk of frostbite.
Cover as much exposed skin as possible with a moisture-wicking layer next to your skin, an insulating layer, and finally a water and windproof layer—none of them too tight. (Air pockets between them help insulate you from freezing temps.) This is especially important for face, hands, and feet, and you should also make sure no snow can get inside your boots or clothing.

While you are out:

Keep drinking water, or have a sports drink before a challenging run.
Monitor your time outdoors and take frequent breaks when out in frigid temperatures.
If you find yourself sweating, open one layer or slow down a bit. Moisture and cold can be a deadly combination.
Know the signs that you are in trouble—redness, then a throbbing, stinging, prickling sensation or pain, and finally numbness and skin changes (yellow or waxy appearance). Don’t let it get to the last stage. If your skin looks red or throbs, head indoors and warm up.

When you come in:

Remove all damp clothing and footwear as soon as possible and check for redness or other symptoms.
If you suspect frostbite, don’t plunge your hands or feet in hot water or put a heating pad on them, and don’t rub the skin. Let them warm up gradually in a tepid water bath or wrapped in warm, dry clothing or blankets.
Have a hot drink or soup to raise your body temp and ward off dehydration.
If you see any signs of frostbite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Have fun in the snow, but if your feet need attention, our podiatry office in Berkeley, CA is the place to be. Call (510) 647-3744 to schedule an appointment, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more helpful hints for healthy feet.

Gout-Free Guide to Holiday Eating

Posted on 12.16.15 | Yuko Miyazaki, DPM |

Healthy Food Here is a scenario: you dress up and join friends for a holiday party, and of course you can’t resist the liver pate, shrimp cocktail, or spinach dip, and to top it off you have a drink or two and a fancy dessert with a rich cream filling. Hours later, you are woken by a severe pain in your big toe—so bad that you can hardly stand the weight of your blankets on it. What you have is likely a gout attack.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by excess levels of uric acid in the bloodstream, which then crystalizes. The tiny sharp crystals settle in the joint, and it feels like someone is poking sharp needles into your toe. The toe can also become red and swollen, and the slightest touch can be excruciating.

Foods that trigger a gout attack are those high in purines. Most sources of protein have purines, but organ meats (the liver pate) and seafood (shrimp cocktail) are especially problematic. Dairy products, certain vegetables (spinach, for example) and alcohol also contain them, along with sugary drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup.

To avoid a gout flare up, know which foods you should limit or not eat at all. The list of foods to avoid or eat in moderation include beef, pork, and poultry, alcohol (especially beer), and most soft drinks. Other triggers can include stress from illness, injury, or surgery, certain medications, and dehydration—which makes it harder for your kidneys to get rid of excess uric acid. If you have any of these other problems, be double careful what you eat so you can avoid an attack.

Being overweight can also contribute to the problem, so it pays to eat healthy food and keep your weight under control. Exercise can help to maintain your weight and relieve stress. Just make sure that you drink enough water while you are doing your workout.

If you need more information about this disease or medications that may help prevent an attack, contact Yuko Miyazaki, DPM in Berkeley, CA. You can call our office on Regent Street at (510) 647-3744 or contact us online to set up an appointment. We look forward to working with you to control your painful symptoms and prevent future attacks of gout.