July 2011 Newsletter
Tips for Summer Sandal Shopping & Going Barefoot
   Barefoot
We hope you're having a great Summer with your family & friends! As you enjoy Summer vacations and days by the pool we wanted to share some tips with you on how to safely go barefoot this Summer.

We also had a visit from one of our favorite local shoe stores, Richey & Co, this month so we have included some great information on the latest shoes available right here in Charlottesville as well. 

 

If you or a loved one are experiencing foot & ankle pain, we hope you will consider our practice. Please CONTACT us or fill out the form on our WEBSITE to make an appointment. We can usually accommodate you on the SAME DAY!  


Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin Murray and Dr. Stewart Chang
Blue Ridge Foot and Ankle Clinic

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Tips For A Safer Barefoot Summer

 

Millions of Americans will go barefoot this summer, and thousands will suffer injuries such as cuts and puncture wounds. Some will develop nasty infections that may require surgery.

 

The best way to protect feet and toes from injury is to wear shoes. But if your summer just wouldn't be the same without the sand between your toes or walking in your backyard barefoot, doctors with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) say you can make it a safer season by following these tips:


Tip: See a foot and ankle surgeon within 24 hours for a puncture wound.

Why: These injuries can embed unsterile foreign objects deep inside the foot. A puncture wound must be cleaned properly and monitored throughout the healing process. This will help to avoid complications, such as tissue and bone infections or damage to tendons and muscles in the foot. Foot and ankle surgeons are trained to properly care for these injuries.


Tip: Make sure you've been vaccinated against tetanus. Experts recommend teens and adults get a booster shot every 10 years.

Why: Cuts and puncture wounds from sharp objects can lead to infections and illnesses such as tetanus.


Tip: Apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet.

Why: Feet get sunburn too. According to FootHealthFacts.org, rare but deadly skin cancers can develop on the feet.


Tip: Inspect your feet and your children's feet on a routine basis for skin problems such as warts, calluses, ingrown toenails and suspicious moles, spots or freckles.

Why: The earlier a skin condition is detected, the easier it is for your foot and ankle surgeon to treat it.


Tip: Wear flip-flops or sandals around swimming pools, locker rooms and beaches.

Why: To avoid cuts and abrasions from rough anti-slip surfaces and sharp objects hidden beneath sandy beaches, and to prevent contact with bacteria and viruses that can cause athlete's foot, plantar warts, and other problems.


Tip: Use common sense.

Why: Every year, people lose toes while mowing the lawn barefoot. Others suffer serious burns from accidentally stepping on stray campfire coals or fireworks. Murky rivers, lakes and ponds can conceal sharp objects underwater. People with diabetes should never go barefoot, even indoors, because their nervous system may not "feel" an injury and their circulatory system will struggle to heal breaks in the skin.

A Visit from Richey & Co.

We have been sending our patients to Richey & Co. in Barracks Road for years but this month we got a really special treat...they visited our office with a huge selection of stylish shoes that can be worn with custom orthotics.  We had a great time learning more about what they have to offer...and doing a little shoe shopping, too!

Richey & Co.
was born 70 years ago and today they have 7 locations and over 15 Certified Pedorthists.   We love the fact that based on our diagnosis and recommendations, they are able to help our patients select the perfect shoes for them...and ones that looks great at the same time!
 

Here are some photos of what we saw during the visit but they have many more styles available.  Be sure to visit their website or stop by the store to see them all...and tell them that Blue Ridge Foot and Ankle sent you!
 

 

 


Local Race Calendar

There are many great local races that take place in Central Virginia every Fall! We hope you will consider participating! Is there a race that we have missed?  Please contact us with the details and we will add it to the calendar on our website. 


August 21- XTERRA Charlottesville 

 

September 3- Women's Four Miler 

September 4- Tour de Valley Century 

September 10- Tunnel to Towers Run 

September 11- Shenandoah Valley Century 

September 17- DR100 

September 18- Boys and Girls Club Challenge 

 

October 9- Fall Foliage Race 

October 9- Real Girls Run 6K 

October 22 &23- Tough Mudder Virginia 

October 29- Screamin' 5K 

 

November 12-Jingle Bell Run/Walk 

November 24- Boar's Head Turkey Trot  

 

Blue Ridge Foot and Ankle Clinic
887 RIo East Court - Charlottesville, Virginia 22901 - 434-979-8116
417 South Magnolia Avenue - Waynesboro, Virginia 22980 - 540-949-5150