Non-invasive Vascular Testing

Dr. Stone is now doing non-invasive vascular testing in her office using the PADnet system by Biomedix. This test is cost-effective, takes a short time, is comfortable, and is usually covered by insurance. Learn more by visiting www.Biomedix.com and clicking on the patients tab.

MBT, Shape-ups, and EasyTone Shoes

Wondering about those shoes that are advertised to tone your muscles and help you burn more calories? A recent study by the American Council on Exercise says they are not all they're hyped up to be. The study looked at Shape-ups (by Sketchers), MBT shoes, and EasyTone (by Reebok) in a group of patients and electrically monitored their muscle activity walking on a treadmill wearing the shoes. None of the people wearing any of those shoes showed a significant increase in muscle activity or exercise response. According to an article about this study in Podiatry Today, a well-respected podiatry journal, "The researchers conclude there is 'simply no evidence' in their study that the shoes aid in more intense exercise, help the wearer burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone." The best advice is to save your money, and purchase a good pair of running or walking shoes.

New Hours

Dr. Stone will now be able to offer extended hours by appointment only. Appointments can start as early as 8:30am monday - friday and can go as late as 5pm some days. Please call for details. 503-246-9766

Fall Shoe Recommendations

I was just in Switch Shoes in Multnomah Village (SW Portland). They have some fabulous footwear for fall. They have many styles of shoes and boots that are supportive, would fit with orthotics, and so stylish! Look for the ones that are flexible (but not too flexible) and bend at the metatarsal heads ( also called the ball of the foot).

Podiatry Haiku by my daughter, age 10

Poking toes and heels

arches, soles, and nails

feet you use always.

Tugging at laces

heels, sneakers, flats, and tennies,

lots of shoes to choose.

Continuing Education

Dr. Stone attended a conference in Orlando FL at the end of August by the American College of Foot and Ankle Medicine. Some highlights of this conference were new advances in orthotics and ankle foot orthotics; new technology for casting and scanning; new techniques and materials for dressings and wound care; new research in podiatric medicine and orthopedics.

I Stubbed My Toe!

I've had several calls recently from people who stubbed their toe and want to know what to do. Stubbing may or may not be serious. One man had a toenail that was so loose it needed to be removed or an infection would likely develop. Here is a partial list of when you need to see a podiatrist: If more than half of the toenail is not attached, or is not attached at the base of the toe, If your toe is bent or in a different position than usual, If there is a large amount of swelling and/or bruising on the toe, adjacent toes or coming up the foot, if there is so much pain you can't walk on it. Otherwise, you can try ice to the area, elevate it, put a self-adherent elastic wrap around it, and take some over the counter antiinflammatory medicine of your choice. If it's not better in a few days, you may need medical attention. Here's another tip: try to avoid walking around barefoot or in flipflops if you are drinking alcoholic beverages! Hope everyone is having a great summer

Retail Stores That Sell Arch Supports

I have seen several patients recently who went to stores like Good Feet and Arch Fitters because they had foot pain. The stores sold them "custom" orthotics - several pairs for different uses - and special shoes with which to wear them, all of which were very expensive, totaling more than $700 out of pocket. Guess what? It didn't help their foot pain! We must remember these stores are not doctors' offices; they are in the business of selling orthotics and shoes. I hope people see their doctor or podiatrist first for their foot pain, get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, and get orthotics and shoes only as necessary and prescribed by the doctor, who has many years of training in foot anatomy, pathology, biomechanics and orthotics.

Avoiding Bunion Surgery

A 14 year old woman presented to the office with the beginnings of bunions - mild prominence of the big toe joint and mild pain in some shoes. She has a strong family history of bunions in her mother and grandmother. Upon examining her I found she has a foot imbalance and when she compensates for this during walking and running, it makes her bunion bigger. I made her some custom orthotics to help support her feet, correct the imbalance functionally, and reduce the strain on the bunion area. This will slow down or stop the progression of the bunion and help her avoid bunion surgery in the future. Applause to this young woman and her parent for taking preventative action!

Supportive Sandal of the Week

I found these sandals at Sahalie.com. They are stylish, supportive, and have 3 velcro adjustable straps. They are made by Taos and are also available at the Walking Company. They have good metatarsal support as well as arch support.

The Unrelenting Callus

I have a male patient whom I have been treating for several years for a painful callus on the inside of his 5th little toe. Under the callus is a prominent little bone, which pinches the skin when it is caught between the 5th and 4th toes. The callus is produced for the resulting pressure. In spite of trimming the callus and applying many different types of pads to take pressure off the area, the painful callus still returns, and is becoming more and more painful as time goes on. I suggested he consider surgical removal of the small bony prominence to remove the cause of the pressure and the callus. This can be done under local anesthesia and often in a doctor's office surgery room. He will likely get great relief from this procedure.

Bunion Pain

The man in this photo has bunion pain. He asked me if he needs surgery. I looked at his orthotics and said I think I can decrease if not eliminate his pain without surgery. His orthotics are not made very well. The molds were taken with him standing. Once you are standing, the foot is already compensated for any imbalances that are present. I make the orthotic molds with the foot in subtalar joint neutral position, and load the foot as though the patient was standing on it. This is the best position for the foot to function around. The orthotics are conformed close to the patient's foot and are comfortable. They actually change the way the patient walks, to a more physiologically appropriate walking pattern. Making this man more appropriate orthotics will relieve his pain without surgery. For more questions about this contact Dr. Stone

Where to find shoes Portland OR

Switch Shoes in Multnomah Village has top quality unique shoes, many of which are good for the feet and some can be worn with orthotics. The boots in the photo have a very supportive cushiony sole. Winter shoes and boots are on sale there now.

The Shoe Mill and the Walking Company have many good quality shoes. Clogs - N-More Sellwood store has a good selection of shoes including Joseph Seibel, Clarks, Merrill, Teva. These stores have both mens and womens shoes.

The Norm Thompson Outlet in Mountain park has shoes in discontinued styles and colors for great discounts. It's worth checking out.

REI has good footwear for walking and hiking. Often treasures can be found on the sale rack. They also have a good selection of sturdy kids shoes.

At the Portland Foot Wellness Center we have orthopedic shoes available. These are for people who have orthotics and/or have trouble finding shoes that fit well in retail stores. Shoe samples are available to view and try. Various styles, including the more traditional oxford shoes, as well as some more fashionable styles may be ordered. If you are or become a patient, Dr. Stone can measure your foot and offer advice on the style and size that may work best for your foot structure, condition, or symptom.

Get your toenails in shape for spring!

Dr. Vicki Stone will again be stocking Formula 3 Professional antifungal treatment. This convenient liquid contains tolnaftate, an FDA approved antifungal, in an oil base, and it comes in a bottle with a brush for easy application. The oil helps the medicine penetrate hard-to-reach areas.

Call Dr. Stone today to get yours: 503-246-9766.

Cheyenne Shoes & Slippers

Wondering what to wear indoors to keep your feet protected? These Keen Cheyenne shoes make great slippers for in home use. They have arch support, cushion and a traction sole. They are wool outside and lined inside so the wool is not next to the skin. The soles make it convenient to go outside to get the newspaper or mail or to chase a dog who escaped. They are available at REI, Norm Thompson Outlet, or online.

New Portland Foot Wellness Center Website

The new version of the Portland Foot Wellness Center website is now online. There is a directory of the Podiatric services that we offer as well as a contact/appointment request form. Soon there will be media and press links & contact for you to view. Please visit back here as well for latest news in foot wellness!

New Website:

http://www.portlandfootwellnesscenter.com/