Wart Treatment with Apple Cider Vinegar

I love treatments like these. Definitely use white vinegar if near the nails, since the apple cider vinegar can stain the nails. I already recommend white vinegar soaks or patches for toenail fungus.

Morton's Neuroma: Video Playlist

Orthotic Challenges: Coming to San Francisco?

Hi - I am a huge fan and I follow your blog consistently. You continue to inform me and I thank you for taking time to educate us all.

I live in Los Angeles, and I am thinking of making an appointment for you to make me some orthotics.  I haven't had much luck with that down here.

My problem is I have high arches, pronate, bad FAT PAD ATROPHY, and a case of plantar fasciitis.Oh, and did I mention a neuroma...? I also have very flexible feet and ankles. (hyper-mobile) I guess I am a worse case scenario for fitting orthotics? I have had several unsuccessful attempts over the last couple of years and my life does include coping with pretty bad pain on a daily basis.  I guess I need orthotics with 'structure' yet softness and that seems to be the major hurdle.
Would you be willing to give it a whirl? If so - - how do I proceed?
I read in one post you asked a patient from Los Angeles to come up for a Friday appointment and then return for the fitting Monday?Did I read that correctly? Please advise.... and THANK YOU in advance!!!  : )
Mary (name Changed)

Dr Blake's response: 

Dear Mary, 

    I love these challenges and we can arrange a Friday appt and then a Mon morning appt to fly back. I need the weekend to complete the orthotic process, and because of my own personal schedule, I need to make sure it is a weekend I am around. It is best to email me or leave a voicemail message at 415-353-6417 and I will try to arrange things. Please give me 2 or 3 weekends that will work and I will choose the best one. I am at 900 Hyde Street in San Francisco, so you can google it. Typically, I will make one or two types of corrections (some corrections are better for one thing and not the other, or so so with the other. With all the problems, some super duper Hybrid orthotic device will be in order. I hope we can meet and get this one. If you can emotionally plan on doing the same thing one month later, we can perfect the learning process begun on the first weekend. Thanks for the compliments Rich

Sesamoid Fractures: Email Advice

Dear Dr Blake, 

I have had broken sesamoid bones in both feet for over a year! I've had a bone stimulator since December (4 months) and the pain comes and goes. I am trying not to have surgery but I have just had it at this point. I've had heel spurs and they treat me as if I am avn (avascular necrosis). I have been to 2 different doctors at this point and I just don't know what to do.

Dr Blake's comment:

     Thank you so very much for your email. I have had several patients in your situation who have opted to try to avoid surgery. Classic orthopedic logic would have you have the sesamoids removed and move on with your life. And, no one would blame you for that. Surgery on the feet is difficult with many decisions to make (for example, one foot or both feet at the same time with surgery, will you have permanent disability post op, how much physical therapy will your insurance allow, etc??) Personally, I try to avoid surgery on these important bones, but it is hard for you if you do not have a partner in healthcare to team up with you in this process. Typically, you need to continue twice daily using your bone stimulator, eat healthy with Calcium and Vit D supplements if necessary, get a baseline MRI and CT scans if possible. The CT scans are better at deciding on AVN (dead bone) or not. Ice twice daily and every other day do a full contrast bath for deep flushing. Get foot inserts and shoes that make your walk comfortable, pain level 0-2 max, which will allow you to do much needed protected weight bearing. Without good weight bearing daily, even in a removable boot, the joints freeze up, the ligaments can tight, the muscles weak, and the bones demineralize. Every day that passes without flareup means your sesamoids are getting healthier. The fact that the pain comes and goes is a good sign. Email with other aspects of your history. I hope this helps some. Rich

I have tried to email back on your blog, but it is not working? I have now been to a 3^rd doctor and he had me just take a CAT scan. My question is if I do have AVN, how will the bone stimulator still help me? Also I do have orthotics, but I have flat shoes from the podiatrist, what do you feel is better to wear? This all started by running 3-5 miles a day on the concrete. I ran literally almost every single day. I have very arched feet I guess, or so I have been told. I at this point feel my feet will never be the same.  I appreciate your time very much, thank you.

Dr Blake's response:

If you want to send me the CD of the CT I would be happy to look at it. Bone Stimulators are perfect for AVNs that have not fragmented. If the CT Scan shows the bone in multiple pieces, then surgery is your best choice. Orthotics in some sort of shoe that seems to protect the sesamoid area would always be the best bet. With flat soles shoes, if you can not wear orthotics in them or some sort of accommodation, there is too much pressure on the sesamoid area. Rich

Plantar Fasciitis Video Playlist

Relaxation Healing Music for stretching, meditating, and healing

Playlist on Short Leg Syndrome