Barbecued Lima Beans

Ingredients

  • 1-1/4 cups dried lima beans (1/4 pound)
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 3 tablespoons chili sauce

Directions

  1. Place the beans in a soup pot and cover with water
  2. Broil 2 minutes.
  3. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand 1 hour.
  4. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
  5. Prepare a 1-1/2 quart casserole with non-stick pan spray.
  6. Drain the beans, reserving 1 cup liquid
  7. Combine the beans and the reserved liquid with the remaining ingredients and put in the casserole.

Common Causes, and Symptoms of Foot Pain

Cause Location of Symptoms Symptoms
Corns and calluses Around toes, usually little toe, bottom of feet or areas exposed to friction Hard, dead, yellowish skin
Ingrown toenails Toe nails Nail curling into skin causes pain, swelling, and, in extreme cases, infection
Bunions and bunionettes (tailors bunion) Big toe (bunions) or little toe (bunionettes) Toes point inward
Area next to bony bump is red, tender, occasionally filled with fluid
Toe joint may be inflamed
Note: Osteoarthritis may also occur in the big toe in older people
Morton's neuroma Third and fourth toes and bottom of foot near these toes Cramping and burning pain around the third and fourth toe
The neuroma may be detected by pressing top to bottom using one hand and with the other hand pressing on the top of the foot and moving it side to side
Aggravated by prolonged standing and relieved by the removal of the shoes and forefoot massage
Hammertoe Usually second toe but may develop in any or all of the three middle toes Toes form hammer or claw shape
No pain at first, increasing as tendon becomes tighter and toes stiffen
Metatarsal stress fracture Area beneath the second or third toe Sudden pain when injury occurs
Sesamoiditis Ball of foot beneath big toe Pain and swelling
Plantar fasciitis Back of the arch right in front of heel At onset, some people report a tearing or popping sound
Pain, most severe with first steps after getting out of bed, decreasing after stretching, returning after inactivity
Bursitis of the heel Center of the heel Pain, with warmth and swelling. Increases during the day
Haglund's deformity (Pump bump) Fleshy area on the back of the heel Tender swelling aggravated by shoes with stiff backs
Stress fracture or, uncommonly, heel spurs Bottom of heel Sharp stabbing pain
Tarsal tunnel syndrome Anywhere along the bottom of the foot Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, pain, most commonly felt at night
Flat feet The arch No arch
Often no pain or discomfort
Sometimes people report fatigue, pain, or stiffness in the feet, legs, and lower back
High Arches (Hollow feet) The arch High arches
Lower back pain, possible tendency to lower limb injuries
Achilles tendinitis Achilles tendon: area along the back between calf muscles and heel Pain worsens during physical activities (particularly running) after which the tendon usually swells and stiffens
If it ruptures, popping sound may occur followed by acute pain similar to a blow at the back of the leg

Baked Vegatables

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 3/4 cup of chopped red pepper
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onion
  • 1 chopped garlic clove
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed, dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed black pepper
  • 2 cups of fat free milk
  • 2 cups of cooked spinach
  • 2 cups of cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Using a 12-inch skillet stir together mushrooms, red pepper, onion, and garlic in hot butter over medium heat until tender.
  2. Add flour, salt, thyme, and black pepper. Slowly stir in milk. Cook and stir until it is thick and begins to bubble. Add spinach, rice, and 1/4 cup of cheese.
  3. Put mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle 1/4 cup of cheese of the top. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until heated through. Let it stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Preparation time: 25 minutes.
Bake: 30 minutes
Makes 6 servings

Foot Health FAQ

The Foot

Feet

The foot is a complex structure of 26 bones and 33 joints layered with an intertwining web of 126 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. The average person spends four hours on their feet and takes between 8,000 and 10,000 steps each day. The feet are very small relative to the rest of the body, and the impact of every step exerts tremendous force upon them -- about 50% greater than the person's body weight. During an average day the feet support a combined force equivalent to several hundred tons. In addition to supporting weight, the foot acts as a shock absorber and as a lever to propel the leg forward, and it serves to balance and adjusts the body to uneven surfaces. It is not surprising, then, that about 75% of Americans experience foot pain at some point in their lives. According to a recent study, chronic and severe foot pain is a serious burden for one in seven older disabled women. To compound problems, the lower back is often affected by injuries or abnormalities in the feet.

What Is Foot Pain?

Foot pain is generally defined by one of three sites of origin: the toes; the front of the foot (forefoot); or back of the foot (hind foot). Toe problems most often occur because of the pressure imposed by ill-fitting shoes. Pain originating in the front of the foot usually involves the metatarsal bones (five long bones that extend from the front of the arch to the bones in the toe) and the sesamoid bones (two small bones imbedded at the top of the first metatarsal bone, which connects to the big toe). Pain originating in the back of the foot can affect parts of the foot extending from the heel, across the sole (known as the plantar) to the ball of the foot.

General Conditions Causing Foot Pain

The causes of most incidents of foot pain are poorly fitting shoes. High-heeled shoes are major culprits for aggravating, if not causing, problems in the toes, where the most pressure is exerted. Other conditions can also cause or exacerbate foot pain. Weather affects the feet; they contract in cold and expand in hot weather. Foot size can also increase by 5% over the day and change shape and size depending on whether a person is walking, sitting, or standing. Improper walking due to poor posture or inherited or medical conditions that cause imbalance or poor circulation can contribute to foot pain. Often one leg is shorter than the other, causing an imbalance. High impact exercising, such as jogging or strenuous aerobics, can injure the feet. Common injuries include corns, calluses, blisters, muscle cramps, acute knee and ankle injuries, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsalgia.

Medical Conditions Causing Foot Pain

Arthritic conditions, particularly osteoarthritis and gout, can cause foot pain. Although rheumatoid arthritis almost always develops in the hand, the ball of the foot can also be affected. Osteoporosis, in which bone loss occurs, can also cause foot pain. Diabetes is a particularly serious cause of foot pain, infection, and ulcers, and, without proper foot care, can result in amputation. Diabetics with foot deformities, such as claw toes, or bunions are at particular risk. Anorexia, high blood pressure, and other diseases that affect the nervous and circulatory systems can cause pain, loss of sensation, and tingling in the feet, as well as increase the susceptibility for infection and foot ulcers. A number of conditions, including pregnancy, heart failure, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism, can cause fluid build-up and swollen feet. The increased weight and imbalance of pregnancy contributes to foot stress. Diseases that affect muscle and motor control, such as Parkinson's disease, also cause foot problems. Some medications, such as calcitonin and drugs used for high blood pressure, can cause foot swelling.

Causes of Toe Pain

  • Corns

    A corn is actually a form of a callus -- a protective layer of dead skin cells composed of a tough protein called keratin. A corn itself is cone-shaped and usually develops if a shoe rubs against the toes for a prolonged period. As the skin thickens, the corn forms a knobby core that points inward. Hard corns develop on toe joints, usually on the little toe. A shoe that squeezes the front of the foot may cause one toe to rub against another forming a corn between the toes, which is usually soft. These corns can be painful, however, if they harden and rub against each other.

  • Ingrown Toenails.

    Ingrown toenails can occur in any toe but are most common in the big toes. They usually develop when tight fitting or narrow shoes put too much pressure on the toenail and force the nail to grow down into the flesh of the toe. Incorrect toenail trimming can also contribute to the risk of developing an ingrown toenail (see How Is Foot Pain Prevented, in this report). Fungal infections, injuries, abnormalities in the structure of the foot, and repeated pressure to the toenail from high impact aerobic exercise can also produce ingrown toenails.

  • Bunions

    A bunion is a deformity that usually occurs at the head of the first of five long bones (the metatarsal bones) that extend from the arch and connect to the toes. The first metatarsal bone is the one that attaches to the big toe. The big toe is forced in toward the rest of the toes, causing the head of the first metatarsal bone to jut out and rub against the side of the shoe; the underlying tissue becomes inflamed and a painful bump forms. As this bony growth develops, the bunion is formed as the big toe is forced to grow at an increasing angle towards the rest of the toes. A bunion may also develop in the bone that joins the little toe to the foot (the fifth metatarsal bone), in which case it is known as a bunionette or tailor's bunion.

    Bunions often develop from wearing narrow, high-heeled shoes with pointed toes, which puts enormous pressure on the front of the foot and causes the foot and toes to rest at unnatural angles. Injury in the joint may also cause a bunion to develop over time. Genetics play a factor in 10% to 15% of all bunion problems; one inherited deformity, hallux valgus, causes the bone and joint of the big toe to shift and grow inward, so that the second toe crosses over it. Flat feet, gout, and arthritis increase the risk for bunions.

  • Hammertoes

    A hammertoe is a permanent deformity of the toe joint in which the toe bends up slightly and then curls downward, resting on its tip; when forced into this position long enough, the tendons of the toe contract and it stiffens into a hammer- or claw-like shape. Hammertoe is most common in the second toe but may develop in any or all of the three middle toes if they are pushed forward and do not have enough room to lie flat in the shoe. The risk is increased when the toes are already crowded by the pressure of a bunion. Lying down for long periods, diabetes, and various diseases that affect the nerves and muscles put people at risk.

Causes of Pain in the Front of the Foot

The incidence of forefoot pain and deformity increases with age. With early diagnosis, conservative therapy is often successful in treating common disorders of the forefoot.

  • Calluses

    Calluses are composed of the same material as corns -- hardened patches of dead skin cells formed from keratin -- but calluses develop on the ball or heel of the foot. The skin on the sole of the foot is ordinarily about forty times thicker than skin anywhere else on the body, but a callus can double this normal thickness. A protective callus layer naturally develops to guard against excessive pressure and chafing as people get older and the padding of fat on the bottom of the foot thins out. If calluses get too big or too hard, however, they may pull and tear the underlying skin. Calluses can develop from wearing poorly fitting shoes and walking on hard surfaces. People with flat feet are at an increased risk of developing calluses. In people with diabetes, particularly those who have had foot ulcers, the presence of calluses is a strong predictor of subsequent ulceration.

  • Neuromas

    Neuromas occur when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes enlarged and inflamed causing a burning or tingling sensation and cramping. Morton's neuroma is the most common neuroma in the foot and usually develops when tight, poorly fitting shoes, often those with high-heels, cause the third and fourth metatarsal bones to pinch together compressing an underlying nerve. Injury, arthritis, or abnormal bone structures may also cause this condition.

  • Stress Fracture

    A stress fracture in the foot, also called fatigue or march fracture, usually occurs from a break or rupture in any of the five metatarsal bones (mostly in the second or third). Fracture in the first metatarsal bone that leads to the big toe is uncommon because of the thickness of this bone. If it occurs there, it is more serious than fractures in the other metatarsal bones, because it dramatically changes the pattern of normal walking and weight bearing. (Stress fractures can also occur in the heel area.) They are caused by overuse during strenuous exercise, particularly jogging and high-impact aerobics.

  • Sesamoiditis

    Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the tendons around the small, round bones that are imbedded in the head of the first metatarsal bone, which leads to the big toe. Sesamoid bones bear much stress under ordinary circumstances; excessive stress can strain the surrounding tendons. Often there is no clear-cut cause, but sesamoid injuries are common among people who participate in jarring, high impact activities, such as ballet dancing, jogging, and aerobic exercise.

  • Metatarsalgia

    When a cause cannot be determined, any pain on the bottom of the foot where the metatarsal bones connect to the four lesser toes is generally referred to as metatarsalgia.

Causes of Pain in the Heel and Back of the Foot

The heel is the largest bone in the foot. Heel pain is the most common foot problem and affects two million Americans every year. It can occur in the front, back, or bottom of the heel.

  • Plantar Fasciitis

    Plantar fasciitis occurs from small tears and inflammation in the wide band of tendons and ligaments -- the connective tissue -- which stretches from the heel to the ball of the foot. This band, much like the tensed string in a bow, forms the arch of the foot and helps to serve as a shock absorber for the body. (The term plantar means the sole of the foot and fascia refers to any fibrous connective tissue in the body.) Plantar fasciitis is usually a result of overuse from high-impact exercise and sports and accounts for up to 9% of all running injuries. Because the condition often occurs in only one foot, however, factors other than overuse may be responsible in some cases. Other causes of this injury include poorly fitting shoes or an uneven stride that causes an abnormal and stressful impact on the foot. Pain often occurs suddenly and mainly in the heel. The condition can be temporary or may become chronic if the problem is ignored. In such cases, resting provides relief, but it is only temporary.

  • Bursitis of the Heel

    Bursitis of the heel is an inflammation of the bursa, a small sack of fluid tissue, beneath the heel bone.

  • Haglund's Deformity

    Haglund's deformity (also commonly called pump bump and known medically as posterior calcaneal exostosis) is a bony growth surrounded by tender tissue on the back of the heel bone. It develops when the back of the shoe, almost always one with a high heel, repeatedly rubs against the back of the heel, aggravating the tissue and the underlying bone.

  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

    Tarsal tunnel syndrome results from compression to a nerve that runs through a narrow passage behind the inner ankle bone down to the heel. It is caused by injury to the ankle, such as a sprain or fracture, or by a growth that presses against the nerve.

  • Achilles Tendinitis

    Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendinitis is caused by small tears in the tendon from overuse or injury. It is most common in people who engage in high-impact exercise, particularly jogging, racquetball, and tennis. People at highest risk for this disorder are those with a shortened Achilles tendon, which can be due to an inborn structural abnormality or can be acquired after wearing high heels regularly. Such people tend to roll their feet too far inward when walking and bounce when they walk.

  • Heel Spurs

    Heel spurs are calcium deposits that develop over time into a sharp bony growth under the heel bone. They often result from improper foot movement during running or walking, poorly fitting shoes, and excessive body weight. As a spur develops the soft tissue in the heel becomes irritated and swells, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain. Pain may increase with age as the fatty tissue on the bottom of the foot wears away. It should be noted, however, that plantar fascia, bursitis, stress fractures, and tarsal tunnel syndrome are more likely to be the cause of heel pain than spurs.

  • Excessive Pronation

    Pronation is the normal motion that allows the foot to adapt to uneven walking surfaces and to absorb shock. Excessive pronation occurs when the foot has a tendency to turn inwardly and stretch and pull the fascia. It can cause not only heel pain, but hip, knee, and lower back problems.

Causes of Arch and Bottom-of-the-Foot Pain

  • Flat Foot

    Flatfoot, or pes planus, is a defect of the foot, in which there is no arch at all. Flatfoot is usually hereditary or caused by diseases of the muscles and nerves. Arches can fall, however, under certain conditions. At particular risk are women who have habitually worn high-heels for long periods. In such cases, the Achilles tendon that runs down the back of the calf to the heel bone is not stretched, so over the years, it shortens and tightens. The ankle, then, does not bend properly, and tendons and ligaments running through the arch try to compensate. Sometimes, they then break down and the arch falls. Some studies have indicated that the earlier one starts wearing shoes, particularly for long periods of the day, the higher the risk for flat feet. One indirect outcome of flat arches may be urinary incontinence or leakage during exercise. The less flexible the arch, the more force reaches the pelvic floor, jarring the muscles that affect urinary continence.

  • Clawfoot and Abnormally High Arches

    Clawfoot, or pes cavus, is a deformity of the foot marked by very high arches and very long toes. Clawfoot is a hereditary condition, but it can also occur when muscles in the foot contract or become unbalanced due to nerve or muscle disorders. An overly high arch (hollow foot), in general, can cause problems. Army studies have found that recruits with the highest arches have the most lower-limb injuries and that flat-footed recruits have the least. Contrary to the general impression, the hollow foot is much more common than the flat foot.

Military Foot Problems

The brave men and women of our armed forces are required to do a lot of difficult training to ensure our freedom. This hard work, however, has a toll on their feet.

Many Soldiers and Marines are seen regularly by their physician for the treatment of ailments such as ingrown toenails, athlete's foot, blisters, and calluses, to name a few. We know that most times during training there is no time to properly care for your feet. However, finding the time for these important things has been proven to help some.

  • Regularly replace your socks
  • Use a foot powder regularly
  • Try to keep your feet dry as much as possible
  • Replace your shoes as often as possible
  • Trim your nails short and straight across
  • Be sure that your boots fit properly
  • Wear insoles or pads in your boots for more support

For more information on this subject, or to schedule an appointment with a footDrHorsley Podiatrist, please call (877) 372-6048

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms addressed, we strongly recommend that you seek the advice of your podiatrist for proper diagnosis.

Portobello Mushrooms

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of medium portobello mushrooms
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic, wine, or herbed vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat the broiler or prepare a charcoal grill, spraying the rack with non-stick pan spray.
  2. Clean the mushrooms well and cut off the tough bottoms of the stems.
  3. Combine the olive oil, vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl.
  4. Brush all surfaces of the mushrooms with the mixture. Allow to marinate at least 20 minutes.
  5. Put the mushrooms on the prepared broiler pan or grill, stem sides up.
  6. Broil or grill about 4 inches from the heat source until the mushrooms are tender, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
  7. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Ingredients

  • 11 ounces of cooked spinach
  • 6 ounces artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Mix together all ingredients and spoon into a baking dish
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes

Homemade Salsa & Guacamole

Ingredients

  • 6 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced

Directions

  1. Mix together tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt and ground pepper.
  2. Place avocados in a bowl and add 1/3 cup of the salsa mixture

*Keep things healthy and serve both with baked pita chips!

Diabetes – A Family Affair

Take the time to discuss these questions and answers with your family and loved ones:

Diabetes is a disease characterized by increased levels of sugar in the blood.
True. People with diabetes have increased blood sugar (blood glucose levels). High levels of glucose may build up in the blood, and as a result the body loses its main source of fuel. The normal level of sugar in the blood is below 126.

Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by your body to help regulate blood sugar.
True. People with diabetes lack insulin, have insufficient amounts of insulin, or are resistant to insulin's affects.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that if left uncontrolled may lead to other serious health problems.
True. Diabetes can affect the blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums, and teeth. It is the leading cause of adult blindness, lower limb amputations and kidney failure. People with diabetes also have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Keeping your blood sugar levels near normal can greatly reduce these risks.

Diabetes only affects older people.
False. Diabetes can affect both the young and the old. In fact, type I diabetes mostly affects children while type II diabetes affects adults. It is a disease that is widespread around the world and affects men and women, children and adults, and people of all ethnicity.

Diabetes is an embarrassing disease.
False. Diabetes is a common disease. It has no boundaries and afflicts all kinds of people, even many famous people.

I need to educate my family on the dangers of diabetes.
True. Diabetes is a family affair. Everyone in the family should be made aware of this disease and should be helping those with diabetes control it.

Diabetes is contagious.
False. You cannot contract diabetes through contact or socializing with a person who has diabetes.

I can't develop diabetes if my parents don't have it.
False. Though diabetes can run in families, it can also be associated with poor eating habits and lack of exercise.

People with diabetes have a more difficult time fighting off infections and healing wounds than people who don't have diabetes.
True. In general, people with diabetes may take longer to fight an infection and may experience more difficulty in mending open wounds and sores.

My feet are important.
True. Though at times some people may be embarrassed by their feet, it is important to take good care of them. Proper foot care is a valuable first step in keeping you healthy.

Simple Rice Dish

Ingredients
  • 1 Pound Brown Rice
  • 1 Onion
  • 3 Stalks of Celery
  • 1 Table spoon of Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tea spoon of Salt-free Spike
  • 3 carrots
  • Olive or vegetable oil
  • Margarine or Butter
  • Tamari (Soy) sauce

See other Rice varieties.

Directions

Cook the rice as directed on the package or as you are accustomed to.

  1. Rinse rice in cool water and put in medium size pot
  2. Add water to 1 inch above rice and bring to boil
  3. Reduce heat and cover pot
  4. Cook rice about 20 - 30 minutes, or until chewy. Make sure the water has totally evaporated.
  5. Drain excess water from rice while hot
  6. Add some margarine, tamari or soy sauce, seasonings and stir until well blended
  7. Heat wok (or deep frying pan) to a nice temperature such that the oil will not burn when added
  8. Slice and dice veggies
  9. Add a little oil and all the rice to wok and stir fry for 5 -7 minutes.
    You may choose to add the veggies with the rice and oil while stir frying or just add them after stir frying the rice. Some people like lightly cooked or uncooked veggies which preserves their crunchiness and original nutrient potential.

Serve right away and don't overcook!
Rice will become sticky and lose its flavor if overcooked.

Serve with sweet and sour sauce, hot whole wheat rolls or garlic cheese bread!

Always keep Brown Rice around to serve with other meals or as a meal itself!