Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Winter 2020

THE HUMAN FOOT AND ANKLE HAVE 26 BONES AND 33 JOINTS . AS WE AGE, OUR FEET BECOME LONGER AND WIDER. F A S T FACTS A B O U T FEET New shoes should NOT need to be broken in. You want them to be comfortable from the first step. Shop for shoes at the end of the day. That’s when your feet are largest. QUICK TIP Sources: American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society; American Podiatric Medical Association; Guinness World Records Amputation prevention program launched at CMH Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention (LEAP) is a national comprehensive program that can dramatically reduce lower extremity amputations in patients with diabetic neuropathy and other conditions. Physical therapists at Citizens Memorial Hospital Outpatient Therapy are trained in the six-step LEAP program with the goal to help patients reduce their risk of amputation and improve their quality of life. SIX-STEP LEAP PROGRAM 1 Annual foot screening. Your therapist will perform an initial foot screening, identify risks and recommend treatment. You should have a foot screening each year. 2 Patient education. You will learn self-management skills and techniques. 3 Daily self-inspection. Daily self-inspection is an integral part of the self-management program. Early detection of foot injuries is necessary to prevent potentially more serious problems. 4 Footwear selection and orthotic management. The therapist will provide recommendations for proper footwear and sizing based on your evaluation. 5 Management of simple foot problems. Your therapist will help you avoid foot injuries and wounds. The prevention program emphasizes the importance of reporting all injuries to your provider. 6 Balance assessment. Therapist will perform a balance assessment to detect issues and help prevent falls. Fred Lerche, P.T., CPED, is the orthotic and LEAP program lead at CMH Outpatient Therapy. With more than 25 years of experience as a physical therapist, Lerche is an expert in both orthotics and LEAP and would be happy to answer any of your questions. Call 417-328-6453 for more information. LEAP was developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Hansen’s Disease Program. CMH therapy services offer custom foot orthotics FOOT HEALTH Citizens Memorial Hospital Outpatient Therapy offers custom foot orthotics. Physical therapists are trained and certified in orthotic evaluation, fabrication and the custom fitting process. Orthotics are designed in an orthotic lab at CMH Outpatient Therapy, located at the CMH Kerry and Synda Douglas Medical Center, 1155 W. Parkview St., Bolivar. Orthotics help improve proper foot alignment and support. The physical therapists at CMH Outpatient Therapy are experts in musculoskeletal dysfunction and movement. During the evaluation, physical therapists work with patients to find the right orthotic for their symptoms. CMH uses the latest orthotic technology to make sure patients receive the best care and outcomes. Custom orthotics may benefit patients with Achilles tendinitis; arthritis; bunions; calluses or corns; chronic heel, knee and low-back pain; high arches; gait abnormalities; plantar fasciitis; shin splints; and more. CMH offers physical, speech, and occupational therapy and pediatric therapy with clinic locations in Ash Grove, Bolivar, Buffalo, El Dorado Springs, Greenfield, Hermitage, Osceola, Pleasant Hope and Stockton. CMH accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about custom orthotics, call CMH Outpatient Therapy at 417-328-6453 . SHOULDYOU FOOT IT TOTHE DOCTOR? If you have foot or ankle problems, make an appointment with Brad Jones, DPM, or CreightonWoolsey, DPM, with CMH Podiatry Clinic: 417-328-7000 . 16" In 2014, a young Venezuelan man claimed the title of largest feet (male). His feet measured nearly 16 INCHES LONG. That’s a U.S. size 26 or roughly the diameter of an extra-large pizza. citizensmemorial.com 5