Feet get top billing in presentation to seniors
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Dr. Jasen Langley

JACKSON - A group of about 50 senior citizens received information about the latest advancements in foot care during a May 15 program at the Melvin Cottrell Center for Senior Citizens and the Disabled, Don Connor Boulevard.

Dr. Jasen Langley of theAffiliated Foot and Ankle Center, Howell, offered a presentation on preventive foot and ankle care. The doctor said he specializes in nail care, diabetic foot care, wounds and general foot pain.

He said podiatry has changed a lot over the years, "and although a lot of our practice is nail care, we still do corns and calluses. A lot of people also come to us for fractures and reconstructive procedures."

Langley said a podiatrist treats all diseases and ailments of the foot and ankle. Dermatologic and diabetes problems are more related to the senior population, he said.

He described a variety of issues that affect the foot, including nail fungus, which is a fungal infection. Langley said nail fungus can be treated with a topical nail solution or a prescribed medication.

The doctor also spoke about ingrown toenails, infections and how they are treated.

In-gown nails are not always simple to deal with and may require surgery in some cases, he said, noting that individuals who have diabetes may need special care.

"Warts will occur more often in younger patients," Langley said. "Typically they are caused by a virus or sweaty feet and swimmers can pick it up at a pool. So you have to make sure the pool is chemically treated."

Langley suggested that people should wear water shoes in a pool. He noted that warts can be contagious and can be picked up by family members.

Another topic covered was plantar fasciitis, which deals with a ligament in the heel.

"When you sleep, the band (ligament) shortens, so when you get out of bed in the morning and step down you get a sharp pain," Langley told the audience members.

The ligament stretches out as a person walks, he said.

Sometimes arch supports, stretching exercises and an anti-inflammatory medication will help solve the problem, he said.

Other topics covered by Langley during his presentation to the seniors included hammertoes, bunions, flat feet, weight as a contributing factor for heel pain, the use of inserts or orthotics and shockwave therapy as a noninvasive treatment.

"I try to treat a lot of conditions as aggressively as I can," the doctor said. "I [also] try to be an advocate for the patient, because I know the patient doesn't want to be at the doctor's [office] every week."

Following the presentation, the seniors were offered a complimentary foot and ankle screening by the doctor.

Senior center administrator Sheri Silversmith said she was approached by Chad Schwartz, the director of patient and community relations at the Affiliated Foot andAnkle Center, to present the program.

"I thought this was a great idea," Silversmith said. "The seniors were able to benefit from learning about foot health and about other services that can be provided."

Sandy Clancy, who was in the audience, said, "The presentation was very informative. The doctor acted like he was one of us. He made everyone feel very comfortable and it was a great presentation."

Mary Zagrobelny said she learned some things about foot care that she was not previously aware of.