Page 3 - Hosey Foot Notes Fall 17

Neuropathy patients
should take special care
in cold weather
Cold weather poses special challenges for people affected by peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which manifests largely in the hands and feet,
are numbness, tingling, burning or jabbing pain, and muscle weakness.
“Prolonged exposure to the cold causes the body to slow blood circulation to the hands
and feet in an effort to preserve the body’s core temperature,” says Dr. Ryan
Murphy of Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers. “The reduced blood flow can intensify
neuropathy symptoms and potentially cause further damage to already affected peripheral nerves.”
Cold weather can be of special concern to those who experience their neuropathy pain as a numbness or tingling sensation. “Their inability to measure the effects of the cold often diminishes the physical warning signals that indicate a need to get to warmer conditions,” Dr. Murphy adds.
Tips to lessen the pain and lower your risk of further nerve damage:
• Wear warm, dry clothing in cold weather.
• Protect your hands and feet by wearing thick socks,
thick mittens or gloves.
• Take intermittent breaks from the cold to reduce your exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Limit or avoid caffeine before an outing as it can temporarily cause blood vessels to narrow.
• Do not smoke as cigarette smoke can slow circulation.
• Limit alcohol use since excessive consumption can lead to vitamin deficiency which can, in turn, damage peripheral nerves.
• Incorporate exercise into your routine to improve overall circulation.
• Explore comfort measures like massage or use of flexible splints for support.
If you suffer from numbness and tingling in the feet and legs call the physicians at Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers at 586-263-4411for an examination and consultation.
Portuguese transplant finds a new home
Receptionist Mita Paul provides an international flair to the Hosey Foot and Ankle clinics. Born and raised in Portugal, she came to the United States five years ago when her mother married a United States citizen. She, her younger sister and mother moved from the seaside town of Porto, Portugal to the Detroit metro area to start a new life.
Receptionist Mita Paul
“Coming to the United States when I was 18 was a big change for me,” she said. In Porto she had a wide circle of friends who enjoyed the numerous coffee houses and nightlife of the growing tourist community. Since every student there begins to learn English in fourth grade she was easily able to accommodate the language and her new home’s education system.
Mita is currently enrolled in the pre-nursing program at Macomb Community College. Health care has been a big part of her career choices since she has already served as a home care specialist and a receptionist in a physical therapy office.
“Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers has been a great place for me to work with a very professional medical support staff and physicians,” she says. “The patients are very friendly and after awhile you get to know a lot about their personal lives.” She even recently provided some travel tips to a patient who was planning to vacation in Portugal.
Mita enjoyed playing basketball and volleyball when younger, but now has settled in with school, work , family and regular visits to a local gym to keep fit. A now two-year old brother helps fill out her family life.
“It took awhile but I finally feel comfortable in the United States,” she says. A lot of the credit she gives to the Hosey Foot and Ankle staff and patients.
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