Podiatrist writes about new information on Fibromyalgia

Just last year the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) proposed new, easier to apply diagnostic criteria for FMS that take into account common symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems, as well as pain” (http://updates.pain-topics.org/2011/04/overcoming-barriers-to-managing.html).  Since diagnostic criteria are constantly in flux, patients, who continue to experience pain, are left to their own devices in many circumstances.  Thus, they may be more likely to turn to medical remedies that are “off the beaten path,” according to the article. 

 In a recent article, “Overcoming Barriers to Managing Fibromyalgia” the author summarizes some of the challenges that newly diagnosed people experience (http://updates.pain-topics.org/2011/04/overcoming-barriers-to-managing.html).  As it turns out, one of the biggest let downs for patients seeking relief from Fibromyalgia, a condition that has them experiencing chronic pain throughout their bodies, is that modern medicine does not provide them with quick relief.  The condition is definitely a medical conundrum, leaving some health practitioners to see it more as a mental or behavioral issue that a physical issue as such.  

One unconventional medical issue to consider if you have Fibromyalgia is whether or not you have a short first metatarsal bone: also known as “Morton’s Toe.”  According to Panama City, Florida podiatrist, Dr. Burton S. Schuler http://www.footcare4u.com/category/about-dr-schuler/  , who has treated patient for decades in his Northern Florida podiatry practice, there is a possible link between Morton’s Toe and Fibromyalgia  since improper foot alignment can be a major medical issue—leading to many long term health problems.  While the cause of Fibromyalgia is not known—and some medical experts believe the diagnosis is simply a cluster of symptoms—Schuler has successfully treated Fibromyalgia sufferers with a short metatarsal bone with a simple toe pad under the big toe .  But he warns the pad is not a miracle pain cure and should be used cautiously and with medical oversight.

 The toe pad works to correct the foot’s overpronation, as it makes contact with the ground  According to Schuler, pronation is one of the most important terms related to how the foot operates: “Pronation allows the shock of our body weight to be absorbed when the foot meets the ground. Pronation also makes it possible for the foot to adapt to all of the different surfaces we walk on.”

 Consideration that overpronation of your feet, caused by a short first metatarsal bone, can be linked to muscle pain elsewhere in your body may be good news for those who suffer from the stigma related to fibromyalgi  

 

About the Author:  Dr. Burton S. Schuler foot doctor, foot specialist, podiatrist  of Panama City, Fl and the director of the Ambulatory Foot Clinics Podiatric Pain Management Center  and is a leading authority on the Morton’s Toe,  Long Second Toe and it associated problems. He is the author of the newly published book about The Morton’s Toe, Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts In the Foot. The book is published by the La Luz Press, Inc and is disturbed national by the Cardinal Publishing Group.  Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts In The Foot, is the story of how one bone in your foot could be the real reason for pains thru out your whole body. It is important because it offer the public new information about why millions of people suffer everyday with aches and pains, and offers new hope to get rid of problems they believed they would have to live with forever. It literally can be the “medical missing link”

  Dr. Schuler, graduated from the N. Y. College of Podiatric Medicine in 1975 at the age of twenty-four, and has been in private practice ever since. In 1982, he published his first book, The Agony of De-Feet: A Podiatrist Guide to Foot Care. During his thirty-five year professional career, he has written for Collier’s Encyclopedia and various podiatric journals and publications. He has been interviewed by The New York Times, First in Women, and other publications. Dr. Schuler has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs both here and aboard. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management, and the National Board of Podiatric Examiners. Dr. Schuler is certified as a wound specialist from the American Boardof Wound Management. His professional and civic accomplishments have earned his inclusion in the 1999-2002 Who’s Who in America (Marquis).