What it’s like to be infected with coronavirus
Doctor Admits Trying To Kill His Mother's Partner With Poison Disguised As A COVID-19 Vaccine
LONDON — A British doctor on Monday admitted trying to kill his mother's long-term partner, who stood between him and an inheritance, by injecting the man with poison disguised as a COVID-19 vaccine.
Prosecutors say Thomas Kwan pretended to be a community nurse delivering booster shots and injected Patrick O'Hara with a toxic substance, likely a pesticide. O'Hara, 72, developed a rare flesh-eating disease that left him in intensive care.
Kwan, 53, initially denied attempted murder but changed his plea to guilty after prosecutors laid out their case at Newcastle Crown Court in northeast England.
Prosecutor Thomas Makepeace told the court that Kwan was a "respected and experienced" family doctor based in Sunderland, about 15 miles from Newcastle. The lawyer said Kwan used his "encyclopedic knowledge" of poisons in his plot to kill O'Hara, who was "a potential impediment to Mr. Kwan inheriting his mother's estate upon her death."
Makepeace said Kwan forged documentation, used a vehicle with fake license plates and disguised himself with head-to-toe protective clothing, tinted glasses and a surgical mask to visit the home in Newcastle that O'Hara shared with Kwan's mother, Jenny Leung, in January.
"As I suspect, would any of us, Mr. O'Hara fell for it hook, line and sinker," the prosecutor said.
The next day, in pain and with a blistered arm, O'Hara went to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. Part of his arm was cut away to stop it spreading, and O'Hara spent several weeks in intensive care.
Kwan was identified with the help of surveillance camera footage. Police who searched his home found an array of chemicals, including arsenic and liquid mercury, as well as castor beans which can be used to make the chemical weapon ricin.
Police have not been able to confirm what substance was used.
Christopher Atkinson of the Crown Prosecution Service said Kwan had refused to identify the poison, "allowing the victim's health to further deteriorate."
"While the attempt on his victim's life was thankfully unsuccessful, the effects were still catastrophic," he said.
Kwan will be sentenced later.
Man, 55, Develops Rare Flesh-eating Disease After Contracting Common Childhood Virus
A middle-aged man diagnosed with the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles suffered a rare and potentially life-threatening infection that ate away at the flesh on his chest.
The 55-year-old man being treated for shingles went to the hospital with extreme swelling in his chest and a large open sore leaking a foul-smelling fluid, which doctors discovered to be a rare complication of the herpes zoster virus - also known as shingles.
The flesh-eating infection, known medically as necrotizing fasciitis, is typically caused by bacterial infections.
Though rare, it can develop after being infected with the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. The severe rash gives way to open soars that welcome invading bacteria, which degrades skin tissue.
Doctors used a vacuum-like device to drain the abscess after doctors removed layers of dead tissue
The patient was being treated by doctors in Najran, Saudi Arabia, for shingles, a painful rash most commonly seen in older adults who had chickenpox as children.
Even after a person recovers from chickenpox, the herpes zoster virus remains dormant in the person's system. It can become reactivated in older age, causing shingles.
The patient also had diabetes, which can weaken the immune system and impair its ability to keep the virus in check.
Around 1million Americans are diagnosed with shingles every year.
Shingles can be prevented with a vaccine that protects almost 100 percent of people from infection. Around 30 percent of seniors who are eligible for the vaccine have gotten one.
The man developed the typical painful shingles rash around the front of his chest and his upper abdomen.
The rash was treated with a topical cream and an antiviral medication typically used to treat the herpes family of viruses.
For about a week after beginning the antiviral medications, he suffered pain and swelling in his chest near the rash, which was not responding to topical treatment. The pain persisted and he developed a high fever.
When he arrived at the emergency room, doctors said the swelling on the left side of his chest was 'massive' with pus discharge 'and a foul odor associated with throbbing pain and fever.'
The sore on his chest was slightly larger than a standard-size of printer paper.
Doctors gave him intravenous antibiotics and performed emergency surgery to drain the fluid and remove layers of dead tissue. In the surgery, doctors found severe skin damage extended deeper into the man's muscles.
Cultures of the liquid taken from the man's wound identified Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens, strains that are resistant to certain antibiotics and thus difficult to treat effectively.
A 55-year-old man presented to the hospital with a severe case of a bacterial flesh-eating infection that had caused a massive sore on his torso
For five days in the hospital, doctors cleaned and treated the wound for five days. After that, a plastic surgeon closed the chest wound, using a vacuum for six days to help heal it, and then stitched it up.
The patient was discharged in good condition after 16 days in the hospital, with the infection fully cleared. His ordeal was detailed in the American Journal of Case Reports.
The shingles virus causes severe itching in a specific area, usually on one side of the body. This itching gives way to a painful rash and fluid-filled blisters that break open and become sores.
The open sores are prime entry points for bacteria to invade and cause secondary infections.
Treating a case of flesh-eating bacteria quickly with antibiotics and removing layers of dead tissue.
Necrotizing fasciitis can spread quickly, destroying more and more tissue the longer it goes untreated. The CDC estimates there are between 700 and 1,200 cases of necrotizing fasciitis in the US every year.
To fight infection, the immune system sends immune cells to fight the infection. But this response can result in widespread inflammation throughout the body, potentially leading to a decreased flow of oxygen to vital organs.
Surgery to remove the dead tissue is crucial, with researchers noting that nearly 100 percent of patients die without it.
The 8 Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis, According To Experts
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis can help minimize pain and manage discomfort by combining more cushioning in the sole with ample support. After speaking to board-certified podiatrists and testing over a dozen pairs ourselves, we named the Hoka's Bondi 8 the best shoe for plantar fasciitis overall, thanks to its cushioned sole and balanced support structure. The Ortho Feet Stretch Knit offers the best arch support, while the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 is our top pick for walking.
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis offer ample support and cushioning, like our top ... [+] recommendation, the Hoka Bondi 8's.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERSProper footwear is crucial for keeping inflammation and heel pain from plantar fasciitis at bay. To find the most effective options, Forbes Vetted contributor Becky Eaton, who has plantar fasciitis, put our picks through their paces and rated each in terms of comfort. Below, find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, along with helpful buying tips from our panel of podiatrists.
Comfort rating: 4.5Shoe type: SneakerSizes: 5 to 12 (women's), 7 to 16 (men's)Widths: Standard, wideMaterials: Recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsoleHeel drop: 4mmCushioning: High
What you'll love:
Keep in mind:
The Hoka Bondi 8 is our top pick for a few reasons: The memory foam collar reduces foot strain and a rear crash pad at the back offers balanced landing during heel-to-toe movements, and the shoe's neutral support structure dials in the stability. Hoka's curved "metarocker" sole also prevents your feet from stepping flat—hopefully saving you from a spell of pain—and The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) provides a Seal of Acceptance, so the Bondi 8 has passed reviews from podiatrists who endorse its benefits. Overall, these shoes are meticulously engineered seam by seam, which justifies the high-end price tag.
What our tester says: "This is an excellent shoe," says Eaton. "The wide toe box left plenty of room for my toes to spread out and breathe, and with each step, my whole foot felt fully supported and delightfully cushioned, especially in the heel where I feel most of my plantar fasciitis pain." She does note the oversized sole "might feel bulky for some people."
The Hoka Bondi 8's have a wide toe box and ample sole cushioning, so my feet feel supported for any ... [+] activity.
Becky Eaton For Forbes VettedComfort rating: 4Shoe type: SneakerSizes: 5 to 12 (women's)Widths: Standard, wide, extra wideMaterials: Stretch knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsoleHeel drop: Not listedCushioning: Moderate
What you'll love:
Keep in mind:
Outfitted with the cushion system for comfort and support, Orthofeet's Stretch Knit sneaker is specifically designed for plantar fasciitis. It helps relieve pressure on sensitive feet with foam padding around pressure points. It also includes a removable anatomical arch booster made of flexible plastic that can be added under the sole for extra support and protection. This shoe has a wide toe box to accommodate other foot conditions, such as bunions, and a stretchable knitted upper that allows your foot to flex freely without constricting movements.
What our tester says: "This sneaker felt loose for me at first, but thanks to the 3.2mm supplied spacer that fits under the removable insole, I could easily adapt the fit, which reduced heel slippage," says Eaton. "While the tongue and collar aren't as padded as some of the other pairs I tested, my feet still felt comfortable and supported while walking and doing light cardio."
The insole removes to add a spacer for better fit and an arch support booster for extra support if ... [+] you need it.
Becky Eaton For Forbes VettedNew Balance
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
Comfort rating: 5Shoe type: SneakerSizes: 5 to 12 (women's), 7 to 16 (men's)Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wideMaterials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsoleHeel drop: 8mmCushioning: High
What you'll love:
Keep in mind:
New Balance's Fresh Foam line is innovative and designed with comfort in mind. According to the company, instead of absorbing and dissipating the energy you might put into each step, Fresh Foam gives it back to you with more cushion; think of it as a bit of extra rebound. There's additional foam in the mid-foot section of the shoe, which is where many people with plantar fasciitis experience the most pain. Reviewers like that the Fresh Foam's upper keeps your foot cradled, so the shoe stays firmly beneath your mid-foot, and you're less likely to roll an ankle. With great cushioning and multiple widths to fit different foot shapes, this shoe also makes for a reliable daily gym sneaker.
What our tester says: Eaton tested the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13, a previous model of this shoe that features the same mid-foot cushioning as the v14. "Walking in the Fresh Foams really felt cloud-like thanks to the soft bounce-back sole," she says. "With just the right amount of padding at the tongue and ankle, my feet felt comfortably supported. I like how back of the heel counter flares out a bit, reducing any risk of blisters or rubbing."
Every step feels like walking on a cloud thanks to a super cushiony bounce-back sole.
Becky Eaton for Forbes VettedBrooks Running
Brooks Ghost 15
Comfort rating: 4.5Shoe type: SneakerSizes: 5 to 13 (women's), 7 to 15 (men's)Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wideMaterials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsoleHeel drop: 12mmCushioning: Moderate
What you'll love:
Keep in mind:
The Brooks Ghost 15 is the latest in its award-winning series, designed to provide comfort, support and a smooth ride. The updated cushioning, known as the DNA Loft V2, is a precise balance of rubber, air and light foam to buffer your landings—crucial if you're prone to plantar-related flare-ups. Also great: Its 12mm heel-to-toe drop diverts stress away from the heel, encouraging your weight to land in the forefront of the shoe. Some customers find the Ghost line is roomier than other brands, which can be helpful, too. The shoe also comes in many fun color options for those who want to make a statement.
What our tester says: "Whether you wear these to run or not, the Ghost 15 is a well-built, low-profile sneaker that offers a lot of support with minimal weight," says Eaton. "My ankle felt fully supported and I could feel the responsive cushioning both in the heel and ball of the foot when I moved and took a step. Even in rainy weather, the sole has good slip resistance."
A thick, padded collar and responsive cushioning make this a supportive shoe for running and beyond.
Becky Eaton For Forbes VettedComfort rating: 3.5Shoe type: SneakerSizes: 5 to 12 (women's), 6 to 15 (men's)Widths: MediumMaterials: Polyester and synthetic mesh upper and lining, rubber outsoleHeel drop: Not listedCushioning: Moderate
What you'll love:
Keep in mind:
If you play tennis and want to keep pain from getting in the way, Asic's Court FF 3 has a lot of smart, plantar-fasciitis-friendly features. According to Dr. Lady Paula DeJesus, D.P.M., a triple board-certified podiatric surgeon, it "has an outsole grip support system and a sock-like feel for comfort." There's also a removable footbed boosted with "Flytefoam" for lightweight cushioning and a midsole designed to maximize bounce-back and responsiveness, so you can switch between playing styles easily.
What our tester says: "I liked how the Asics Court FF 3s have a sock-like interior surrounded by a synthetic, flexible shell-like exterior, so my foot felt extremely secure during any type of movement," says Eaton. "The mesh upper also encourages airflow, which kept my feet cool. Overall, this is a stable, flexible and well designed pick for both playing at the baseline and moving around the court." Eaton also says this sneaker can be difficult to slip into at first "since the padded collar and tongue are connected in a way that offers minimal stretch," but notes the area "loosens up with repeated wear."
A sock-like mesh interior is surrounded by a flexible synthetic exterior that keeps the foot secure.
Becky Eaton For Forbes VettedAmazon
Crocs Classic Cozzzy Sandals
Shoe type: SlipperSizes: 4 to 17 (women's), 2 to 15 (men's)Widths: MediumMaterials: Textile upper and lining, EVA outsoleHeel drop: Not listedCushioning: Moderate
What you'll love:
Keep in mind:
Lightweight yet supportive, Crocs are a solid option for those with plantar fasciitis—especially if you're looking for a casual pair for exclusively wearing around the house. With a heightened outsole and slightly raised heel, the Classic Cozzzy Sandal offers great shock absorption, making them ideal for use on hardwood floors. A fuzzy fleece lining keeps the foot warm, while the sandal-like design provides enough ventilation to avoid overheating. Just keep in mind that these are best for indoor use, as some reviewers mention that small bits of outdoor debris can easily get trapped in the fluff.
What our tester says: In her roundup of the Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis, Eaton notes that she switched her slippers out with Crocs, based on her podiatrist's recommendation. This pair is featured as her pick for the best house slippers. "Love or hate them, Crocs's footwear is ultra-supportive and great for those with plantar fasciitis, as I discovered," she says. "The Classic Cozzzy Sandal combines the comfort of a fuzzy slipper with the breathability of a sandal."
Comfort rating: 5Shoe type: Slide sandalSizes: 5 to 16 (women's), 3 to 14 (men's)Widths: MediumMaterials: FoamHeel drop: Not listedCushioning: High
What you'll love:
Keep in mind:
Style and orthotic support aren't usually synonymous, but the Oofos OOahh Slide Sandals may be onto something. Sleek in design yet intricate in technology, this sandal absorbs up to 37% more impact compared to similar foam shoes on the market—so it literally takes a load off your feet. Meanwhile, a propriety footbed reduces stress on your lower-half joints. The sturdy base cradles your arches, which can take some getting used to, especially if you tend to walk on flat shoes—but that's part of the secret to reducing achy feet. Just note the straps aren't adjustable, so if your feet are narrow, they could slip off easily.
What our tester says: "These slides provided high-cushion recovery with a soft, massage-like quality," says Eaton, who also named these as her top pick on our list of the Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis. "You can wear them all day without injuring your feet and they can even relieve pain: after a night of dancing, my sore feet and tight lower back felt healed after just a few minutes of wearing these slides."
The proprietary footbed reduces stress and absorbs impact.
Becky Eaton For Forbes VettedOlukai
Olukai Ohana Beach Sandals
Comfort rating: 4Shoe type: Flip flopSizes: 5 to 12 (women's), 7 to 18 (men's)Widths: MediumMaterials: Synthetic, nylon, rubber outsoleHeel drop: Not listedCushioning: Moderate
What you'll love:
Keep in mind:
DeJesus recommends Olukai flip flops, pointing out that they have "a thick sole for shock absorption with adequate arch support." Each pair is made with a compression-molded EVA midsole and drop-in footbed to create the ideal anatomical fit. They're also quite durable, with water-resistant synthetic straps, quick-drying jersey knit lining and a soft nylon toe post.
Flip flops are notoriously iffy for those with plantar fasciitis—to fully experience the benefits of this cushy, supportive pair, make sure the straps aren't too loose on your foot as that will force your toes to grip too hard to keep the shoe on.
What our tester says: "These sandals put the flat flip flops of my teen years to shame," says Eaton. "There's arch support that prevents pain, a cushioned foam insole that my foot comfortably sunk into and the surrounding outsole is made of a hard, grippy rubber that felt durable with high traction. The thong between the toes is made of a soft nylon that prevented any rubbing, which I appreciated. If you wear flip flops a lot, this pair is worth it—it's a game-changer for comfort and a huge improvement over board-like flip flops, which offer no support and can exacerbate foot issues."
A molded footbed and grippy, high-traction soles make these flip flops supportive and safe to wear ... [+] in wet environments.
Becky Eaton For Forbes Vetted Other Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis To ConsiderWe've tested and researched a wide variety of top-rated shoes. While the shoes listed below didn't make our final list, they offer different styles and fits that can be a good choice for some wearers.
At Forbes Vetted, we've published many expertly researched fashion articles, including dozens of stories on footwear for various needs.
To narrow down the top shoes for plantar fasciitis, we evaluated customer and expert reviews, footwear features, enhanced functionality and price point and selected the best options to keep your feet comfortable and as pain-free as possible.
We tested all eight of our expert picks and scored them on comfort, support, traction and more.
Becky Eaton For Forbes Vetted What To Consider When Buying Shoes For Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a connective ligament that supports the arch of your foot, becomes inflamed, says Deena Horn, D.P.M., an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. Luckily, by choosing the right footwear, you can experience relief. Here are the essential features to look for when choosing a shoe for plantar fasciitis:
Heel DropThe heel drop of a shoe is the difference in height between the shoe's heel and forefoot. "A zero drop shoe would be detrimental because of the excessive stress on the heel," Lobkova explains. "[But] a high heel-to-toe drop can cause the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon to contract and shorten over time, further worsening plantar fasciitis." To find the right middle ground, Lobkova recommends a 4 to 8mm heel-to-toe drop as the most beneficial option for those with plantar fasciitis. "This places less stress on the Achilles tendon and allows for more efficient transfer of energy through heel-lift and toe-off in the walking cycle," she says.
Cushioning"Cushioning at the heel acts as shock absorption to minimize ground reactive forces going up the kinetic chain, to the other weight bearing joints, such as those in the knees and low back," says Lobkova, who helped design a walking shoe called Klaw to address this issue. Look for a pair of shoes with an ample amount of cushioning; the Hoka Bondi 8 earns high marks in this category, thanks to its rear crash pad that provides a more forgiving impact.
Fit And WidthAn improper fit can exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms. DeJesus advises trying on shoes "at the end of the day when your feet are largest, and ensure there's a thumb's width of space from your longest toe to the end of the shoe." A wide midsole base is also recommended for additional support.
Arch Support"If there is no arch support in the shoe, the plantar fascia pulls causing stressful irritation and pain," says De Jesus. Those with flat feet or high arches should particularly prioritize this feature, as the extra structure can help reduce discomfort. The Ortho Feet Stretch Knit is designed with flexible plastic inserts, making this style ideal for these foot types.
FlexibilityWhether it's a sneaker or a sandals, look for a shoe that allows for the most natural foot movements possible whether you're walking or running. "Look for a sneaker with a plush platform-like sole, metatarsal-rocker, which is a platform, concave-shaped sole at the area of the ball of the foot," says Lobkova. "This allows for the smoothest possible transition from heel to toe."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)What Shoes Do Podiatrists Recommend For Plantar Fasciitis?
According to the podiatrists we spoke, people with plantar fasciitis should look for a shoe that combines cushioning with arch support, like the Hoka Bondi 8, our best choice for the best overall. This shoe has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, which means that it has been reviewed by a team of podiatrists to guarantee it promotes good foot health. Dr. Lady Paula DeJesus, D.P.M., a triple board-certified podiatric surgeon, specifically recommends the Asics Court FF3 for tennis shoes and the Olukai Ohana for flip flops.
What Shoes Should You Not Wear With Plantar Fasciitis?
If you have plantar fasciitis, avoid shoes that offer little to no support, which includes most flip flops and flats. While there are some exceptions, like the Olukai Ohana Beach Sandals, most flip flops and flats lack the proper arch support and cushioning needed to prevent aches and pains after daily wear.
Should I Wear Different Shoes For Walking And Running?
It's a good idea, according to DeJesus. "Road running and walking shoes should not be capable of bending or twisting," she says. "A stiff arch is beneficial for motion control. Rocker soles for running may help with a smooth stride and reduce stress to your plantar fascia [since] rocking forward stimulates a rolling motion during your gait cycle." For walking and running shoes, adequate cushioning for shock absorption and protection is also essential. "Running shoes should be lightweight. A heavy weighted shoe requires more body energy due to the weight on your feet," says DeJesus.
Comments
Post a Comment