sexyfootpain

A Common Winter Sports Injury

2010-11-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries a basketball player can sustain. This is true for both the professional athlete as well as those who play an occasional weekend game. An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments. This is the tissue that connects bones together. The severity of the injury depends upon the number of ligaments involved and whether they are partially torn or completely ruptured. Ankle sprains typically occur during a fall or with a sudden twisting or pivot motion of the ankle that is common in basketball.

Following a sprain, there is usually pain, swelling and bruising of the ankle. There can also be difficulty walking or putting full weight on the foot. It is crucial to seek medical attention following a suspected sprain to evaluate for any fractures of bone that may also have occurred. Ankle sprains can lead to ankle instability which may be chronic and predispose the injured ankle to further sprains.

When treatment is started promptly after the injury, there is greater chance of having a favorable outcome. Rest the ankle and limit weightbearing to decrease risk of further injury. Ice and elevate the ankle to decrease swelling. A compression wrap may also be used to decrease swelling. Medication may be prescribed to help control inflammation. When your physician deems it appropriate, a course of physical therapy may be prescribed to help strengthen and increase range of motion of the ankle.

Having a prompt examination and following the advise of your physician following an injury will help ensure a successful outcome and return to activity.

Juvenile Diabetes and Your Feet

2010-10-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Type I, or juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed during childhood or early adulthood. Type I diabetics do not produce insulin; this is the hormone that converts sugar to energy. Type II diabetics or adult-onset diabetes do not produce enough insulin or use the insulin efficiently. A type I diabetic requires insulin to be administered as part of their treatment while a type II can see improvement through changes in diet, exercise as well as with oral medications.

Diabetes, whether juvenile or adult-onset, are at greater risk of developing complications regarding their health. This can effect the heart, eyes, and kidneys just to name a few. These problems can also manifest in the feet. Diabetics can develop nerve damage or neuropathy. This is a loss of sensation where you may not feel pain, heat or cold. If you can't feel your feet, it is possible to develop an injury, but not recognize it has occurred until the symptoms worsen.

The skin can also become very dry and crack or peel. Regular application of moisturizer cream can help, but avoid applying this in between the toes. Excess moisture in between toes can lead to fungal infections. Calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop because of a high pressure point. If not properly cared for the callus can break down and become an ulcer. Ulcerations are open wounds that can potentially become infected and put the foot or limb at risk of amputation.

Diabetics are also at risk of developing poor circulation. The blood vessels can harden and narrow which prevent blood from adequately flowing. Smoking increases the risk of this complication. Some people will experience pain when walking because of impaired circulation.

Poor circulation and lack of sensation can be a dangerous combination for the feet, but it is possible to prevent these complications. It is necessary to maintain good blood sugar control and exercise regularly to help decrease the chance of developing complications from diabetes. Regular foot exams can also help prevent these complication or provide the necessary treatment if they have already developed.

Is this burning foot pain a neuroma?

2010-10-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

Have you experienced a sharp or burning pain to your toes? Maybe you've felt like your sock was bunched up in your shoe, but when you looked, nothing was there. You could be experiencing the pain of a neuroma. This is a thickening or enlargement of a nerve due to compression and irritation. The most common place to experience this is in between the third and fourth digits of your foot.

What causes a neuroma? Wearing high heeled shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box that cause the toes to be pinched together can lead to these symptoms. Those people with hammertoes, flatfeet, or those who have repetitive stress to the ball of the foot from sports can also develop a neuroma.

There are multiple treatment options available try and alleviate the pain of a neuroma. Padding techniques can help decrease pressure to the painful nerve. Custom orthotics can also help achieve this goal. Avoiding narrow shoes and high heels is also helpful. Try to wear shoes with a wider toe box. Anti-inflammatory medications and injection therapy can also reduce pain. Some patients will go on to have surgical removal of the neuroma if there is not adequate response to conservative treatment. Discussion of your symptoms with your podiatrist can help determine which treatment is best for you.

Are toning shoes right for you?

2010-09-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Most everyone who has turned on a TV or flipped through a magazine in recent months has seen an advertisement for toning shoes. These are sneakers that claim to burn more calories, tone muscle and improve your posture because of the rocker bottom sole of the shoe.

Recently the American Council on Exercise performed a study to see if the claims made by the shoe companies are accurate. The study examined 12 patients wearing traditional walking shoes versus 12 patients wearing toning shoes and measured the activity of 6 different muscle groups. The results showed no significant increase in muscle activity or response. Some people have actually reported an increase in pain after wearing toning shoes because of the structure and mechanics of their foot type.

What does this mean for you? Don't expect to see a change in body shape just by wearing toning shoes. Results are better achieved through healthy eating and performing a balanced exercise routine with traditional footwear.

Shoe Shopping Tips

2010-08-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again... time to go back to school! As the kids start asking for new things to start the school year, like backpacks and new clothes, don't neglect their feet. Kids' feet grow quickly and can change size every few months. Always have their feet measured when buying shoes to ensure the proper fit in both length and width. Look for shoes with a wide toe box and supportive sole, preferable one with traction to help prevent slipping. Shoes made of breathable materials such as leather or canvas can help wick away perspiration and decrease foot odor. A shoe should be snug, but not too tight that it causes blisters. Avoid narrow or pointed toe shoes as these do not match the natural shape of our feet. Remember, just because a shoe is trendy, does not mean it is good for your feet!

Children can develop many of the same foot problems that adults develop, including bunions, hammertoes and flatfeet. Good shoes can be the first step towards helping to minimize foot pain. Taking care of your feet early may reduce the risk of further problems in the future. If a child complains of pain in their feet or does not want to participate in activities because their feet hurt, it is best to schedule a podiatric evaluation. Addressing symptoms early may result in a speedy return to sports and other activities.

Laser Therapy

2010-05-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Laser therapy has multiple applications and benefits. It has successfully been used to treat tendon pain, sprains and strains, as well as plantar fasciitis and chronic overuse injuries. Laser therapy works by emitting energy which is then absorbed by cells in the body and used to stimulate a healing response. Laser therapy helps to increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage as well as improving tissue repair.

Laser therapy is usually performed for a 10-15 minute period, approximately three times a week for a two week period. The treatment schedule may be modified to better suit individual patient needs. Chronic conditions may require more sessions. There may be some improvement of symptoms after initial treatment, but the effect is cumulative and often requires several sessions to note significant improvement. During treatment you may feel a mild tingling sensation, but typically there is little or no sensation. When laser therapy is performed in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as stretching, anti-inflammatory medications or bracing techniques, the potential for resolution of symptoms is great. Discuss these treatment options and your diagnosis with your physician to see if it is right for you.

Should You Run Barefoot?

2010-03-13T05:48:00.000-08:00

There has been much debate in recent months regarding running barefoot versus the use of running shoes. Several factors should be taken into consideration. Each foot is different. Some have high arches while others have a flexible flatfoot, with many variations in between. These foot types can benefit from the added support of running shoes and may even require custom made orthotics to support the arch or better distribute pressure to the foot.

The mechanics of a barefoot runner are different from that of a shod runner. Those with running shoes have a greater heel-strike. Barefoot runners tend to land on the balls of their feet. Therefore, different muscles of the foot and calf have to be trained. Time is needed to properly condition these muscles to accommodate these difference.

Barefoot running offers no protection from debris on the running surface and increased risk of developing a puncture injury. There is also no protection offered from the cold or heat. A properly fitted running shoe with adequate room in the toe box, well supported mid sole and stiff heel counter can help protect the foot during running. Those runners with medical conditions such as diabetes need to be especially wary and barefoot running is not recommended.

Winter Foot Care

2010-01-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

Winter is officially here and with that comes cold and sometimes snowy days. This type of weather can lead to problems for your feet including dry skin, fungal infections and injuries such as sprains and fractures.

The warm, dry air inside homes and buildings can cause the skin to dry out. This results in painful, rough, cracked skin especially around the heels. A pumice stone can be used to gently exfoliate the skin. Take care not to be overly aggressive or further damage may occur. Deeply fissured or cracked skin may require an antibiotic ointment and evaluation by your podiatrist. Regularly apply moisturizer cream to your feet to keep dryness to a minimum. When applying moisturizer cream, avoid the interspaces of your toes to help decrease the risk of developing a fungal infection.

Fungus thrives in a moist, warm environment. This is usually found inside shoes. Wear waterproof shoes on rainy or snowy days. Change socks daily or more frequently if they are wet or dirty. Discoloration or thickening of the toenails, itching, redness, raised bumps or peeling of skin can all be signs of a fungal infection and should be evaluated by your podiatrist. The sooner the infection is treated, the better your response will be.

Icy, slippery patches are prevalent this time of year. Wear rubber soled shoes and boots and take your time when walking to minimize the risk of a fall. Injuries from a fall must be treated as soon as possible. A fracture and sprain can present with the same symptoms including pain, bruising and swelling. Just because you can walk on an injured foot doesn't mean it is not broken. Continued walking on an fractured foot will only worsen the problem.

When coming in from the cold and trying to warm your feet do not soak them in hot water or use a heating pad. Rather, soak feet in mildly warm water and check the temperature against your arm first. Be sure to dry well after soaking. Regular foot inspections by you and your podiatrist are key to good foot health, especially for those with diabetes and poor circulation.

Happy New Year!
Dr. Wisniewski

Toe injury sidelines Ryan against Eagles

2009-12-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

Matt Ryan, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, injured his right great toe early in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. It has been reported by several media outlets that he will miss the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles as a result of this injury.

Ryan is reportedly suffering from turf toe. This is a condition that causes pain at the base of the big toe near the ball of the foot. The injury can occur by jamming the big toe or when cleats stick in artificial turf while coming to a sudden stop. The toe is hyperextended and damages the ligaments and capsule of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP). Damage can range from a stretch injury or minor tear to a complete tear of the capsule and ligaments with injury to bone and cartilage. Symptoms include pain at the MTP joint and base of the great toe as well as swelling and joint stiffness.

Athletes typically do not participate in sporting events while being treated for turf toe because they cannot use the toe to push-off, jump or accelerate. Turf toe is treated with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication and immobilization of the joint, especially when the injury is acute. Immobilization may be accomplished with a cast or walking boot. Eventually, range of motion exercises are performed to gradually increase joint motion. Taping techniques and shoe modifications can also be used to help an athlete return to play. Most patients will respond to conservative care, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Unfortunately, many athletes go on to experience long term complications from turf toe including arthritis, pain, development of bone spurs and joint stiffness.

What makes a runner fast?

2009-11-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

Most people would answer training and practice are the keys to being a fast runner. However, research published by Stephen Piazza and Sabrina Lee of Penn State University has shown the musculoskeletal anatomy plays a role in allowing sprinters to rapidly accelerate. Their study showed longer toes and shorter heels in sprinters compared to those of non-sprinters.

Why are these traits beneficial to sprinters? Longer toes have more time in contact with the ground and allow for an increase in acceleration. The increased ground contact allows better push off at the start of a race. After measuring the ankle joints and Achilles tendons, sprinters were also found to have heels 25% shorter than non-sprinters. This allows the sprinter to produce a greater force with a shorter lever arm.

The characteristics of a sprinter defined in this study can provide better grip and power at the start of a race and could mean the difference between winning and losing. A question that remains unanswered is whether sprinters are born with these traits or do they develop from years of training?

All About Gout

2009-11-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

Do you find your great toe is red and very painful, especially after eating a rich meal? If it does, then you may be suffering from gout. Gout is caused by an increase in uric acid levels. This develops because of increased production of uric acid by the liver or decreased excretion by the kidneys. Eating a diet of rich foods such as red meats, some types of seafood and heavy cream sauces as well as consuming alcoholic beverages can also contribute to a gouty flare.

Gout is characterized by a sudden onset, knife-like pain, swelling and warmth to the affected joint. These symptoms occur as the uric acid crystallizes in a joint space. This is commonly seen in the big toe joint of the foot. Men between the ages of 40-50 are frequently affected.

You should seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms. It is important to rule out other causes of the pain, such as infection, so proper treatment can be offered. Gout is diagnosed through blood work to measure uric acid levels. A sample of joint fluid may be drawn to check for the presence of uric acid crystals. If left untreated, large deposits known as gouty tophi can develop and cause damage to the joint. X-rays are performed to check for changes to the joint and bone surfaces.

Gout is treated by anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your doctor for an acute flare. Other medications are available for long term management of gout. An injection to the affected joint is another treatment option. Discussion of your symptoms with your doctor will determine the treatment best for you.

Holiday parties will be here soon with platters of rich foods that could lead to a gout attack. By eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly and following the advice of your doctor this holiday season can be happy and pain-free.

NY Giants Bradshaw playing with fractured foot

2009-10-31T05:29:00.000-07:00

It's been reported this week that Ahmad Bradshaw, running back for the NY Giants, has been playing with a stress fracture of the 5th metatarsal in his right foot. This is a problem he has had for several months. Earlier this week he was cleared to continue playing on Sundays, but during the week he wears a boot to immobilize the area and limits his activity.

The 5th metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of the foot. A stress fracture, or hairline break in the bone, develops from repeated stress to the area. Athletes that run or repeatedly pivot are susceptible to this type of injury. Pain, bruising and swelling to the outside of the foot are all signs of a possible fracture. When these symptoms are present a thorough podiatric exam is key to a correct diagnosis. Sometimes a stress fracture is not visible on x-ray and other imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, are necessary.

Treatment options for the fracture include rest to decrease the chance of further damage, as well as ice, compression and elevation to decrease swelling. Often the fractured foot will be placed in a cast or boot to immobilize it with the use of crutches. When the fracture occurs in an area of the bone with decreased blood supply it is more difficult to heal. These fractures may result in surgery to place a screw across the fracture and aide in healing. Hopefully the fracture Ahmad Bradshaw has been battling remains stable and surgery can wait until the end of the football season.

...but my heel hurts!

2009-10-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Children have been playing fall sports for several weeks now and you may have heard an increasing number of complaints regarding pain in their heels. These complaints are likely to be more prevalent after a game or activity involving running or jumping. Some of the more common symptoms include pain at the back, side or bottom of the heel that increases in severity after activity. The pain may cause the child to limp. It is important to have a thorough podiatric exam to determine the cause of the pain. The most common diagnosis of pediatric heel pain is calcaneal apophysitis or severs disease, but it is necessary to rule out other causes such as a fracture or bursitis.

Calcaneal apophysitis is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Children between the ages of 8 and 14 are most frequently affected because their growth plates remain open. As the bone finishes growing the prevalence of severs disease decreases. Treatment options vary depending upon the severity of the pain. Some children respond to a decrease in activity level and increased cushioning to the heel while other require immobilization with a cast and crutches. Medication, stretching exercises and custom orthotics are also used to decrease inflammation and help support the foot. Maintaining flexibility and wearing supportive shoes with good shock absorption can help prevent a recurrence of this condition. Your podiatrist will help determine the best treatment plan to help your child feel better and return to their favorite sports.

Warts...not just for witches

2009-10-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Halloween will be here soon, and children will be trick-or-treating dressed as witches and wearing masks with ugly warts. Unfortunately, warts are a problem for more than just witches and are frequently seen on the soles of our feet. They can be quite painful as well as unsightly. A wart is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus is found on common surfaces such as locker room floors and the tiles of public showers and pool areas. Warts are often seen in children and young adults because of repeated exposure to these locations. They can appear as rough bumps, sometimes with dark spots throughout. There may be a solitary lesion or several in a cluster.

There are several options available to treat warts. One popular method is the application of a mild acid directly to the lesion. It is often necessary to undergo multiple applications before the wart has resolved. Other options include freezing the wart or surgically removing it. Your podiatrist can help diagnosis a wart and chose the best treatment option for you. Caution should be used with over-the-counter remedies because of the risk of damaging the surrounding healthy skin. To decrease the chance of recurrence avoid walking barefoot, especially in public places... and stay away from witches! Happy Halloween!

Morning Foot Pain

2009-10-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Are your feet in pain when you get out of bed in the morning? Does your heel ache or throb as you take the first steps of the day? These are just a few of the symptoms that may indicate a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue extending from the heel towards the ball of the foot. When this band is inflamed it causes pain. Symptoms may increase over time, especially when standing for long hours on hard surfaces.

It's not necessary to suffer with this type of pain. There are several options to help treat this ailment. First, a podiatrist will do a thorough exam to identify the cause of the pain. Stretching exercises are key to help ease the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. It is also important to wear supportive, comfortable shoes and avoid flip flops and bare feet. Persistent pain may require oral anti-inflammatory medication or a corticosteroid injection. Custom orthotics are often necessary to address the underlying cause of plantar fasciitis. These are devices that are made for your feet and fit in shoes to help support the arches and increase shock absorption to the heel. Long term use is recommended to help prevent a recurrence of symptoms. A podiatrist will help determine the best course of treatment for you.

Sexy foot pain

2009-10-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

Too many of us deal with painful feet. We walk everywhere but we do not consider our shoe gear. It's very important to wear proper fitting shoe gear. We need to have a shoe that not only fit correctly but also has a strong heel counter, a good toe box , rubber soles and proper support. Custom made orthotics can help with proper support. It's best to be fitted by a podiatrist and be casted in neutral position. If any questions go to www.sjfootdoctors.com.