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Posts for: June, 2010
Myths
-"It can't be broken, because I can move it." False; this widespread idea has kept many fractures from receiving proper treatment. The truth is that often you can walk with certain kinds of fractures. Some common examples: Breaks in the smaller, outer bone of the lower leg, small chip fractures of either the foot or ankle bones, and the often neglected fracture of the toe.
-"If you break a toe, immediate care isn't necessary." False; a toe fracture needs prompt attention. If X-rays reveal it to be a simple, displaced fracture, care by your podiatric physician usually can produce rapid relief. However, X-rays might identify a displaced or angulated break. In such cases, prompt realignment of the fracture by your podiatric physician will help prevent improper or incomplete healing. Often, fractures do not show up in the initial X-ray. It may be necessary to X-ray the foot a second time, seven to ten days later. Many patients develop post-fracture deformity of a toe, which in turn results in a deformed toe with a painful corn. A good general rule is: Seek prompt treatment for injury to foot bones.
-"If you have a foot or ankle injury, soak it in hot water immediately." False; don't use heat or hot water on an area suspect for fracture, sprain, or dislocation. Heat promotes blood flow, causing greater swelling. More swelling means greater pressure on the nerves, which causes more pain. An ice bag wrapped in a towel has a contracting effect on blood vessels, produces a numbing sensation, and prevents swelling and pain.
-"Applying an elastic bandage to a severely sprained ankle is adequate treatment." False; ankle sprains often mean torn or severely overstretched ligaments, and they should receive immediate care. X-ray examination, immobilization by casting or splinting, and physiotherapy to ensure a normal recovery all may be indicated. Surgery may even be necessary.
-"The terms 'fracture,' 'break,' and 'crack' are all different." False; all of those words are proper in describing a broken bone.
Things to consider when buying sports shoes.
1. Fit the shoe to the shape of your foot, if you have a fairly straight looking foot choose a shoe that has a straighter last in it.
2. Select a shoe that is rigid in the heel portion of the shoe. Heel stability is important especially if you fit a sports orthotic into it. The heel is the backbone and the supportive stucture of the shoe.
3. The shoe should be fairly flexible in the forefoot area. If the shoes does not easily flex in the front part then as the heel comes off the ground during walking and running the big toe is unable to move properly. Avoid the shoes that are so flexible that you can roll it up. Unless you have been running barefoot since infancy till now, starting to walk or run in these shoes will injure you.
4. When examining the shoe, make sure to put the shoe on the ground and make sure the entire heel touches the ground. If it doesn't, dont' buy it.
5. Feel around the inside of the shoe and check for enlarged seams that may cause irritation to toes.
It is easy to think that if you have a wound on your foot, and you have Diabetes, that this is not a big deal. The truth is, new statistics show that 45% - 55% of Diabetic Patients with foot wounds may respectivey die within 5 years!!!
This is very alarming! A Diabetic Foot Wound has a higher mortality rate that Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, and Hodgkins Disease.
This is why it is so important to get treatment immediately if you have Diabetes and a Wound on your foot. It may just be a scratch to some people, but to the Diabetic if could be life or limb threatening.
Many minor foot sprains will improve with RICE...rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, be mindful as your feet are what you walk on. The last thing anyone wants to have is nagging foot pain for years and not do anything about it.
If you are healthy, and have tried over the counter medicines without success, it may be time to have your foot examined by me.
I see too many people that think it is normal for feet to hurt. Any annoying pain, numbness, cramping, shooting, throbbing sensations are not normal whether it is the start of the day, or the end of the day.
Podiatrist
Board Certified, ABMSP
Foot Specialist
3193 Howell Mill Rd, Suite 326
Atlanta, GA 30327
404-355-4522
Now Offering Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus!!!
"America's Top Podiatrists" Consumers Research Council of America 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
