Broken Toes

Broken toes frequently go untreated because many people believe that nothing can be done for a broken toe and therefore do not seek medical attention. The truth of the matter is many times broken toes become displaced and then require treatment by realignment. If left untreated, there is more of a chance having problems in the future.

The most common toe fracture is caused by bumping the toe against a piece of furniture. Symptoms of a broken toe include discoloration, swelling and pain. Remember, if you are a diabetic or have decreased circulation or any type of neuropathy (numbness, loss of feeling) prompt medical attention is of the utmost importance.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are fairly common injuries. An ankle sprain is actually the stretching or tearing of both sides of the ankle. A ligament is a thick band of tissue between two bone, similar to rubber band. If you stretch it and never allow it to return to its original shape it will lose elasticity. This increases the possibility of repeat ankle sprains.

Sprained ankles can occur without fractures. When a sprain occurs with a fracture of or more of the ankle bone, treatment becomes more complex. X-rays are utilized by your podiatrist to treat fractures.

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries

In today's fast-paced world people are more likely to injure themself. Podaitrists are able to diagnose and trea emergencies in which the lower extremity (foot and ankle) is involved. Typical emergencies include ankle fractures, sprains, injuries to toenails, thermal injuries, puncture wounds, and foreign body injuries.

Heel Spur Syndorme/ Plantar Fasciitis Conclusion

There may be additional methods of treatment for this common foot problem. Your doctor will discuss these with you. Complete cooperation between you and your doctor is essential for a satisfactory result.

Heel Spur / Plantar Fasciitis cont...

Preoperative Consideration

Preoperative considerations are assessed by your doctor and include your age, occupation, physical activities or limitations and general health status. Your doctor will explain the procedure to be performed and any potential risks and complications that may occur. Surgery can be performed in the office, outpatient surgical center or as one-day hospital surgery.

Postoperative Care

After surgery, you will receive instructions from your podiatrist regarding the care of your dressings, your level of activity and weight-bearing. As with all foot surgery, rest and elevation can help reduce pain and swelling.

A gradual return to activity and soft shoe could be prescribed for the next four to eight weeks. This is a general estimate; your recovery is often based on severity of your condition, healing abilities and postoperative course. An orthotic could be recommended to control the abnormal bio-mechanical forces and thus prevent recurrence of the symptoms.

It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. be sure to ask your podiatrist any questions you have before or after surgery.

Heel Spur Syndorme/ Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Your doctor will schedule appropriate lab tests, X-rays and advanced imaging studies, if necessary. A heel spur may not be present on an X-ray. Not all heel spurs hurt. It is the inflammation of the plantar fascia that causes the pain. Treatment is directed at reducing stress on the plantar fascia. It usually involves rest, heel cups, stretching physical therapy modalities, strapping orthotics, steroidal injections and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications.

In a minority of cases when the above conservative measure fail to give relief, surgical intervention becomes necessary. The plantar fascia is released in part from its origin. when a large spur is present, reduction or removal could become necessary. Advances in surgical technology now permit plantar fascial release via the endoscope. This procedure is known as Endoscopic Plantar Fascial release or EPF. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is also a new modality that is available. Remember your podiatrist will guide you as to the manner of treatment that is best suited for your individual case.

Heel Spur Syndorme/ Plantar Fasciitis

The heel bone or calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot and projects backward beyond the leg bones to provide a useful lever for the muscles of the calf. It bears all of the body's weight with each step. The stress placed on the heel bone and its associated structures is tremendous and makes it susceptible to what is known as plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. The pain that results from these disorders is caused by the inflammation at the interface if the plantar fascia and heel bone. The plantar fascia constitutes the long band of fibers attached at the bottom of the heel bone and extend to where the toes begin. It also helps create the arch of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis and heel spur syndrome are usually the result of biomechanical faults. Biomechanical faults refer to such abnormalities as flexible flat feet, high-arched foot deformities and a tight Achilles tendon. The disorder place a greater amount of stress on the plantar fascia.

Other causes of the stress on the heel and plantar fascia includes recent weight gain, high-impact athletic activities, prolonged standing or walking, trauma, lower back problems, and arthritis. Pain could also be stemming from a microtraumatic fracture of the heel, causing a heel spur as a result of this injury.