Pop Goes the Tendon

Lateral view of the human ankle, including the talus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Achilles tendon is a tough fibrous cord which attaches the calf muscles of the lower leg to the heel bone. When overstretched, the tendon can become inflamed and sore. This is called Achilles tendonitis. In many instances home treatment is successful when done under a doctor’s supervision. If further damage occurs to the tendon, small tears may begin. These tears are also called ruptures, and may be partial or complete. A rupture results in sharp pain and the inability to walk normally. Sometimes there is an audible “pop” when the tendon first ruptures. Other symptoms include:

• Pain and swelling in the heel area, and pain may be severe.
• Unable to bend foot downward.
• Inability to raise up on toes.
• Popping noise when injury first occurs.

Rupture of the tendon usually occurs near the point where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. Ruptures are most frequently caused by increase in physical activity, traumatic injury like falling high up or stepping into a hole.

Men between the ages of 30 and 40 present the greatest risk for Achilles tendon rupture. Also, the likelihood is increased if you participate in recreational sports that involve running, jumping and quick starts and stops. There are also certain types of medicines that can increase the risk of tendon rupture.

Because an Achilles tendon rupture affects your ability to walk, you should seek immediate treatment. Dr. Blaakman has certain tests he can perform to determine if it is your Achilles tendon and the degree of rupture. He may order additional tests like an MRI so he can view the extent of the damage. This is a painless test that creates a computerized image of the tissues in your body.

Both non-surgical and surgical treatment methods are common. Younger more active people may choose surgical repair to try to get back to their routine quicker, while older individuals may choose non-surgical methods.  Non-surgical methods may work equally well, but probably take a bit longer to heal and run a greater risk of the injury recurring. You would be required to wear a boot or cast for a period of time while the tendon mended itself.

Surgical correction is done through an incision, whereby the tendon is sewn back together. As with any surgery, infection is a possible risk. Regardless of the treatment method, a rehabilitative time of 4-6 months is necessary during which time you will undergo muscle strengthening exercises and physical therapy.

Exercises that strengthen the calf muscles can help prevent a rupture. Also alternating activities to avoid overuse is important as well as gradual increase of duration and intensity of exercise. If you have tendonitis or an Achilles rupture, contact Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. Don’t wait for things to get worse. A little help from Dr. Blaakman and you’ll be right back up and running in no time.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/achilles-tendon-rupture/DS00160/DSECTION=prevention

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The Doctor and the Physical Therapist

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The primary concern of the podiatrist should be treating the injury, and seeing to the comfort and care of the patient. If rehabilitative services are needed, this would be done by a physical therapist. There is no way to predict the number or frequency of visits that it may require for a patient to recover full use after sustaining an injury, but the primary goal of the physical therapist is to see that function is restored. Some foot and ankle specialists operating state of the art facilities may have affiliation with a physical therapist at their location. This is usually provided for patient convenience so that patients can receive all required services at one location.

Athletes usually appreciate referrals to physical therapists. They know that treatment by a therapist will expedite their recovery and restore their function to pre-injury condition more quickly. The back yard sports enthusiast, or adolescent playing high school sports, may not have that luxury. Insurance benefits may be limited to what coverage is provided, so they may need to spend their available dollars more wisely.

From the perspective of a person on the outside, looking in, the relationship between a podiatrist and physical therapist may be somewhat simplistic in its appearance. The doctor might be the equivalent of a head coach, calling the plays from the sidelines, and the physical therapist is the quarterback, provided with the knowledge, necessary to execute the play.

If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, make no mistake about it, the doctor is calling the shots. It is his knowledge and diagnostic expertise that is getting to the root of the problem. He may then need to refer his patient to a physical therapist who will carry out his prescription and instructions pertaining to physical therapy that provides the quickest path to recovery for the patient. Call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338 (feet) if you are having a foot or ankle problem that requires treatment. His knowledgeable staff is there to answer any questions you may have to get you on the fastest road to recovery.

Visit Dr. Blaakman’s website, http://www.upstatefootcare.com/ for more information about the services he provides.

References:

http://www.physicaltherapyschdy.com/ASP_Pages/podiatry.asp
http://www.aapsm.org/plantar_fasciitis.html
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/6946?page=1

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Diabetic Neuropathy - Danger Lurks Behind Every Sensation You Are Not Feeling

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It can’t be stressed enough - good foot care is vital to your health and overall well-being. Just ask someone who has impeded mobility due to a foot or ankle injury or the athlete who is sidelined. The verdict is in - foot and ankle pain or injury is darn inconvenient to say the least. Those in reasonably good health can usually take precautions and preventive measures and a lot of time just knowing what to do and when to do it can save costly trips to the doctor because it can be treated at home. People who suffer from diabetes, though, are not so lucky. When you have diabetic neuropathy every little condition, and injury becomes a potential hazard to your health.

Diabetic neuropathy is damage to nerves due to blood sugar levels being too high, which is caused by diabetes. Nerve damage will affect about half of all people with diabetes, although symptoms may be slow to appear. Symptoms vary and may affect different parts of the body. One location commonly affected is arms and legs and sensation from tingling to deep pain may be experienced. As damage to the nerves continues, sensation decreases due to poor circulation. This is where the danger really begins. Because of the loss of feeling, you may not feel objects you step on, know you have an open wound or realize you have no concept of heat, and actually burn yourself. An untreated wound may result in an infection and with poor circulation the body’s ability to heal itself is greatly diminished. Neuropathy may also mask other things going on in the body such as the pain that functions as early warning of heart attack.

Every person who has diabetes needs to be seen at least annually, more often if warranted. A thorough foot examination should be done each time you visit your doctor. Dr. Blaakman can help diffuse problems with early detection and he can teach you to be more aware of your own feet.  Conduct a daily foot exam and make it routine.

Call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338 for a comprehensive foot examination. Make sure you are writing down all your questions about diabetic neuropathy.  Arm yourself for survival with good information and work at controlling your blood sugar.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001713/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetic-neuropathy/DS01045/DSECTION=symptoms

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Hot Tips To Protect Your Cool Feet

Flip Flops, Blue (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spring break is behind us now and school will let out shortly - if not already!  The lazy days of summer are stretching out before you, just begging you to come outside and play. If you’re like everyone else, this will probably mean some time out of shoes, maybe running on the beach or just wriggling toes in the sand. Whatever your pastime, let’s just take a couple of minutes and talk about foot protection over the summer.

• Pay special attention to your leather sneakers. Perspiration causes the damp warm dark environment in shoes that toenail fungus loves. And although shoes are a good thing for protecting your feet from lacerations and other injuries, toenail fungus is a hidden danger. Light and fresh air are natural enemies of fungus. Keep your shoes dry and aired out in the sunshine. Use an antifungal spray for an added source of protection.

• Sandals are a fresh and welcome choice for summer months, but don’t equate sandals with flip flops. Although they are bright, colorful and fun, flip-flops don’t provide any support or stability for your foot as they easily slide off and cause you to overhang them. They also break after a couple wearing’s.  Hit your local shoe store for a pair of leather sandals that has a formed heel cup and arch support. They’ll stay in place and conform better to your foot. There are a lot of styles available out there, so go shopping.

• If you have a steady hand with the polish and can give your nails a trimming now and then, you shouldn’t need a pedicure over the summer. The sand is a natural exfoliate. Just use caution as glass and bottle caps hide under beautiful white sand.

• When you’re at the beach, remember that the skin on the top of your foot has been protected by shoes and socks over the winter and early spring. The skin is tender and needs to be protected from the harsh burning rays of the sun, just like other parts of your body. Slather on the sunscreen and reapply after a swim to make sure of adequate protection.

Enjoy the summer, but remember if you have an accident or sustain a foot or ankle injury, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. Put your feet in his capable hands. Never allow pain to stand between you and what life has to offer.

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High Impact Yields High Injury Potential

Rhee Tae Kwon-Do 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Dan black belts in October 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Traditional martial arts like Taekwondo and Karate, along with the more aerobic discipline of Tae Bo, have seen a recent surge in popularity among children and adults. Unfortunately, every high intensity sport involves its share of injuries and martial arts are no exception. 

Some of the more common injuries include:

    •    Sprains
    •    Fractures
    •    Plantar fasciitis
    •    Achilles tendonitis
    •    Sesamoiditis
    •    Hematomas

Sprained ankles are a result of side to side lateral movement and the fact that the body is usually balanced on a single limb at the time. Rest, ice, compression and elevation are required. If pain is severe or persists, have your injury evaluated by Dr. Blaakman to make sure it’s not a more serious injury.

Fractures usually involve the toes, bones in the mid-foot (metatarsals) or ankles. A fracture can be the result of trauma or stress. Every fracture needs to be evaluated and treated to prevent it from becoming more serious. If you suspect you sustain a fracture, sit immediately and get medical help. If you do not cease this high impact activity a simple fracture could become displaced, treatment could be more complicated and recovery time increased. If you have just recovered from a sprain or a fracture you should never participate in a training activity or sparring unless you are completely pain free and cleared by your doctor.

Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis result from overuse or excessive stretching of tendons. Repetitive turns and pivots on the support foot and the strike motion on the other foot are critical factors. Rest, ice and elevation will provide some relief.

Sesamoiditis is the inflammation and irritation of the tissue surrounding the sesamoid bones located behind and under the big toe. Pressure caused by repeated elevation and pivoting can irritate this area.
Hematomas are caused by injury to blood vessels that can cause bleeding inside the foot resulting in swelling and pain. Dr. Blaakman should evaluate any hematoma. If they are not treated properly or are left untreated, it can result in the loss of foot.

Rest, ice and elevation are recommended for most of these injuries. If pain persists, call Dr. Blaakman at (877)941-3888. His expert diagnosis and treatment will help keep your roundhouse kick in top form.

References:
 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004438/
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/4121

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Steel Toed Boots - Small Investment, but Huge Payoff in Protection!

Steel-toe boots, aka safety boots. These boots also has ESD protection. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)There are regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that govern specifications for on the job safety equipment and apparel. Prior to submitting its findings and recommendations OSHA conducts an assessment of the work environment to assess the dangers that exist, and what reasonable precautions need to be taken to ensure workers’ safety. 

One of the more common articles of personal protective gear is the boots.  Steel toed work boots made to specifications will protect the foot from impact or compression from anywhere between 50 lbs. to 2500 lbs. depending on the rating. The shoes are constructed of durable leather with not only steel to protect the toe area, but also a plate that protects other fragile bones in the foot if heavy objects should fall on, or roll over the foot. The boot is also constructed with an extra durable sole to protect from objects that might otherwise pierce the sole.

Prior to making this important investment in your protective foot wear, you should consider the following:

    •    Indoor or outdoor

    •    Insulated or not insulated

    •    Shoe style or boot, and how high up the calf

    •    What are the specifications required by OSHA for your workplace

When you have progressed to the point of making the purchase the following steps should be taken:

    •    Always try the boots on. A good fit will allow you a little foot expansion room for swelling, but should not flop around on your foot. The toes should have a wee bit of room.

    •    Get a supportive boot. If you spend eight or nine hours a day on your feet, a supportive boot can save you on ankle, knee and lower back pain.

    •    Get socks to go with your boots and make sure the seams of the socks are not likely to cause you pain.

The investment you make in your protective footwear may seem like a lot of money, but they protect your feet. No one wants you to get your toes severed by a falling steel beam, or crushed because a case of tomato soup fell off a pallet. These are two examples of the everyday kind of accidents your boots will save your feet from.

If you do suffer a foot or ankle injury, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-FEET. His evaluation, diagnosis and expertise can help to expedite your recovery and get you back on the job. If you have a comment or story that relates to steel toed boots in the workplace, we would like you to share it with a comment below.

References:

http://www.constructiongear.com/about-steel-toe-work-boots.html
http://ohsonline.com/articles/2006/10/sometimes-a-shoe-is-just-a-shoe-not-in-the-workplace.aspx

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