Upstate Footcare: Foot Pain

Showing posts with label Foot Pain. Show all posts

Monday, July 16, 2012

Overcoming Bunions

X-ray (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A bunion is a deformity of the big toe and can occur on one foot or both. It occurs when the big toe deviates from a normal growth process toward the other toes. This then forms a bony growth at the base of the big toe. If the deformity is allowed to continue untreated it begins crowding the other toes and can become quite painful. Bunions can cause other complications, like hammertoes.

Bunions may respond to conservative treatment if they are diagnosed early. A change of shoes would normally be required to accommodate the bunion and keep pressure off the area. You could wear a pair of sandals that is non-restrictive. However, other options may include:

Customized or pre-fabricated orthotics
A bunion sleeve
Anti-inflammatory medications
Injections of steroidal medications

Treatment options for bunions depend on your individual case. If you lead an active life-style and the pain has become unbearable, Dr. Blaakman may suggest surgery. There are various surgical options available and Dr. Blaakman would again take into consideration your exact circumstances. Dr. Blaakman would discuss these options with you.

Surgical removal of a bunion is referred to as a bunionectomy and is usually only performed if your bunions hamper your day to day activities. A bunionectomy involves removal of the bone and swollen tissue around the big toe joint. The toe then undergoes straightening and realignment before the incision is closed. The more mild the case of bunions, the lesser the tissue damage at the time of surgery. This may hasten the recovery period somewhat. The decision made to have bunion surgery should not be taken lightly. There is a six to eight week recovery period during which time a special shoe, boot or cast may have to be worn. You may also have to probably miss several weeks of work while the foot heals.

Bunion surgery is not without possible risks of pain, infection or nerve damage, and since bunions have some genetic link, they can possibly reoccur.

If you show signs near the base of the big toe joint you may be developing a bunion. Symptoms include:

Redness
Swelling
Development of corns and callouses
Pain

Please contact Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-FEET (3338) for an evaluation and to discuss treatment options. As with most foot conditions, early diagnosis is a key element in treatment success.

References:

http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/A-Ce/Bunionectomy.html

Monday, July 9, 2012

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

Monday, June 18, 2012

Here Come the Summertime Warriors

Marahon shoes (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With the first 90 plus degrees of the summer, it’s great to be out there to reacquaint yourselves with the outdoors and get back into shape. Constant beach weather is just around the corner, so you’ll want to get rid of that mid-line flab and show off those six packs. It doesn’t matter what your favorite outdoor pursuit is - just do it!

However, it’s important to start slow and gradually condition yourself. You don’t have to run a race this week, and while you might have quite a ways to go, you have don't have to rush your conditioning. It is impossible to emphasize enough the importance of a slow and reasonable pace when it comes to starting any exercise program. You can’t just start out making outrageous demands on the body without risking a serious injury. Regardless of the exercise you choose, there are certain to be pre-requisites for consideration.

Do you have the appropriate footwear to take you where you want to go?

Whether you are cycling, kayaking, running or swimming, there are shoes designed to meet your specific needs. Even within the sport you choose, there may be options for shoes. You need to make sure you are purchasing footwear at a dealer who specializes in that sport. They have the product knowledge and expertise to guide and fit you.

Making sure you have appropriate footwear is almost half the battle. It can save a lot of pain and problems for your feet. But remember that conditioning and warm up are just as important. You need to plan 10 minutes of stretching and warm up exercises prior to your chosen activity. This is your opportunity to talk to your body and advise it on what you are going to ask it to do. Warm and gently stretched muscles are far less likely to become injured than cold tight muscles. So take the time and get loose. You also should modify your program if the heat index reaches 90. Take frequent water breaks or save exercise for the early morning, or evening, when the temperature is a bit more agreeable.

If you find that you have somehow caused an overuse injury, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. If you are in pain, rather than give up the exercise program, let Dr. Blaakman put his experienced hands to work. Remember to ask him all of your questions about conditioning for your favorite sport. He can help you avoid the strains, sprains and fractures commonly associated with ramped up physical fitness programs.

Also, you can like us on Facebook for more updates on foot and ankle news! Check out our Duncan office and Gaffney office Facebook pages!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Plantar Fasciitis - A Real Pain

children foot - plantar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The plantar fascia is a thick and wide band of tissue that connects the heel band to the toes forming the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes inflamed and irritated due to overuse or over stretching, it is called plantar fasciitis. This is a common complaint and most often affects patients between ages 40-60.

The pain ranges from minor to severe and is usually more noticeable:

When you first get up in the morning

After vigorous exercise

After long periods of standing or sitting

This is a common ailment of distance runners, and can also affect pregnant women, people who are overweight and those who do not wear shoes with adequate support. The pain usually develops gradually.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis ranges from simple non-invasive to surgical in extreme cases. Pain will usually diminish with conservative treatment methods which may include:

Rest

Icing

Heel stretching exercises

Over-the-counter pain medication

Shoes with better arch support

Inserts or orthotics

Reduce mileage if you are a runner, alternate with swimming and bicycling

Generally pain diminishes with persistent treatment. Occasionally when all other methods have failed, Dr. Blaakman may recommend surgery, but surgery has risks that he will discuss with you.
As with so many foot ailments, prevention is the best medicine. Start early by keeping your weight under control, wear quality and supportive shoes. Just because your shoes look good on the outside does not mean they aren’t worn out on the inside. If you are a runner or walk aggressively, buy new shoes at 300-500 miles. You may think your old comfy shoes are your best friends, but this is not true.

If you believe you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, see Dr. Blaakman at once. Chances of treatment being successful are greater with early intervention. During your examination, Dr. Blaakman will likely look for swelling, redness and tightness in the bottom of the foot. He may want an x-ray to rule out other conditions and he will ask questions about your medical history, if you have other pain and also ask about your physical activity. The treatment plan he develops for you will take all of this into consideration. Call him at (877) 941-3338 (FEET) so he can get you back on your feet.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/plantar-fasciitis/DS00508/

Monday, May 14, 2012

Nail Fungus - Kill It Now!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is an unsightly and embarrassing condition that affects millions of Americans. The tendency is to want to hide the feet once a fungus appears, but the problem is that fungus thrives in dark, warm and moist environments such as the insides of shoes. There are many treatments available, but this is a persistent fungal infection that is resistive to treatment, therefore it is important to begin treatment at the first sign of nail fungus infection.

Symptoms of toenail fungus outbreak include:

•    Discoloration (may begin as a white or yellowish spot in the nail)

•    Thickening

•    Disfigurement

•    Dry and crumbling nails

Nail fungus tends to affect more men than women and age is a factor due to lower blood circulation and greater time of exposure to fungus. Other factors that increase the likelihood of infection include:

•    Damp environments

•    Heavy perspiration

•    Going barefoot at public pools, gyms and shower rooms

•    Athletes foot

•    An injured or damaged nail that allows infection to enter body

Dr. Blaakman will examine your feet first and may take a small scraping from under the nail. This can be examined through a microscope to determine the origination of the infection and better guide him in prescribing your treatment.

As previously mentioned, nail fungus can resist treatment and re-infection is common. There are over-the-counter medications available, but traditionally these have little effect. Dr. Blaakman may prescribe an oral medication, the most popular of which is Lamisil. The oral medications take a while to work, and it may take the nail months to grow back. However, persistence and patience is necessary.

Topical nail treatments are also a consideration either in the form or paint on or creams that are applied. Again, these take months to work, so they may be prescribed in conjunction with an oral medication. Dr. Blaakman may file away some of the affected nail so there is less area to treat and medication can be more easily absorbed. In the worst cases, Dr. Blaakman may recommend surgical removal of the nail, but the latest treatment using laser therapy to attack the fungus is showing promising results.

If you have nail fungus symptoms, don’t delay. Contact Upstate Footcare by calling (877) 941-3338 and let Dr. Blaakman evaluate your condition and determine the course of action appropriate for you.

If you have experienced the horror of nail fungus, and have successful treatment results, please share your story below.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nail-fungus/DS00084

Monday, April 30, 2012

Naked With No Visible Means of Support

Have you lost your arches? Have you been told you have flat feet? Reduce your stress level because the situation may not be that desperate. Flat feet, also referred to as pes planus or fallen arches, are a condition where the arch of the foot collapses. It can affect one or both feet. Babies are born with flat feet and it takes a few years for bones, tendons and ligaments to strengthen and grow, forming the foot’s arch. In most instances the arch develops in childhood, usually by age five or six, but in some cases, the arch of the foot never fully develops. About twenty percent of the world’s population has flat feet, or some degree thereof because their arches never completely formed. This type of flat foot is rarely problematic, and would not likely require treatment.

Flat feet that develop in adults as a result of injury, illness, stress or aging are referred to as Adult Acquired Flat Foot. Factors contributing to the cause of this type of flat feet include weight, high blood pressure and diabetes. If you acquire flat feet as an adult, they will probably stay that way. Strength training of the muscles in the foot may help to retain or regain normal function, but the foot muscles are short, and most likely the arch would not re-develop.

If you want to monitor the condition of your arches, wet your feet then stand on a smooth surface. When the footprint shows a lot of sole, it indicates a flat foot. What do flat feet mean to you? Flat feet usually do not cause pain and would not require treatment. However, if you are in the low percentage of people that experience pain in the foot, ankle or lower leg, see your podiatrist. He may recommend orthotics, exercises or physical therapy to help strengthen your feet. If your doctor prescribes orthotics you will probably need to use them for the remainder of your life. If much correction is required, it will likely be done gradually, over a period of time, allowing you to adjust in increments.

If you have pain that may be attributed to flat feet, call Dr. Blaakman. He will be able to evaluate and diagnose you and provide a treatment plan just right for you. Whether it involves exercises or orthotics, it will help you on your way. For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-FEET (3338).

If you have a story about your flat feet, please share below…

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flatfeet/DS00449/DSECTION=causes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_feet

Monday, April 23, 2012

In With the Right Growth and Out With the Ingrown

Toenails (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the soft tissue at the corner or side of your toe. Although any toenail can become ingrown it usually is the big toe. They can be very painful and are usually visibly red and swollen. If neglected, or not cared for properly, they can become infected. Usually, you can treat an ingrown toenail by yourself, but if it is extremely painful your doctor can assist you. If you have diabetes, it is important that you have your podiatrist examine and treat your foot so that you avoid further problems.

Symptoms include:

    •    Pain along one or both sides or corners of your nail

    •    Redness and swelling

    •    Infection alongside the nail

Ingrown toenails can be caused by:

    •    Shoes that are poorly shaped and crowd the toes

    •    An injury to the toe

    •    Poorly trimmed nails or nails that are trimmed too short

    •    Toenails that grow in an unusual manner

If caught in the early stages, treatment of an ingrown toenail may be able to be done at home.   However, repeated cutting of the nail can compound the situation. If there is a sign of infection, you are better off to have your doctor treat it, especially if you have any additional medical concerns like diabetes that make your feet more vulnerable.

Beneficial home remedies for ingrown toenails include room temperature soaks with Epsom salts added to the water. After the soak gently rub the area around the nail. This may help to alleviate swelling. Wedging cotton under the nail is not recommended as this provides an area for bacteria to grow, which can lead to infection. Over the counter medications are not beneficial because they may disguise the pain, but they do not improve the situation. If pain continues for more than a couple of days, it’s time to see your doctor.

Sometimes after treatment an ingrown toenail can return. If this is the case, Dr. Blaakman may recommend a slight in office surgical procedure to remove the side of the nail, or in more serious cases the root of the nail. Once the offending nail is gone, so is the pain.

If you have an ingrown toenail that is still aggravating you, call for an appointment today (877) 941-3338. For more information visit our website.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ingrown-toenails/DS00111/DSECTION=complications
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/ingrown-toenail.htm

Monday, April 16, 2012

Morton’s Neuromatherapy

Platform shoes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Morton’s neuroma is a condition that develops over time. It is characterized by the sensation that there is a lump on the bottom of your foot, or everything is all scrunched up down there. It can make day to day activities painful, especially when pressure is placed on the bottom of the foot near the third and fourth toe. Other sensations may be tingling in the toes, progressively worsening to sharp burning pain. Since the condition develops gradually, the pain is often intermittent, possibly going for long periods of time with no pain at all. The nerve between the toes (usually between the 3rd and 4th toes) becomes irritated, inflamed and thickens.

The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not known, but theories suggest pressure, compression and injury as possible factors. Women are affected more than men, especially those who wear poorly padded, ill formed shoes, such as high heels. Runners and other athletes who have hard repetitive action on the balls of their feet are also commonly affected.

If you want to be free of Morton’s neuroma then you should try to avoid:

    •    High heels
    •    Shoes with restrictive or poorly formed to boxes
    •    Shoes that cause abnormal toe positions

Dr. Blaakman can diagnosis Morton’s neuroma by examining, manipulating and attempting to cause the same conditions that may restrict your foot. Tests may be ordered to rule out other possible conditions that show the same type of pain. Dr. Blaakman can develop a treatment plan based on your specific case.

Treatment will depend on your needs and severity. Non-surgical treatment options may include:

    •    Icing to help reduce swelling
    •    Shoe inserts to alleviate pressure on the affected area
    •    Padding
    •    Change of foot wear to allow toes more room
    •    Oral NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen
    •    Physical therapy
    •    Change or reduction in activity until condition improves

If conservative treatment methods are not successful, surgery may be recommended, but early diagnosis and treatment can possibly avoid this or at least reduce recovery time. If you experience pain that may indicate Morton’s neuroma, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338 (FEET) or visit our website. With his expert help and treatment, your feet can last a lifetime.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mortons-neuroma/DS00468/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/mortons-neuroma.htm

Monday, April 9, 2012

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

Monday, March 19, 2012

All about Gout

Gout in right big toe, with advanced swelling (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Do you suffer from painful swelling, redness and inflammation of your toes, heels or ankles? Does this condition come and go? Does it worsen in severity and frequency and does the duration lengthen? If you answered yes then you may suffer from GOUT. Gout is a common arthritic condition that is caused by a buildup or excessive amount of uric acid which crystallizes in the joints.

More than eight million people in the U.S. suffer from gout, and over the past two decades, numbers have risen dramatically. Men who consume alcohol are at greater risk for gout, especially if there are others in their family who suffer from it. Symptoms of gout can occur suddenly, are intensely painful and usually last a day or two, at first. These are acute gout symptoms. It is most prevalent in men over 40 years old and acute symptoms will usually show in the big toe first. However, other joints that can be affected are the feet, knees, hands, ankles and wrists. Chronic gout symptoms are the result of repeated gout attacks. Nodules can form under the skin, which is extremely painful during a gout attack, and can lead to open and infected wounds.

Diet is a major contributing factor to gout, and therefore must be considered in prevention as well as treatment. Certain foods are more likely to cause gout. These include:

    •    Organ meats

    •    Red meats

    •    Fish high in oils (tuna, anchovies)

    •    Cauliflower and asparagus

These are the same foods that need to be avoided during an attack of gout, or eliminated altogether, if you suffer from gout. Certain diseases or medical conditions can make you more susceptible to attacks of gout. These include:

    •    High blood pressure

    •    Diabetes

    •    Obesity

    •    Low thyroid function

    •    Renal failure

Treatment options for gout include medications and possibly even acupuncture can provide some relief, but it is important to change your diet. Reduce red meats, increase fruits rich in antioxidants (cherries are great), change to low fat or no fat dairy products, eliminate alcohol and eat high quality complex carbohydrates as opposed to sugary foods.

Since gout usually shows up in the big toe or foot first, Dr. Blaakman can assist with your evaluation, and start you on a treatment program that is right for you. Call him at (877)941-FEET (3338).

References:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gout.html
http://www.healthline.com/health/gout

Monday, March 12, 2012

Sky High Fashion

English: A pair of circular-head court shoes /...

Image via WikipediaAs you watched the Oscars a couple weeks ago, what amazed you more, the dresses or the shoes? Remember when the fashion news included who the stars’ dress designer was? Well now the commentary isn’t complete unless we know who the shoe designer is also. This is all well and good, but to spend so much money on something that you can’t stand to be in for more than a few minutes, seems extravagant, even for Hollywood. On February 26th, our favorite girl next door, Sandra Bullock, attended a pre-Oscar party wearing black pants, a black lace top, white jacket and a pair of black and white stilettos. A couple of hours after arriving at the party, she was seen leaving, with shoes in hand. She was walking the concrete carpet in her bare feet! Now that makes more sense.

It really doesn’t make sense to become such a slave to fashion. Women are willing to undergo hours of torture and torment by cramming their feet into ill formed, poorly fitting shoes that force them to mince along, teetering like they are walking a cliff’s edge. All attention is focused on how to maintain an unnatural balance, with a fake smile glued to the face, which covers the pinched expression the face would make and give away the painful feeling in the feet.

Understand that Hollywood egos are all about glamour and one-upsmanship, but really, can’t a shoe designer make an attractive pair of shoes with a two inch heel? Why do heels have to be six inches high? The foot is forced into such an unnatural position, all of the weight bearing being done on the ball of the foot. Feel the neuromas developing now. Oh, the burning pain from the friction.

The logical thing to do would be to start a new trend. A designer who could actually make a shoe with a modest two inch heel and one that is elegant enough to wear with haute couture. Now that designer could really create a niche for himself in the marketplace. Until that happens, though, women will probably continue to stumble and trip along the red carpet, complain about their sore, tired feet and doff their shoes at the first opportunity. Meanwhile, Hollywood podiatrists can continue to offer post-Oscar specials.

Do you love wearing high heels, but struggle with foot pain afterward? What do you do to relieve the pain? Comment below, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you would like more information about foot pain and high heel wear, please contact Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-FEET (3338).

Monday, March 5, 2012

Hammertoes – Our Poor Battered Feet

Image via WikipediaHave you sat and contemplated your feet recently and come to the realization that you need to put your Podiatrist on retainer. This is not a decision to be made lightly, nor should it be based solely on aesthetics. At the same time while giving your feet a cursory inspection, also pay attention to how they feel. When was the last time you really examined your feet. It probably never fell real high on your list of priorities.   Have you noticed over the years that your toes may have taken a downward turn? Do your toes look like they are in a constant position of trying to pick a pencil up off the floor? Do they feel a little uncomfortable or irritated? If so, you may be showing signs of hammertoes, which is a bending of the toes that occurs over time. It gets progressively worse and will not get better on its own. For this reason, early intervention is recommended.

One of the known causes and aggravating factors of hammertoes is poorly fit shoes that either crowd the toes side to side, or are too short to give the toes enough room, often the case with high heels. Common symptoms of hammertoes include:

    •    Pain or irritation of the affected toe(s) when shoes are worn

    •    Red and swollen

    •    Development of corns or calluses

    •    Increased bending and deformity of the toes

Treatment methods can be non-surgical or surgical. After Dr. Blaakman has examined your feet, he will recommend a treatment plan which addresses your specific needs. A non-surgical approach may include roomier shoes, orthotics, pads for corns or calluses and splinting or strapping to bring the toes back into alignment. On occasion surgery is necessary. This usually happens when the toes become stiff enough to cause pain or open sores develop as a result of the angle of the toe being so pronounced that it rubs on the shoe.

In determining the right course of treatment, Dr. Blaakman will take into consideration the extent of the deformity, your age and activity level and any other factors that enter into play. If you have hammertoes and would like more information about possible treatment, contact us for an appointment.

References:

http://www.fothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/hammertoes.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hammertoe-and-mallet-toe/DS00480

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Haglund’s Deformity-A Walking Nightmare

"High Heel Shoe. Talon haut. Stiletto. Ta...

Image via WikipediaHaglund’s deformity, sometimes referred to as the “pump bump” is a bony protrusion in the heel area, which is thought to be caused primarily by pressure from shoes, although there may be other factors involved. Between the bone and the Achilles tendon is a small sac of lubricating fluid which allows for easier movement. A prominent heel bump can squeeze the soft tissue between the bone and the shoe. This can cause inflammation and a build-up of tissue that creates even more pressure.

The most notable symptom of Haglund’s deformity is pain in the back of the heel. The tissue that thickens in this area and forms a callus type buildup doesn’t usually impede function or interfere with walking, but the bursitis, which causes swelling and inflammation, can create a great deal of pain when shoes are worn.

Diagnosis of Haglund’s deformity can usually be made visually, but our office will probably want to get x-rays to have a better picture of how the heel bone is shaped, and rule out other possibilities that might cause your heel pain.

Treatment can be either non-surgical or surgical. However, much of that depends upon your diagnosis. Below are some non-surgical options, which include, but not limited to:

    •    Taking over-the-counter medications - such as Ibuprofen to reduce swelling and discomfort.

    •    Icing the area – you can use a towel between ice and skin, and apply it to the inflamed area for 20 minutes, then wait at least 40 minutes before applying again.

    •    Exercising – this will help relieve tension in the Achilles tendon.

    •    Heel lifts or heel pads – these may help relieve pressure and lessen irritation.

    •    Changing your shoes – wearing a backless shoe will help to avoid irritation.

You can find more information by clicking here.

If non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be required. Dr. Blaakman will determine what course of treatment best suits you.

If you have swelling and pain in one or both heels, call our office at (877) 941-FEET (3338).

Monday, February 13, 2012

HEY BABY! How Pregnancy Affects Feet

Image via WikipediaRadical changes occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy, especially toward the end. Other than the obvious “bump,” there are subtle changes that begin early on. By the end of the third trimester the body is altogether different with regards to gravitational forces and weight bearing. These changes can result in some common complaints and foot problems, two of which will be addressed here.

Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable. That may not be significant by itself, but the change in weight distribution and the extra pounds can lead to flattening of the feet. This can cause the feet to roll (over-pronation) slightly, placing increased strain and pressure on the heel and ball areas of the feet. The lengthy tissues that run from heel to front of foot can then become inflamed and painful. It is important that this condition be treated, to alleviate pain and prevent more serious complications that may have a more far reaching effect.

Treatment can vary based on severity of symptoms and would range from a simple common sense approach to a more individualized program. Properly fit shoes are key. Forego the fashionista in yourself, at least for the duration of your pregnancy. Orthotics may be indicated.

The second most often voiced complaint is swelling of the feet and ankles known as Edema. Edema occurs when fluid relocates and pools in the body. The resulting swelling becomes problematic. An easy approach that can reduce swelling and pain includes well fit shoes, non-restrictive socks or stockings, foot elevation and easy to do special foot exercises that heighten circulation. Other practical suggestions include limiting salt intake and drinking lots of water. Unilateral swelling would be the norm. Asymmetrical symptoms could be indicative of a more serious problem, and may require you to see your health care professional.

If you have any questions, please contact us at Upstate Footcare, and we’d be happy to answer your questions!

Sources:
http://bunionbusters.com/footcare/pregnancy
http://mommyfeet.com

Monday, January 23, 2012

To Treadmill or Not to Treadmill

Image via WikipediaWith tons of people resolving to exercise more this year, one thing becomes more popular every year is running. But one debate that comes to mind is what is better: to run on a treadmill or to capture running outside?

Running on a treadmill can be a great experience. You won’t have to face the cold weather outside, especially if you like to run early in the morning or late at night. You can change the difficulty to whatever you’re comfortable with, or you can challenge yourself to push harder. Since you’re running on a machine, it’ll absorb some of the shock on your feet, thus helping prevent pain and injury. By watching your favorite television program, the time might the time seem to go faster because you’re not focusing so much on working out. The downfalls of running on a treadmill are the cost, the space it takes up, you don’t get fresh air, and you might have to fight with people at the gym to get a spot.

Running outside in the fresh air, seeing the sights and hearing the noises is truly something special. You can’t get that from a treadmill. If you’re training for a 5k or any type of race that’s outside, you need to train outside. Outside you face random challenges that you can’t control, which challenges you to push further and harder than you could on a treadmill. The downside is that you will have to face the weather and obstacles that will hinder your workout.

The choice is up to you, or you could always ride the fence and do both. Saving the treadmill when you don’t want to face the weather or obstacles of everyday life. Either way, make sure to do all you can to avoid injury so that you can enjoy your running habit. Contact Upstate Footcare if you have a sports injury in your feet or ankles today to set up an appointment so that you can take measures to heal and get back to running!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

EPAT - What do it do?

Image via WikipediaWhen going to the podiatrist office, you might hear the term “EPAT” thrown around. What is “EPAT” exactly? It stands for “Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology.” See why it’s shortened down to EPAT? The EPAT therapy was introduced to Upstate Footcare by Dr. Hans Blaakman and it’s designed to treat a number of different foot and lower leg issues.

The way the EPAT system works is to promote your natural healing processes by stimulating chemical processes to get your blood circulating in the area you are experiencing pain. This allows the blood to get new blood cells into the area as well as remove things that might be causing the pain from those areas. This system was created because a number of people were still experiencing pain after a number of treatments did not prove effective. By promoting the bodies natural healing processes, it is safer than surgery and the results are faster, without the long recovery period. If you are familiar with Shockwave Therapy, EPAT uses the same technology but does not require anesthesia.

The great thing about the EPAT system is that it is relatively inexpensive. In fact, if you have a Health Savings Account or a Medical IRA, you can have your costs covered one hundred percent! You should check with your medical insurance to see if they cover this or not. It will only take four sessions in four weeks, meaning one session every week for four weeks.

If you have heel pain or achilles tendonitis or another pain in your feet or ankles, EPAT therapy could be the best option for you, especially if nothing else has worked to rid you of the pain. If you are interested, you should contact Upstate Footcare so that you can schedule an appointment to discuss the EPAT process with Dr. Blaakman so that you can start to get rid of that pain as soon as possible.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Foot Risks - Is it worth exposing your feet in the winter?

Image via WikipediaSo as we get into the cooler seasons of the year, one thing you need to think about is the risk there can be to exposing your feet. Wearing high heels, sandals, any open toe shoes, open heel shoes, or just going barefoot runs a high risk on you feet that you will not see in spring or summer time. Due to the colder temperatures, exposed feet have the risk of getting frostbite. While we don’t get the extreme cold temps that northern states get, South Carolina still gets cold at night, cold enough to freeze your toes off. But what exactly happens when your feet get frostbite?

Frostbite starts to show itself through a painful tingling or burning sensation. Then the area with frostbite starts to turn numb and a change occurs in the color of the area’s skin. The color is usually turns from a red or pale color to a blue or black color. The other problem is that once an area of skin gets frostbite, it is much more prone in the future to get frostbite again. So how does one treat frostbite once they have it?

First of all, make sure to get yourself or the other person out of the cold as fast as possible. Then make sure that the area effected is dry and also warm. Make sure that you don’t expose the skin to extreme warm like a fire or by putting it too close to a heater. You’ll end up burning the area instead of helping it. Make sure to seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible to prevent any long term injury. If you live in an area that facing extreme cold often and you are out in that weather a lot, make sure to take precautionary measures to prevent frostbite. Measures like making sure all areas of skin are covered at all times and wear many layers to keep you warm. If you get cold, make sure to warm up as soon as possible. For us who live in South Carolina, make sure to cover up, even your feet, in the colder temps we’ll be facing these next couple of months.

If you have any questions regarding your foot health, contact us by giving Upstate Footcare a call at 877-941-FEET (3338) or visit our website.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Surgery - When is the Best Time to Have it Done?

Image by Army Medicine via Flickr

Image by heymrlady via FlickrAs the year comes to a close, one thing you might be thinking about is surgery. Actually the end of the year can be the absolute best time of the year to get surgery. Why you might ask? Well there are a couple of reasons.

First of all, the end of the year brings the holiday season. Unless you are in retail, this means that you will probably have some extended time off from work, without having to take time off from your vacation or personal time. It does mean that it could put a damper on your holiday plans, though. You might not be able to travel, or you might miss time with your family and friends because you are in the hospital or resting up home. So you need to take that all into account as you decide if this is a good time or not to get that surgery you’ve been needing.

Another reason is that the end of the year usually means the end of your insurance deductibles are coming due. This means that you might have already met your deductibles for the year and before they reset so that you’ll have to pay those pesky deductibles all over again. Now if you haven’t paid on your deductibles early in the year, it doesn’t really matter and you might want to save the surgery for the first of the year so that you pay them early next year, rather then pay them and have them reset in a month.

These two factors are good reasons why it would be good to get that surgery done that you’ve been putting off for some time. If you are in need of foot or ankle surgery, you should contact Upstate Footcare and talk to Dr. Hans Blaakman. Dr. Blaakman is an excellent foot and ankle surgeon and would love to help you get back on your feet, pain free!

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