The Road to Shin Splints

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Shin splints is an injury that results from cumulative stress brought on by physical activity without benefit of proper conditioning or warm up. It is characterized by pain usually felt in the outer front of the lower leg. Because of the pain location next to the tibia, shin splints are also referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome. Shin splints are a common complaint of athletes whose rigorous physical activity includes a lot of sudden starts, stops and running like football, basketball or soccer. The pain may tend to cease when you stop exercising and ease up with rest, but eventually it will probably return if not treated. Thankfully, shin splints respond well to:

• Rest
• Ice
• Over-the-counter pain medication

If you have tried conservative treatment methods and your pain has intensified and does not improve with rest, you should see Dr. Blaakman. By questioning you, Dr. Blaakman may find that your shin splints can be traced back to:

• Running downhill or on a slanted or uneven surface
• Running in footwear that lacks the proper cushioning, or is worn beyond usefulness
• Rigorous sports activity
• Running too hard, fast and long to avoid stress overload

Sometimes shin splints can be caused by biomechanical weakness or abnormalities. In these instances, after a complete evaluation, Dr. Blaakman may be able to prescribe custom orthotics that would correct faulty movement, bring your body back into correct alignment and allow you to move pain free. Other treatment options include taping, bracing, stretching and medication.

Shin splints can be avoided or prevented from returning by paying close attention to the surfaces you walk or run on, the condition of your shoes and adequate warm up activity. If running is the cause of your shin splints, there is no need to completely give up the activity. Limit the time spent and intensity of running. Change to a more mild form of aerobic exercise such as swimming or bicycling until you are healed enough to resume regular activity. Return to normal routine slowly and with proper conditioning and take a couple of days off running and do some strength training, including a workout for your toes. Slowly rise up on your toes, and slowly lower to the floor. Repeating this ten times can gradually build up strength.

Call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338 if your pain persists. He has great treatment options just right for getting you off the round-a-bout of pain and on the road to recovery.

References:

http://www.upstatefootcare.com/new-patients/video-library/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shin-splints/DS00271

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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

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Diabetic Shoes

Image via WikipediaDid you know that there are shoes out there that are made specifically for diabetics?  Well there are!  A lot of people with diabetes face neuropathy, which in short, means that their feet are numb, so they can’t feel their feet at all.  This means that they can’t feel when they cut their feet or burn them.  That is why it is especially important for diabetics with neuropathy to pay extra attention to their feet.  What happens is that regular shoes can cause friction and over time, constant friction can cause a cut, which in turn if not treated, will open the cut further, become infected and an ulcer.  If the ulcer is not treated, it will become gangrene and the infection attacks the whole foot and the only treatment can be amputation of the foot.

So in order to protect their feet better, there are specialized shoes that can be made. It’s not just neuropathy that these shoes help with, but they also help with poor circulation and foot deformities.  If you have hammertoes, bunions, flatfeet or other deformities.  The shoes can be formed fitted to keep your feet and in turn the rest of your body in balance.

The shoes prevents foot problems such as foot ulcers, because it lowers the friction and pressure put on the foot.  That in turn prevents infection and amputation, which is what has to occur if an infection goes untreated for long periods of time.  The protection comes from inserts that form to your feet and the use of softer materials so that there is no rubbing that causes friction. 

If you have diabetes, you should check into diabetic shoes, especially if you have neuropathy.  Upstate Footcare can fit you in a pair!  Give us a call at 877-941-FEET (3338) and set up an appointment!  Or check out our website.

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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

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