Upstate Footcare: Sports Injuries

Showing posts with label Sports Injuries. Show all posts

Monday, August 13, 2012

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

Monday, August 6, 2012

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

Monday, July 23, 2012

Football and Soccer Cleats - Prepare Now for Autumn Sports

F50.9 TUNIT (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It may seem like school just let out, but time is fleeting and the beginning of the school year is closer than you think. If you have a young student that participates in football or soccer, take a little time out and begin to prepare. Chances are you will need to consider new cleats, specific to their sport. Seldom can a growing youngster or teen get two seasons out of a pair of shoes. They grow too fast!

Any concerned and involved parent is going to be concerned with the safety of their child. Shoes are a major consideration. They go a long way to protect the foot and ankle regardless of the sport. For football, shoes that allow for running, the proper amount of side to side motion as well as flexion are important. Prior to investing money, make sure you are in synch with the regulatory agencies that govern safety for the age group or divisions your child plays in. You may wish to consult a coach or school official for information, but consider the following:

Purchase new shoes. You may think hand me downs or used will save you money. They may look good on the outside, but be completely worn on the inside. If the cushioning and inner structure is lacking support, it is a wiser decision to go with new shoes.

Make sure that the cleats or cleat patterns are in compliance and are appropriate for the surfaces your youngster will be playing on.

Purchasing the best quality cleats available is not going to make anyone a star. It’s not about the money. Shoes that fit snug, but not tight are important. A sport store that specializes in what you are outfitting for has knowledgeable staff familiar with fitting shoes. If shoes do not fit appropriately or if they hurt the feet, it can prevent the athlete from playing up to their potential. Leather shoes are usually preferable, but in wet conditions they become weighty and burdensome. Cleat lengths vary, so you need to carefully consider the surface. Consult a local professional for recommendations.

If your child experiences an injury, consult with Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-FEET. His knowledge and experience can guide you and help to maintain foot health and safety.

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/14240-choose-soccer-cleats/

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 25, 2012

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

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, June 11, 2012

It Used To Be Wet Shoes Were Ruined Shoes

Canoe-kayak-marathon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Years ago it used to be a kid had one pair of shoes. Two pair perhaps if they were from an affluent family, one pair for the work week and one for Sunday worship. No wonder it was so often heard, “Don’t get your shoes wet.” Wet shoes meant cracked leather and that shortened the usefulness of a pair of shoes.

Time marches on and things change. Now a person probably has five or six pair available to them or perhaps more. Shoes are becoming highly specialized. It’s almost like there is a pair for every function and keeping shoes dry is a thing of the past because there are shoes designed specifically to get wet - water shoes. Even water shoes are becoming specialized to the point where they may have multiple pair. Water shoes are designed with specialized mesh linings for quick drying and channeling systems that allow water to flow out of the shoes. Under what circumstances would you choose water shoes? Well, to wear around the deck of a pool. This may be done for different reasons such as foot protection from injuries, traction to prevent slip and fall injuries or hygienic purposes. There are even shoes designed with specific water sports in mind, such as kayaking.

When kayaking, you should consider the weather and performance demands of the shoes. A water sandal is good if the weather is warm because they allow for drainage and quick dry, while providing some protection for the foot. They have a snug fit and not a lot of straps to get tangled. Water booties are a better choice if the water is cold. They help keep the feet warm, have zippered or hook and loop closures to adjust for a snug fit. Serious kayakers may choose water boots that offer protection from water and cold all the way up to your knees.

If you need a shoe to take you close to the pools edge, you may wish to try something like Crocs. It gives you a little something to prevent slip, falls and keep your feet off the pool deck so your feet are away from fungus. However, if you are in the pool for an aqua class and are going to be moving a lot, try a sneaker type shoe that offers a bit of support, stability and protection from impact. Then, hit the water’s edge. There isn’t anything more refreshing than a quick dip, when the mercury rises.

Water shoes offer protection at times when other shoes aren’t appropriate, but if an accident or injury occurs, contact Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. He provides caring and compassionate full service podiatric care to help keep you active.

References:

http://www.galttech.com/research/sports/best-water-shoes.php
http://www.livestrong.com/article/427103-good-water-shoes-for-kayaking/

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, 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

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