You can’t watch ESPN without hearing about it. You probably know someone that has gotten one. We're talking about stress fractures. They occur often in athletes and those in the military. So how is it different from a regular break? A normal (acute) fracture is the result of a traumatic experience, such as a collision or a fall. A stress fracture occurs when repetitive forces act on the bone and overload it. Let’s use the leg as an example. For runners, their leg and foot muscles are constantly working to move and absorb shock. These muscles work by shortening (contracting)from their bony attachments creating a pulling force. After a long time these muscles tire out and your bones become the shock absorbers. Those who have excessive pronation (functional flat foot)are also susceptible to these types of fractures.
How do you tell if you have one? Stress fractures usually occur very gradually. You likely won’t remember the exact day it happened but that the pain has gotten worse. While it’s hard to name only one prevention for stress fractures, there are a few ways to play defense. Make sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D for bone development. If you are a runner, especially one trying to get back into it after a long hiatus, try to follow the runner’s rule. It states that you shouldn’t increase distance by more than 10% per week to allow your bones and muscles to adapt. Also make sure you are wearing proper footwear. Runners should change their shoes about every 400-600 miles depending on brand and grade of shoe. I know you may say your shoes are clean and you’ve taken care of them. But the midsole is the part doing the work and if it can’t absorb shock anymore, then your bones take the hit. If you think you may have a stress fracture come by and see your podiatrist. Treatment ranges from rest from activity, to a cast or boot to keep the bone immobilized. Orthotics may also be used to correct the pronation that can cause these. Come by and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison to get a break from life’s stresses.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Why You Shouldn't Step On A Frog
Why You Shouldn’t Step On A Frog
Warts are a funny thing. As a kid, you hear how you shouldn’t play with frogs because warts will grow on your hands. If you’ve ever had one, you know they don’t feel like any other part of your skin. If you’ve ever ripped one, you know they seem to bleed forever. Warts (or verruca) can be rough, but spongy when you press on them. The truth is that warts not only grow on hands, but can show up on the face and of course, the feet. Common ones are plantar warts that show up on the bottom of your feet. They are caused by the human papilloma virus and can be contagious. Warts can spread to other areas of the body and particularly children and those with weak immune systems are susceptible to the virus.
So how do you know if you have one? Warts on the bottom of the foot will typically look like a small round callus. There are a couple of ways to help differentiate a callous from a wart. If you squeeze a wart from side to side, it will hurt, where a callous will not. Both a callous and a wart may be painful to walk on. A second way to help determine if it is a wart or a callous is the appearance. A wart will have tiny black spots throughout the wart. Warts are commonly mistaken for a number of other skin conditions, so the best way to be completely sure is to have it checked out by your podiatrist.
There are a few ways to avoid plantar warts. Try not to go barefoot in the public hotspots, including gym showers, locker rooms, or around the public pool. This is when it is a good idea to wear sandals or flip flops to help protect the feet. So what if you have one? First your podiatrist will want to properly diagnose the skin condition. If you do have a wart then there are a few treatment options. As discussed, a wart is a virus and they can be difficult to treat. Most treatments work by trying to induce the body’s immune system to fight the wart. Podiatrists do this by irritating it with a topical acid compounds, freezing it, lasers, or surgical excision of the wart. If you have this, or any other concerns with your feet, come in and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison at Foot Associates of Central Texas.
Warts are a funny thing. As a kid, you hear how you shouldn’t play with frogs because warts will grow on your hands. If you’ve ever had one, you know they don’t feel like any other part of your skin. If you’ve ever ripped one, you know they seem to bleed forever. Warts (or verruca) can be rough, but spongy when you press on them. The truth is that warts not only grow on hands, but can show up on the face and of course, the feet. Common ones are plantar warts that show up on the bottom of your feet. They are caused by the human papilloma virus and can be contagious. Warts can spread to other areas of the body and particularly children and those with weak immune systems are susceptible to the virus.
So how do you know if you have one? Warts on the bottom of the foot will typically look like a small round callus. There are a couple of ways to help differentiate a callous from a wart. If you squeeze a wart from side to side, it will hurt, where a callous will not. Both a callous and a wart may be painful to walk on. A second way to help determine if it is a wart or a callous is the appearance. A wart will have tiny black spots throughout the wart. Warts are commonly mistaken for a number of other skin conditions, so the best way to be completely sure is to have it checked out by your podiatrist.
There are a few ways to avoid plantar warts. Try not to go barefoot in the public hotspots, including gym showers, locker rooms, or around the public pool. This is when it is a good idea to wear sandals or flip flops to help protect the feet. So what if you have one? First your podiatrist will want to properly diagnose the skin condition. If you do have a wart then there are a few treatment options. As discussed, a wart is a virus and they can be difficult to treat. Most treatments work by trying to induce the body’s immune system to fight the wart. Podiatrists do this by irritating it with a topical acid compounds, freezing it, lasers, or surgical excision of the wart. If you have this, or any other concerns with your feet, come in and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison at Foot Associates of Central Texas.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Uggs
As we come to the beginning of spring, there are still a few cold days that merit winter clothing. And one thing I have noticed throughout the winter is the fad that hasn't yet gone away; Ugg Boots. Now whether you think that stands for Ugly or you actually own and love the pair, there is an agreement to how they are treating your feet.
Many podiatrists are concerned with how often and how many young adults are choosing these types of shoes. The ligaments and bones of these young girls are still moldable. Ugg boots do not provide the proper support your feet need, especially when they are still growing. As you foot slides around inside the shoe you have unusual wear and tear to your feet. This can lead to many foot problems like blisters, joint pain, plantar fasciitis, or other tendon injuries. Since your body alignment is connected head to toe, this can throw your entire body all out of whack. Your feet and ankles can turn inward during gait (your walking cycle). This leads to knock-knees as well as pressure to your low back. If your ankles are in the wrong position then your tibia, fibula, and femur are misaligned causing hip issues. So the bottom line is if you choose to wear Uggs or any other shoe that lacks support, wear them like slippers-rarely and for short periods of time. They shouldn't be worn for long periods of times or for long distances. Remember that if you do have any of these conditions call Dr. Grimm and Dr. Pattison to take a look at your feet and discuss options to modify your shoes or gait cycle.
Many podiatrists are concerned with how often and how many young adults are choosing these types of shoes. The ligaments and bones of these young girls are still moldable. Ugg boots do not provide the proper support your feet need, especially when they are still growing. As you foot slides around inside the shoe you have unusual wear and tear to your feet. This can lead to many foot problems like blisters, joint pain, plantar fasciitis, or other tendon injuries. Since your body alignment is connected head to toe, this can throw your entire body all out of whack. Your feet and ankles can turn inward during gait (your walking cycle). This leads to knock-knees as well as pressure to your low back. If your ankles are in the wrong position then your tibia, fibula, and femur are misaligned causing hip issues. So the bottom line is if you choose to wear Uggs or any other shoe that lacks support, wear them like slippers-rarely and for short periods of time. They shouldn't be worn for long periods of times or for long distances. Remember that if you do have any of these conditions call Dr. Grimm and Dr. Pattison to take a look at your feet and discuss options to modify your shoes or gait cycle.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Southerner's Foot
Well it’s getting to that time of year again. The sun is staying out longer, the temperature is climbing towards 80 degrees, and you’re excited about coming out of winter hibernation. Whether it’s a jog down the road or just being outside all day, you feel as nothing can stop you from enjoying the warmer weather…well almost nothing. If your feet become itchy and red, with some scaly skin you could have a condition called Athlete’s Foot.
So what causes Athlete’s Foot? It’s actually a fungus (Tinea pedis to be specific) that lives on our feet and feeds off the dead skin our body makes. Moisture is one of the main contributing factors for this condition and the dark, warm, moist environment that our shoes create during warm temperatures is like a Thanksgiving feast for the fungus.
And it’s the south. And it stays pretty warm most of the year. So how can you prevent Athlete’s Foot? Make sure you’re wearing moisture-wicking socks, and if you’re exercising, wear shoes that will breathe and keep your feet dry. Avoid going barefoot in places like the gym, public shower and around the swimming pool. You should also wash your feet daily with soap. This helps remove the dead skin from between your toes that the fungus feasts on. So let’s say you didn’t read this blog yet and think you may have Athlete’s Foot. You should come in and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison to confirm it as there are a plethora of skin conditions this could resemble fungus. Treatment can be as simple as a few creams or washes that serve as an anti-fungal agent or an antiperspirant to control the moisture of your feet. But to make sure you’re feet are at their best, come by and see your local Podiatrist to get you back for the springtime weather.
So what causes Athlete’s Foot? It’s actually a fungus (Tinea pedis to be specific) that lives on our feet and feeds off the dead skin our body makes. Moisture is one of the main contributing factors for this condition and the dark, warm, moist environment that our shoes create during warm temperatures is like a Thanksgiving feast for the fungus.
And it’s the south. And it stays pretty warm most of the year. So how can you prevent Athlete’s Foot? Make sure you’re wearing moisture-wicking socks, and if you’re exercising, wear shoes that will breathe and keep your feet dry. Avoid going barefoot in places like the gym, public shower and around the swimming pool. You should also wash your feet daily with soap. This helps remove the dead skin from between your toes that the fungus feasts on. So let’s say you didn’t read this blog yet and think you may have Athlete’s Foot. You should come in and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison to confirm it as there are a plethora of skin conditions this could resemble fungus. Treatment can be as simple as a few creams or washes that serve as an anti-fungal agent or an antiperspirant to control the moisture of your feet. But to make sure you’re feet are at their best, come by and see your local Podiatrist to get you back for the springtime weather.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Give Your Feet the Gold Medal
With the recent Winter Olympics, everyone gets excited about their favorite ski-resort activity. Whether you enjoy the adrendaline rush of skiing down the slopes or a more relaxed cross-country ski, it is a great way to stay active. Before you hit the slopes during your vacation, there are a few Olympic-quality tips to keep you and your feet happy.
1. Be sure to stretch thoroughly before you venture into the cold whether.
2. Wear the right shoes for your activity. Make sure ski boots are the proper size to allow good blood flow and nerve sensation to the feet. If you wear orthotics, be sure to have enough room to accomodate those as well.
3. Wear the right socks. You want to keep moisture away from your feet to prevent any blisters. This can be done with moisture-wicking socks made of smart wool, polypropylene, or acrylic fibers.
While cross-country skiing is an excellent aerobic activity there are a few foot risks to watch out for if this is a regular activity. The repeated stress of pushing off the skiis in a straight inline motion causes the big toe to stay bent at its hinge. Over a long period of time, this can lead to a condition called Hallux Rigidus, where a bone spur forms on top of the big toe joint and there is a slow destruction of the joint. Instead, change your technique by using a V-style glide and edge motion, similar to ice skates or roller blades. This puts less stress on the big toe. Hallux Limitus/Rigidus is a form of arthritis, an inflammation of the joint. This comes along with swelling and tenderness during and after skiing. If you have any foot conditions bothering you before or after, you may want to check in with Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison for an evaluation to get you back to going for the gold.
1. Be sure to stretch thoroughly before you venture into the cold whether.
2. Wear the right shoes for your activity. Make sure ski boots are the proper size to allow good blood flow and nerve sensation to the feet. If you wear orthotics, be sure to have enough room to accomodate those as well.
3. Wear the right socks. You want to keep moisture away from your feet to prevent any blisters. This can be done with moisture-wicking socks made of smart wool, polypropylene, or acrylic fibers.
While cross-country skiing is an excellent aerobic activity there are a few foot risks to watch out for if this is a regular activity. The repeated stress of pushing off the skiis in a straight inline motion causes the big toe to stay bent at its hinge. Over a long period of time, this can lead to a condition called Hallux Rigidus, where a bone spur forms on top of the big toe joint and there is a slow destruction of the joint. Instead, change your technique by using a V-style glide and edge motion, similar to ice skates or roller blades. This puts less stress on the big toe. Hallux Limitus/Rigidus is a form of arthritis, an inflammation of the joint. This comes along with swelling and tenderness during and after skiing. If you have any foot conditions bothering you before or after, you may want to check in with Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison for an evaluation to get you back to going for the gold.
Cold Weather can be Hazardous to your Feet
The Olympics are one of sport's greatest events. This year's games in Vancouver have been no exception. The remarkable display of athleticsim can be easily overshadowed by their ability to make it look so easy. But if you take a minute to stop and notice that skiers are flying down the mountain at 90 mph, or landing long jumps with a force greater than six times their body weight, you can really appreciate the limits they are pushing the human body. To top it all off, they can do this in the cold weather.
Why does the cold weather change how the bodies act? Whenever it's cold outside your body wants to keep blood warm. So it constricts blood vessels in your extremities, like the feet, and sends blood towards your vital internal organs. This is why you are more likely to get a condition known as frostbite in your fingers and toes instead of your chest. If this goes on for too long, extremities like your toes cannot survive without blood flow and can suffer permanent damage.
So how do Olympians get around this? They wear thick socks to keep their feet as warm as possible. However some Winter Olympic sports aren't the most accomodating with their footwear. It may be hard to wear thick socks in tight-fitting speed skates. Or it may be difficult to keep your socks from sliding around in bulky ski boots. But remember it's imperative to find socks that are moisture-wicking to keep your feet dry and your socks in place. The smallest wrinkle can lead to a nasty blister.
Whether it's skiing, speed skating, or hockey, all the Olympians (okay, may be not the curling team) are putting their feet through a remarkable amount of pressure. From a podiatry point of view, it's amazing to see how their bodies endure the intense physical demands asked of them. Remember that your Podiatrist is trained to treat all of these issues and more, regardless if you're an Olympic medalist or the weekend warrior.
Why does the cold weather change how the bodies act? Whenever it's cold outside your body wants to keep blood warm. So it constricts blood vessels in your extremities, like the feet, and sends blood towards your vital internal organs. This is why you are more likely to get a condition known as frostbite in your fingers and toes instead of your chest. If this goes on for too long, extremities like your toes cannot survive without blood flow and can suffer permanent damage.
So how do Olympians get around this? They wear thick socks to keep their feet as warm as possible. However some Winter Olympic sports aren't the most accomodating with their footwear. It may be hard to wear thick socks in tight-fitting speed skates. Or it may be difficult to keep your socks from sliding around in bulky ski boots. But remember it's imperative to find socks that are moisture-wicking to keep your feet dry and your socks in place. The smallest wrinkle can lead to a nasty blister.
Whether it's skiing, speed skating, or hockey, all the Olympians (okay, may be not the curling team) are putting their feet through a remarkable amount of pressure. From a podiatry point of view, it's amazing to see how their bodies endure the intense physical demands asked of them. Remember that your Podiatrist is trained to treat all of these issues and more, regardless if you're an Olympic medalist or the weekend warrior.
NBA Stars suffer from Plantar Fasciitis too.
Fans of the NBA may have noticed that the Chicago Bulls have been suffering during their last few games. This is because one of their star players, Joakim Noah, has been out with pain in his left foot. Headlines on ESPN read "Noah faces 'lingering issue' in plantar fasciitis." So what does that mean? Well first off, what is a plantar fascia? The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot. Think of it like a strong rubber band on the bottom of your foot, holding all your joints and muscles in place. Bruising or overstretching this band can lead to inflammation (aka plantar fasciitis) and heel pain. The causes of this overstretching can include a weight gain, improper footwear, or an injury. It can also be caused by something called a heel spur. During pronation, you can have a different pull of the fascia from the heel bone, causing a growth to form. This growth, or spur, can cause pain by putting pressure on a nearby nerve or bursa. Symptoms from this condition can include severe pain after walking or standing for an extended period of time, as well as difficulty in walking after waking up in the morning.
So how do you get rid of such a thing? Well our doctors at Foot Associates of Central Texas like to stress prevention first. This means wearing the proper footwear with an orthotic device to fix the biomechanical or pronation issue if that is the underlying problem. Podiatrists will also want to keep the ligament stretched out by performing exercises and wearing a night splint. Medical treatments would include an anti-inflammatory drug as well as a local anesthetic to reduce the swelling and decrease pain. Surgery may be needed to release the fascia or remove the heel spur. Rest is also important with an injury like this, especially with althetes such as Joakim Noah. They want to return back to competition as soon as possible. This type of injury must be taken seriously so it does not linger around. If you are having these or any other concerns with your feet, come by and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison to get you back on the court!
So how do you get rid of such a thing? Well our doctors at Foot Associates of Central Texas like to stress prevention first. This means wearing the proper footwear with an orthotic device to fix the biomechanical or pronation issue if that is the underlying problem. Podiatrists will also want to keep the ligament stretched out by performing exercises and wearing a night splint. Medical treatments would include an anti-inflammatory drug as well as a local anesthetic to reduce the swelling and decrease pain. Surgery may be needed to release the fascia or remove the heel spur. Rest is also important with an injury like this, especially with althetes such as Joakim Noah. They want to return back to competition as soon as possible. This type of injury must be taken seriously so it does not linger around. If you are having these or any other concerns with your feet, come by and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison to get you back on the court!
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