Items filtered by date: January 2014

One out of every three people over the age of 65 falls annually in the United States, and by the age of 80 falling at least once a year is almost inevitable. Falls often lead to hospitalizations, disability, or even death. Because falls are so common there are many devices made to help prevent falls, especially in the elderly.

Balance is the key to preventing falls, and there are many devices that help with balance. Canes and walkers are some of the most common devices used to help people maintain independence and be able to walk more safely. Some Podiatrists make custom Ankle Foot Orthotics that provide ankle stability and help by improving walking speed, stride length, and gait pattern. Tai Chi is an exercise technique that has helped people to improve their balance, and also maintain a healthy lifestyle. Most of these devices and techniques have been used for many years, but there have been some new developments on a shoe that will help the elderly with balance, and potentially prevent falls. This new tech savvy shoe is called the B-shoe (A.K.A. Balancing Shoe), which is made by a company in Israel. The shoe can sense when a person is losing their balance, and performs a backward step to allow the person to regain balance. One of the lead scientists began the project because his own father had fallen, and he was determined to find a solution. The company is working on adding a feature to the shoe that will alert the wearer if there is an object coming up that will cause them to lose their balance. These shoes are not yet available to the public, but may be another option in the future for those that are prone to falls. Until then, here are a few tips to prevent falls:

• Exercise regularly
• Have your eyes checked once a year to make sure you are able to see any potential hazards
• Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications to ensure that your medications won’t cause dizziness
• Wear shoes that provide adequate support and balance
• Talk with your doctor about using a cane or walker
• Reduce hazards in your home, and have grab bars installed if necessary
• Get screened for osteoporosis

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

There are many types of tumors that affect the foot, and many are benign. Two of the most common types are ganglion cysts and plantar fibromas. Ganglion cysts are also known as bible cysts because common treatment was hitting them with a bible so that the cyst would burst. Ganglion cysts are more common in younger people, while plantar fibromas are more common in older people.

Ganglion cysts often occur on the top of the foot, but are also very common on the hand. The cysts are fluid-filled, occur at joints, and often change size. Ganglion cysts are usually observed for any changes unless they reach a size that causes pain or pressure on nerves or arteries. Immobilization of the area is also sometimes helpful because activity often causes the cyst to increase in size. If they reach a large size, then further treatment may be beneficial. Further treatment of ganglion cysts usually consists of draining the fluid with a needle, or aspiration. Aspiration of the fluid is not always successful because the root of the cyst may remain, and the cyst will return. Surgical treatment may be recommended for recurring ganglion cysts.

Plantar fibromatosis is the most common benign tumor on the bottom of the foot. Plantar fibromatosis is also known as Ledderhose’s disease, which is a thickening of the foot’s plantar fascia. Over time the lump increases in size, and may start causing pain or limitations in activity. This type of benign tumor is often associated with a family history of the disease, or patients with diabetes. Initial treatment is off-loading to avoid direct pressure or worsening of the tumor. Corticosteroid injections and cryotherapy are often used initially before surgical options are considered. Surgical removal of a plantar fibroma is more difficult than removing a ganglion cyst, which is why more conservative therapy is recommended unless conservative methods have failed.

Ganglion cysts and plantar fibromatosis are only two of many types of possible tumors, but they are the most common benign tumors presenting in the foot. These are both very manageable conditions, but with any lump or bump in the foot it is important to see your Podiatrist to rule out something more serious.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Almost half of people in their sixties and seventies suffer from arthritic foot pain. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are many types of treatments available that focus on pain management. Osteoarthritis typically occurs in older individuals, or people that have had a previous injury. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. Over time the cartilage between joints wears down leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain. In younger individuals that develop osteoarthritis there is usually a history of previous injury, family history of osteoarthritis, or obesity.

The foot consists of 33 joints, but there are a select few that are more prone to osteoarthritis than others. The ankle, the great toe, 3 joints in the hindfoot (talocalcaneal, calcaneocuboid, talonavicular joints), and the midfoot (metatarsocuneiform joint) are the most commonly affected joints. Osteoarthritis can also be caused by abnormal foot structure, such as flat foot or a high arch.

Some people believe that cold, damp weather exacerbates their osteoarthritis, and some even say they can predict the weather. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include: stiffness, limitation of the joint, swelling, difficulty walking and tenderness that is persistent. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, and can be debilitating. There are many great treatments available, but here are just a few solutions for osteoarthritic foot pain:

1. See your podiatrist at least once a year to monitor changes, and modify treatment
2. Comfortable and supportive shoes are necessary, and sometimes orthotics or ankle braces are also helpful
3. Weight loss
4. Anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDS (ibuprofen) or corticosteroid injections that can be given by your podiatrist
5. Physical therapy and exercises
6. Try a topical medication that has capsaicin, an ingredient that will help reduce pain

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Madonna is well known for her music career, and often referred to as the “Queen of Pop”. Madonna recently sustained a foot injury while skiing in Switzerland with her family, and then aggravated the injury by dancing in high-heeled shoes on New Year’s Eve. Madonna bruised a bone in her foot, and was given crutches to help her keep weight off the injured foot. While on crutches, Madonna was spotted at the gym getting in a workout!

A bruised bone occurs with some type of traumatic injury that involves a fall, or twisting motion. The innermost part of the bone is broken, and allows bleeding to occur. The type of bone bruise is classified by the extent of the damage, and also location of the bone that is bleeding. A bone bruise is very painful, and often presents with swelling. To make the diagnosis of a bone bruise an MRI is often necessary because damage to the bone may be minimal, and not detected by X-ray. Treatment consists of pain management, ice, and not placing more stress on the injured bone. Immobilization or bracing is often used to protect the bone from further injury, and allow the bone time to heal. Bone takes longer to heal than soft tissue, and for some people a full recovery may take a few months. On average a full recovery takes anywhere from 2-3 months.

According to reports, Madonna will be off crutches within a week. That is if she does not make her injury worse at the gym!

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Millions of Americans resolve to lose weight, exercise more often, or be healthier in general. Most people that are unsuccessful with their resolutions are overly ambitious or set unrealistic goals. Doing too much too soon leads to getting burnt out, or even injured. Believe it or not these popular resolutions also have an impact on your feet.

Losing weight is a great way to decrease the amount of stress on your joints, and can improve or alleviate medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, gout, tendonitis, and peripheral arterial disease. Even a few extra pounds can make a huge difference, and may cause structural or functional changes that lead to painful conditions. Extra weight will often cause problems in the back, hips, knees, and the feet due to extra pressure being placed on the inside of the foot as well as the forefoot. Once these conditions are present it becomes more difficult to exercise due to pain. Exercise is a great way to get in shape, lose weight, and keep your heart and lungs healthy. Exercise can also cause injuries especially in those that suddenly increase activity level. As mentioned before, many people begin with strenuous exercise and end up with an injury that prevents them from continuing to exercise, or they become burnt out. When you are just beginning an exercise routine your muscles have not had a chance to build up strength, which causes them to fatigue easily, and transfer stress to your bones. The extra stress on your bones may lead to a stress fracture, or an avulsion fracture in your lower extremity. Exercise and weight loss goals are still great goals to have, and here are a few tips to prevent injuries and help you stick to your resolutions:

• Set incremental goals so that you are not doing too much too soon.
• If you begin having pain or swelling, then stop the activity and rest. See your doctor if the pain or swelling persists.
• Proper exercise gear is important, and make sure it is not old or worn out. Shoes should not be over a year old, or worn more than 300-500 miles.
• Make a specific plan for how you will achieve your goal.
• Make sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet, as this may help prevent stress fractures.
• Stretching before and after exercise is essential.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more tips for healthier and happier feet or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

The calcaneus bone, or heel bone, is the most commonly fractured tarsal bone in the foot. Calcaneus fractures account for 1-2% of fractures in the body. Calcaneus fractures are also known as Lover’s fractures. Calcaneal fractures often occur due to a jump from a height, which is how the term “Lover’s fracture” was coined because a lover may jump from great heights to escape from a lover’s spouse.

Calcaneal fractures are generally traumatic fractures occurring from motor vehicle accidents, muscular stress, or falls from a height. Calcaneal fractures are categorized based on whether the fracture is displaced (greater than 2mm displacement), open (with soft tissue or bony structure exposed), closed (with skin and soft tissue intact), or comminuted (3 or more pieces). Treatment for calcaneal fractures varies based on the type of fracture. Standard radiographs and CT scan are used to diagnose calcaneal fractures, and determine the severity of the injury. Pain over the heel, inability to walk, or a hematoma that extends to the sole of the foot are all signs of a calcaneal fracture. Presence of a hematoma on the sole is known as the “Mondor Sign”. In a non-displaced fracture nonsurgical treatment may be sufficient. Displaced or comminuted fractures typically require surgical treatment consisting of some type of fixation with metal plates or screws. In closed fractures surgical treatment is often postponed until swelling has subsided. In open (exposed soft tissue or bone) or avulsion fractures (when a tendon pulls off a piece of bone), more urgent treatment is required. Open fractures are exposed to the environment and need to be cleaned and then surgically corrected within a short time period to prevent infection.

Minor calcaneal fractures usually heal within a few months, and cause no long-term limitations. More severe fractures may take years to heal, and never return to the previous condition. Long-term complications may include pain, limb length discrepancies, and changes in gait. The best way to prevent this type of fracture is simply avoiding trauma or jumping from a height. Early treatment by your Podiatrist is the key to minimizing long-term complications.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Football is the most popular sport in the United States, and also the source of many injuries. Adrian Peterson, the running back for the Vikings, recently suffered a midfoot sprain forcing him to sit out during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The second string running back suffered a hamstring injury, so he was also unable to play leaving the job to the third string running back. Despite the set back, the Vikings still won the game. Midfoot sprains are rare, except in people that participate in sports because the sprain is caused by pivoting or twisting the body while the foot stays in place.

The midfoot consists of a group of bones between the ankle and toes that form an arch on the foot. The bones in the midfoot are held together by ligaments, and in a midfoot sprain these ligaments are torn or stretched. Lisfranc fractures are often misdiagnosed as midfoot sprains, and are more serious. A Lisfranc fracture is a fracture dislocation in the midfoot that is easily missed on X-ray. As many as thirty percent of Lisfranc injuries are missed at initial diagnosis, and most missed diagnoses are by providers that are not foot and ankle specialists. The signs of a midfoot sprain include pain, swelling, and bruising in the midfoot. Midfoot sprain can be treated more conservatively than a Lisfranc fracture, and generally only require rest, ice compression and elevation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen are often sufficient to treat the pain and reduce inflammation in a midfoot sprain. Athletes may immobilize the foot in a cast or boot, with weight bearing as tolerated, and will start extensive rehab to ensure full function after the injury and also speed healing. Complications after midfoot sprains are rare, especially in minor sprains, but there is a risk of developing arthritis, a fallen arch, or instability of the midfoot. Surgical treatment is usually only utilized in more serious Lisfranc fractures.

Adrian Peterson’s X-ray, MRI, and CT scan ruled our Lisfranc fracture, which means that with conservative treatment his foot should heal, and on average return to activity would be within three weeks depending on the severity. Vikings coach, Leslie Frazier stated that he believes Peterson will be able to return for the game against the Bengals.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Many ancient cultures as far back as 3500 B.C. wore high heel shoes. For some cultures, wearing high heels was a sign of class and wearing high heels was not limited to women. The term “well heeled” was coined after high heels were seen being worn by royalty, and wealthy leaders. Needless to say, high heels are still quite popular.

Mariah Serrano, a young New York woman was willing to do anything to be able to wear high heels. Mariah was born with clubfoot, and a deformed leg that made it impossible for her to wear high heels. Clubfoot is a congenital deformity that causes the foot to turn inwards and downwards, and can usually be fixed early in life either surgically or with bracing. In Mariah’s case, the clubfoot deformity was too severe, and despite operations the deformity remained. Mariah’s passion was in fashion so not wearing high heels was an issue. Her leg deformity also interfered with daily activities, and limited her career choices to only sedentary options. Mariah decided to get a below knee amputation so that she could get a prosthetic, and gain more functionality. Not long after Mariah healed from surgery, a friend bought her some heels. Mariah was also able to start her career at a fashion label.

Wearing high heels is a big deal for some people, and women like Mariah will stop at nothing to wear them. If you’re like Mariah, and you have to wear your heels, then consider the following tips for preventing injuries, or permanent damage.

• Wedges are better than regular high heels because there is less pressure being put on the forefoot
• Aim for purchasing heels that are less than 2-2 ½ inches
• The less you wear them, the better (no more than 4-6 hours a week)
• Bring an alternate pair of shoes to change into for more comfort
• The more narrow the heel, the less stable the shoe, and the more likely you are to twist your ankle
• Pick out heels that have a large enough toe box, so that the toes are not being compressed
• If the shoe has a platform under the toes, then this may help off load the pressure and make them more comfortable
• Remember that high heels are not only hard on your feet, but also your knees and back

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.