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.

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.

If you have ever had plantar fasciitis, then you know it can be a real pain in the foot! Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Approximately 2 million patients are treated for this condition each year. Plantar fascia is a ligament that attaches the heel to the front of the foot, and sometimes becomes inflamed due to overuse. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include obesity, long distance running, flat feet, high arch, poor arch support, new or increased activity, and tight calf muscles. Pain is often the worst in the morning with the first few steps after getting out of bed, or after long periods of sitting. Heel spurs sometimes occur with plantar fasciitis, but are not usually the cause of the heel pain.

Heel and foot stretching exercises are one way to relieve plantar fasciitis pain. Calf stretching can be done by taking a towel, looping it around the ball of the foot while keeping the leg straight, and gently pulling back towards the body until a stretch is felt in the muscles of the lower leg, holding the stretch 30 seconds, then repeating the exercise. Another calf stretch exercise involves standing against a wall and moving one leg back while pushing the heel down towards the floor. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, and then bend the knees to get a stretch that involves the muscles in the lower leg, again holding the stretch for 30 seconds, and repeating. Stretching the taut plantar fascia may also provide relief, and this can be done by flexing the toes up and down 10 times before standing. Massaging the bottom of the foot across the plantar fascia may help, and rolling the foot over a tennis ball, or even a cold water bottle does this. A night splint or brace may be used to hold the foot in a position that applies a constant stretch to the plantar fascia, and may help relieve pain while plantar fasciitis heals. Low-dye taping and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes used to provide temporary relief for plantar fasciitis.

Sometimes rest and stretching are not enough to keep the pain at bay, and medical intervention is necessary. Orthotics, steroid injections, and sometimes surgery are used as long-term solutions for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be very painful, but there are many treatments available. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis or undiagnosed heel pain, then do not hesitate to contact your Podiatrist.

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 holiday season is approaching, and with the holidays comes frigid weather. Many people are going to be out and about doing shopping, going to holiday parades, outdoor light shows, as well as many other activities since it is a very busy time of year. Most people prepare for the cold weather by putting on a coat and gloves, while paying little attention to the warmth of their feet. Keeping the feet warm is important especially in people that have decreased circulation.

Diabetes, Raynaud’s, and peripheral vascular disease decrease the circulation to extremities, including the feet. People that suffer from these diseases are more prone to frost bite, or ulcers due to lack of blood flow. In diabetic patients often times neuropathy prevents them from being able to feel how cold their feet are unless they are proactive about making sure their feet are kept warm.
Raynaud’s is a syndrome or phenomenon that occurs when a person’s body overreacts to cold weather causing the blood vessels in random digits of the hand or foot to constrict, which cuts off blood flow completely to that digit causing many color changes. Raynaud’s is seen alone, and is sometimes secondary to other diseases. Peripheral vascular disease occurs when atherosclerotic deposits build up, and cause hardening of the arteries. The buildup in the vessels causes less blood flow to be able to reach the extremity, and may result in ischemic foot. Raynaud’s and peripheral vascular disease are sometimes seen in diabetic patients, as they tend to be more prone to vascular diseases.

There are many ways to keep the feet warm if you have any of these conditions, or are going to be outdoors for a long period of time in cold weather. Diabetic socks are important because they keep the feet warm and protected, without cutting off circulation like many other socks do. Diabetic socks also reduce moisture, which helps prevent fungal infections, blisters, and also ensure warmer feet. Similar socks are offered for those with Raynaud’s or peripheral vascular disease. The special socks do not have elastic, and are often made of polyester instead of cotton. Foot warmers are another option to help keep the feet warm in the cold weather. Boot with warm linings will help protect the feet as well as provide extra comfort.

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.

About 9% of patients with diabetic neuropathy have had Charcot foot. Charcot foot is a degenerative condition that affects the joints in the feet. Charcot can occur in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to minimize morbidity and further complications.

Charcot foot goes hand in hand with diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic patients with neuropathy are at risk of developing Charcot foot because of the lack of sensation in the foot and lower extremity. Neuropathic patients often walk on an injured foot, and they may damage or cause breaks in the bones of the foot, due to decreased sensation and weak bone structure. Over time the joints collapse, or change shape, and eventually the foot may have a rocker bottom appearance. Some patients have a traumatic event; such as a trip or fall occur prior to the onset of Charcot foot, while others do not. The acute onset of Charcot presents with warmth, redness, and swelling, and may progress to a collapsed, deformed foot. When diagnosis is made, then immobilization with a cast or boot will help stabilize the foot, and allow healing. Depending on the severity, surgery is another option. Charcot foot may require months of immobilization for proper healing to occur. Many patients with Charcot do not present with pain, and this sometimes leads to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Some cases have a severe deformity before diagnosis is made.

Charcot foot can be devastating, but there are a few steps to prevent Charcot foot from occurring or recurring. One of the most important steps for diabetics is to keep tight control on blood glucose levels. Compliance with diabetic medications is very helpful in preventing neuropathy, which in turn could prevent Charcot foot. If neuropathy has already begun, speak to your podiatrist about treatment options. Doing daily foot examinations is something every diabetic should get in the habit of doing, and it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist if there are any changes in color, shape, or temperature, as well as any open wounds or calluses on the foot.

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.

For most people, November is the time of year to begin preparing for the holiday season, but November is also National Diabetes Month. In the United States alone, 25.8 million children and adults have diabetes. This makes up about 8.3% of the population, and is projected to reach 21% by the year 2050. There are millions of Americans with undiagnosed diabetes.

Diabetes can affect the entire body, including the foot and ankle. Neuropathy is one of the most common complaints of diabetic patients. Neuropathy results in damage to nerves, specifically the peripheral nerves, or nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral Neuropathy causes a burning or tingling sensation usually on the feet and legs, or on the arms. This damage to the nerves is caused by excess blood glucose, or high blood sugar. Over time excess glucose injures the walls of blood vessels that supply the nerves. As neuropathy worsens, the ability to feel the lower extremity becomes diminished, which makes diabetics more prone to injuries that go unnoticed. Neuropathy is the leading cause of diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers are caused from a combination of neuropathy, trauma, and deformity. Deformities such as hammertoes, equinus (limited upward bending of the ankle), or bunions in diabetic patients are more problematic than in non-diabetic patients because of the other complications that come with diabetes. If diabetic foot ulcers are left untreated they may end up getting infected, and even result in amputation. Diabetic patients often have decreased circulation in the extremities due to hardening of the arteries or vessels, and this may slow healing time, which is why it’s vital for diabetic patients to take extra precautions when it comes to caring for their feet.

Although diabetes is a life altering disease keeping a tight control on blood glucose levels can minimize complications. Other ways to protect the feet in individuals with diabetes are by wearing special shoes made for diabetics, examining the feet daily, washing the feet and making sure to dry them completely, avoiding smoking, wearing clean, dry socks that are changed daily, and never walking barefoot. Management of diabetes is the key to preventing complications, and for those that do not have diabetes the key to prevention is exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a well balanced diet.

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.

Fungal infections affect over half of Americans by the age of 70. Athlete’s foot is the most common fungal infection that infects the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet, and despite the name, athletes are not the only ones at risk. This type of foot fungus is also known as tinea pedis, or ringworm of the feet. The fungus that causes this infection is in the genus Trichophyton, and requires a warm, moist environment to survive. The most common places for the fungus to grow are on the dead tissue of hair, toenails, and outer skin layers. The fungus may also spread to the groin, toenails, legs, hands, fingernails, and cause secondary bacterial infections.

Walking barefoot in an infected area, such as a public pool, or locker room, often causes athlete’s foot. Even using an infected towel could lead to a fungal infection. The most common symptoms of athlete’s foot are peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet, redness, blisters, and itching. If the infection spreads to the nails, then the nail bed becomes thick and discolored. When the toenails become infected, this is known as Onychomycosis. If Onychomycosis is left untreated, then it may lead to permanent damage to the nails, or other major infections, especially in those with diabetes, HIV, or leukemia. Treatment for fungal infections is dependent upon the severity. In less severe cases a topical anti-fungal is often used, but in some cases an oral anti-fungal is required.

Here are some tips to prevent fungal infections:

• Do not walk barefoot in public places
• Keep your feet as dry as possible
• Do not share shoes with others
• Wear shoes and socks that allow your feet to breathe (cotton socks are great)
• Use a foot powder after showering
• Wear shower sandals in public showers
• Disinfect old shoes
• Bring your own nail tools to the salon

If you end up with athlete’s foot, contact your podiatrist because treating early and with the right medication will prevent complications and recurrence.

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.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is pleased to announce, Dr. Sarah Abshier has been nominated for the OhioHealth Prism Award for Compassion. The annual Prism Awards spotlight employee achievements and innovations that support company values. Nominations are open to all OhioHealth employees; recipients are selected by leadership and employee groups.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2013 OhioHealth will hold the 2013 Prism Awards ceremony at the Ohio Theatre, to celebrate Ohio Health’s amazing culture and their amazing associates.