On Sunday, October 20, 2013, Ohio’s Largest Marathon took place. The marathon raised $200,000 for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Over 100,000 spectators, 18,000 athletes, 3,000 volunteers, and 26 miracle mile patient champions from all over the world met in beautiful downtown Columbus for this huge event. The athletes of the full marathon ran a total of 26.2 miles, and those that ran the half marathon ran 13.1 miles. Participating in a marathon requires a lot of training and preparation.

Running injuries mostly occur in the lower extremity. Some of the most common injuries include Achilles tendonitis and stress fractures. Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the back of the heel bone. A sudden increase in the amount or intensity of exercise can cause the tendon to become inflamed, degenerate, or even tear. Over time this can cause a bone spur on the back of the heel, and is often associated with tight calf muscles. Common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning, thickening or enlargement of the tendon, as well as tenderness to the back of the leg and especially the back of the heel. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that develop due to overuse. Stress fractures often occur when doing too much activity too soon. In a more fit individual the muscles in the foot act as shock absorbers and prevent stress fractures. On the other hand, when a less fit individual starts to increase activity too soon, then the muscles are not yet strong enough to act as shock absorbers. Stress fractures occur most often in the second and third metatarsals of the foot, which are the long bones in the foot. Other common locations of stress fractures are in the heel bone, or calcaneus, as well as the navicular bone, which is on the inner part of the midfoot. Symptoms of a stress fracture include pain that develops gradually and is worse with activity, swelling on the top of the foot, and tenderness at the site of the fracture.

Running a marathon is an amazing accomplishment, and can be achieved without injury. The main ways to prevent injury are to remember not to do too much too soon, incorporate strength-training exercises, and make sure you are wearing appropriate shoe gear. If an injury does occur, 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.

Jessica Ellen Cornish, also known as, Jessie J, began her rise to fame in 2006. She is well known for her music that has topped U.S. Billboards Hot 100, but many may not know that she had a major reconstructive ankle surgery and ankle fusion in June 2011. Jessie J broke her ankle after falling off a stage during a show.

Ankle fusions are done following trauma or arthritis in the ankle joint. An ankle fusion procedure involves removing the damaged bone at the end of the tibia and fibula, which are the two bones in the lower leg, and then removing the damaged portion of the talus, which is the bone at the top of the foot and is also part of the ankle joint. Once the damaged bone is removed, then screws and sometimes, metal plates are put in place, and allow the joint to fuse. Jessie J also had a bone transplant, or bone graft. The bone graft can be taken from another part of your own body, or it can be taken from a cadaver. The graft is used to fill in defects or gaps.

Following an ankle fusion the screws and plates stay in unless they become painful or cause complications. Immediately after surgery the patient is put in a cast and given crutches. After around six weeks the patient may be given a CAM walker, or surgical shoe. The ankle will have decreased range of motion, and the side that had surgery will have a limb length discrepancy. Some people have difficulty walking up or down inclines following surgery, and due to the limited range of motion of the ankle joint there are some restrictions to the types of shoes that should be worn and many people are given orthotics or heel lifts to help with the limb length discrepancy. Most people are able to return to their daily activities within a few months.

Jessie J will be having another ankle surgery this December to have the metal plate removed because the plate has been causing pain. Hopefully Jessie J gives up her stilettos, and gives her ankle the rest it needs so she will be ready for her 2014 tour.

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.

Fall is back! Temperatures outside are dropping, leaves are changing colors, and the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back. Fall is a great time for runners to prepare for marathons or 5K races because the weather is perfect. Whether you run long distances or short distances you need comfortable shoes.

There are many things to consider when choosing good running shoes. Do you run on a trail or on the road? Do you need extra ankle support? Do you have any foot deformities such as, hammertoes or bunions? If you are running on a trail then you want to get a shoe with extra support. Some running shoes will put in a medial post, which may be made of plastic that is inside your shoe, and helps support the arch. If you need extra ankle support then you should choose a shoe with a sturdier medial post, a higher top, and a thinner sole. If you are running on roads or a treadmill you will want to choose a shoe that is comfortable and fits your foot type. If you are running on a track, then you may want to use racing flats or racing spikes. For deformities such as hammertoes or bunions you want to make sure that your shoe has a big enough toe box to accommodate the deformity. Other important things to remember about your running shoes:

• They should be replaced after 1 year of use, or after 300-500 miles depending on the quality of the shoe.
• Running shoes should only be used for running.
• Be sure the shoe is the proper size for your foot.
• Orthotics may help with foot deformities, and aid in preventing injury.
• Choose a shoe based on your foot type. Do you have a high arch, or a flat foot?

These are just a few guidelines for selecting quality running shoes. There are many types and brands out there for every budget and foot type.

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.

Just a few days prior to the start of the season opener, Ohio State’s defensive lineman Tommy Schutt suffered an unfortunate foot injury that had left coaches scrambling to fill his vacant spot. The fracture he suffered was of one of the five metatarsal bones in the foot.

There are several locations that these long slender bones may fracture at depending on the cause of injury. Stress fractures, which commonly occur in athletes who are constantly placing pressure on their feet, most often affect the distal portion of the shaft of the 2ndmetatarsal. While concerning, stress fractures are not as worrisome as a traumatically induced fracture. Stress fractures typically extend only partially through the bone and bone fragments remain in their normal anatomic position for healing.

Traumatic fractures may occur at any point along the metatarsal bones and severity of the injury depends on the individual and mechanism of the injury. Individuals of advanced age or with poor nutrition may have osteoporosis and decreased bone strength. A weakened bone may fracture more easily and into more fragments, increasing the difficulty of healing. Individuals who smoke are also at a much higher risk of having weakened bones, and subsequent difficulty with bone healing.

When the joint at the base of the metatarsals is affected it is known as a Lisfranc injury. This is a fairly severe athletic foot injury, and may or may not involve fractures of the bases of the metatarsals. Several football players, including the Pittsburgh Steeler’s Le’Veon Bell, have recently suffered an injury of the Lisfranc, or tarsometatarsal joint. These injuries appear with diffuse swelling and bruising of the top of the midfoot. Surgery is often required to restore the anatomic alignment of the joint and recovery can take a minimum of 6-8 weeks. While it is not certain what type of metatarsal injury Schutt sustained, he unfortunately will not be ready to return to action for the start of the season. Luckily for Ohio State football, Chase Farris will move into the position of Tommy Schutt and has already been performing well in practice!

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.

With back to school fast approaching, kids are making the most of their summer playtime on outdoor trampolines and at trendy indoor trampolining venues, including Buckeye Bounce and Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Parks around Columbus. However, with the increased use of trampolines comes an associated risk for serious injury. Foot and ankle injuries are the most common injuries associated with trampoline use and can lead to lifelong consequences for gait and activity.

While somersaults and flips are the most common cause of severe spine injuries when using a trampoline, simply landing wrong while jumping can result in devastating foot injuries. Last spring, the New York Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain suffered an open subtalar joint dislocation while trampolining with his son. At the time he related that he was about to push off and immediately felt something wrong with his foot. An open dislocation refers to the fact that the skin covering the disarticulated joint has broken and bone is exposed. Any open dislocation or fracture is associated with a higher risk for infection.

Closed ankle sprains represent a much more common trampoline injury. The lateral ligaments of the ankle are stretched past their normal ability to stretch, or may be torn. These ligaments are critical in maintaining stability of the ankle and preventing abnormal motion of the bones that comprise the ankle joint. Acute injuries can often be treated with bracing and physical therapy, but in cases of chronic ankle sprains, surgery may be required. Ligaments may be tightened and re-approximated, or supplemental graft material may be needed for reinforcement. Underlying ankle fractures and defects in the ankle joint cartilage also need to be considered when ruling out causes of chronic ankle pain and instability. While the best way to avoid unnecessary injury is to avoid using a trampoline, if injury does occur, contact your podiatrist right away.

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 proudly supports our Veterans by participating in “Supporting Veterans – The Mark Allen Cravens (MAC) Food Drive”.

The goal is to collect non-perishable goods for Ohio Veterans that are suffering from financial difficulties.
The drive has been established by Caroline Cravens in memory of her late brother, Mark Allen Cravens. Caroline said, “It’s time to take a stand and support our fellow veterans who fought for our country and show them support as they sacrificed their lives for us.”

Mark served in the Air Force and was a Desert Storm Veteran. He was an outstanding, loving, caring, soldier, brother, son, and friend. Mark was honorably discharged in June of 1993, and died in a motorcyle accident two weeks later. In addition to his sister Caroline, Mark has a surviving identical twin brother that also served in the Air Force for 20 years and is an Iraq Veteran.

100% of the donations will be distributed to Veterans who bravely served our country. To receive the non-perishable goods, you must present a Veterans Identification Card or Honorable Discharge Certificate.

Donations will be distributed at
Mifflin Township Police Department
2455 Agler Road
Columbus, OH 43224
on
September 7, 2013
10am-2pm

Donations will be accepted through
September 6, 2013 between the hours of 10am-5pm at the following locations:

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery – Gahanna
4605 Morse Road, Suite 100
Gahanna, Ohio 43230

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery – Worthington
117 Lazelle Road East, Suite B
Columbus, Ohio 43235

VFW Post 9857
2330 Steltzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43230

Inquiries about The M.A.C. Food Drive may be sent to:
Caroline Cravens
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
614-580-3391

With August being “Psoriasis Awareness Month” around Columbus and the United States, a new study released linking the severity of psoriasis to the development of diabetes, heart, lung , gastrointestinal and vascular disease is aptly timed. Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in America and its most salient features are its effects on the skin, including the skin of the feet.

Psoriasis is characterized by an inflammatory rash of circular red areas with scaling. The scaling is a result of a shortened lifespan of the top layer of skin cells, which the body responds to by producing an increased number of cells. Excess skin results in the characteristic silvery scales typically seen on elbows and knees. Removal of these scales often results in pinpoint bleeding. There are many variants of psoriasis that affect different parts of the body. In several variants, the feet and hands are the only sites affected by psoriatic skin changes. Nail changes are also noted in about 25% of individuals. Skin thickens under the nail causing a lifting of the toenail. Changes in toenail color and shape may also occur and are referred to oil spots and pitting, respectively. When affected by psoriasis, fungal toenail infections are also more likely to develop.

In addition to the severe system-wide diseases recently linked to severe psoriasis, debilitating arthritis also occurs in about 15% of cases of psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis, like the conditions in the study, typically develops once skin changes are severe. Small joints, such as those in the toes are most commonly affected with both erosion of bone at the joint and tips of toe bones, and proliferation of bone adjacent to these erosions. When joints are affected, swelling will occur throughout the entire toe causing a “sausage toe” appearance. Treatment of psoriasis goes beyond cosmetic appearance, it is becoming evident that controlling skin changes early on can diminish or slow the progression of associated medical problems. By visiting your podiatrist at the first sign of foot skin changes, early diagnosis of psoriasis may be made and allow for appropriate management of the condition.

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.

A vaccine for those with Type I diabetes has made news this week after its success in stimulating insulin production in patients involved in an initial 12 week clinical trial. While more individuals around the world are affected by Type II diabetes, this new diabetes vaccine could represent a huge leap in how diabetes is managed and possibly even lead to new treatment options in Type II. In both Type I & Type II diabetes, foot problems are a common complication secondary to impaired sensation and blood flow.

This new vaccine addresses the underlying cause of diabetes Type I, which is different from the cause of Type II. While the exact trigger of Type I is unknown, beta cells, which produce insulin in the pancreas, are destroyed by the body’s own immune system. The vaccine blocks the specific immune cells that are responsible for this destruction, thus increasing production of insulin. In Type II diabetes, there are a variety of genes that cause a defect in the beta cells so that they produce less insulin, as well defects in cells throughout the body that normally respond to insulin. In both types of diabetes, excess glucose in the blood attaches to proteins, causing stiffening & “aging” of blood vessels, vital organs and skin. Excess glucose also enters nerve cells and causes dysfunction and loss of blood supply.

All of these underlying factors contribute to the peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease seen in individuals with diabetes. The feet are typically affected first and diminished sensation may be accompanied by painful burning or “pins and needles” sensations. These pains are most commonly worst at night or when resting. While the pain may be extremely irritating, the loss of protective sensation is far more dangerous. Foot ulcerations may develop and go unnoticed without the normal pain signals that an individual with intact sensation would feel. These wounds are dangerous because bacteria can enter the blood stream and cause body-wide infection known as sepsis, or enough tissue loss can occur that bone is exposed. Studies have shown that the ability to probe bone in a wound is highly suggestive that the bone is infected. Wounds require regular debridement of dead tissue and in some cases may even lead to amputation if healing cannot occur or the wound condition worsens. Wounds that are able to heal by working with your podiatrist will forever be at risk for re-ulceration. The area of the previous ulceration will need to have pressure off-loaded with diabetic shoe gear, custom orthotics, or taping and padding. Foot deformities may require surgical correction to alleviate pressure that can lead to skin breakdown. While there is not yet an approved vaccine to treat either Type I or Type II diabetes, other preventative measures can lessen the negative effects of the disease. Healthy diet and exercise can prevent or delay the development of Type II diabetes. Daily foot exams and keeping blood sugar well-controlled are two mainstays of keeping feet healthy in individuals with diabetes.

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.

Bowling was big in Columbus last week as a great activity for those looking to beat the heat. This past Saturday was the annual Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser thrown by the Columbus Zoo to raise money for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya and the International Rhino Foundation. If your feet aren’t sore from all the strikes and spares at that event, the 2013 Bowling’s United States Open is being held at several bowling centers around Columbus throughout the week. For bowlers, good foot health is imperative to maintain the pain-free motion required for an effective throw of the ball.

While bowling is a relatively low impact activity, the repetitive nature of the required foot motion puts those playing regularly at risk of a sports injury. With one foot repetitively sliding, excess pressure is placed on the plantar, or bottom aspect of the foot. In response to pressure, the top layer of skin cells, the stratum corneum, builds up to protect underlying tissues. This excess of hardened skin is commonly called a callus or corn. Not only are these areas often painful with continued pressure, in individuals with peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes or other causes, there is a risk of skin ulceration. Pain from calluses may be relieved with regular use of a pumice stone or a daily application of a cream that may be dispensed by your podiatrist. Custom foot orthotics can also provide pain relief, in addition to relieving the area of increased pressure causing the skin buildup. Depending on the underlying cause of the callus, orthotics created may be stiff and act to improve the function of the foot, or softer and accommodative of the deformity causing the pressure.

In the non-sliding foot, another repetitive motion is occurring: push-off from the big toe. This motion can result in a jamming of the joint at the base of the big toe and eventual development of arthritis. This condition, in which joint motion becomes limited and often painful, is called hallux limitus. While the toe push-off motion is unavoidable during bowling, custom orthotics can be created with modifications to limit pain and progression of arthritis. If big toe arthritis progresses to become unbearably painful, more invasive treatments including injections or surgery may be necessary. Taking good care of your feet and addressing problems when they first begin will allow bowlers to continue striking out the competition in all of their upcoming matches!

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.

While those interested in pop culture news may still be wondering when Jennifer Aniston’s wedding is to occur, the actress did share an interesting story about her fiancé. Jennifer revealed to reporters this past week that she is currently experiencing some foot pain from a fracture in one of the bones of her toe. She related that the injury occurred when her fiancé accidentally stepped on her foot!

The bones that make up the toes are called phalanges. The big toe, or hallux has two phalanges and the four smaller toes have three phalanges each. Fractures of the toe bones are fairly common. When a heavy weight drops on the toe causing fracture, as in Jennifer’s case of someone stepping on your foot, this is called a crush injury. The toe will typically become swollen and reddened in color following the trauma. Changes in the toenail may also be noted in crush injuries. The nail often darkens to a blue-black color as a small area of bleeding, or subungual hematoma, forms under the nail. While the nail may be kept in place to help splint the toe bone in most cases, the hematoma should be drained by your doctor. Drainage needs to be performed in a relatively short period of time following the injury to remove the potential source of infection.

Toe fractures are also commonly called “bed post” or “night walkers’” fractures due to their common occurrence after someone stubs their toe when getting out of bed in the dark. Even if the toe is displaced in addition to the fracture, these injuries typically heal without the need for surgery. Both Jennifer’s direct blow and the “bed post” toe fractures are treated similarly. Any dislocation of the toe or displacement of bone fragments can typically be physically reduced by your podiatrist. If the toe heals in a non-reduced, non-anatomic position, the fragments will fuse in an abnormal position resulting in toe deformity. The affected toe is splinted after reduction to maintain correct position by taping the toe to the adjacent toe, or “buddy taping”. Motion is reduced by placing gauze or another soft material on the side of the toe. Protection during weight bearing may be provided with the use of a stiff soled shoe, cast with a toe plate or in a walking boot depending on what is deemed most appropriate for the patient. If surgery is needed, it is more commonly for fractures that have affected the hallux. Fracture fragments that affect the motion of any joint can cause painful sequelae. More motion is required in the hallux compared to the four smaller toes, causing more notable pain with ambulation when there is any abnormality of joint surfaces. Hopefully Jennifer was able to have her affected toe taped by her podiatrist and can take a break from high heels for a while as healing occurs!

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.