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Bone Grafts Serve to Treat Arthritis
Crane driver and sports enthusiast Brian Girdwood has struggled with arthritis in the joints for six years. “Years of boxing, rugby and marathons in the Army were taking their toll,” said Girdwood. Painkillers and other treatments seemed to have no effect, according to Girdwood. That was until he was offered surgery to remove a small amount of bone from elsewhere in the body and fuse the bones in his neck together to stop them from grinding against each other. Editor Carol Davis states bone fusion is often used to cure some of the wear and tear in the spine and ankles, or for deformities such as hammertoes. For Brain, the benefits have been positive, having his bones fused, and now being able to move his head without fear of pain.
If you are experiencing foot pain and think it might be caused by arthritis, you should seek the care of a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C is experienced in treating patients with foot pain caused by arthritis, and can provide you with a proper diagnosis to determine if your foot pain is in fact caused by arthritis.
Arthritic Foot Care
We walk approximately 75,000 miles in the average lifetime, putting a great deal of stress on the 26 bones and 30 joints that we have in our feet. Our feet lose flexibility and elasticity as we get older. Our shock absorbers weaken, and if arthritis occurs, the joints become inflamed and distorted. Arthritic foot care and treatment is crucial when this happens.
Take care of your feet by wearing footwear that is well-fitted. Certain conditions can develop when you wear shoes that don’t fit properly; such as hammertoes, neuroma, and bunions. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room in the shoe can help your feet be comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot can become problematic. Buying shoes with adequate arch support helps; especially those that contour to your foot.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
Specific exercises may help prevent further pain and injury and increase your mobility.
To learn more about arthritic foot care, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more on Arthritic Foot Care.
New Study Shows Running Surface May Determine Type of Foot Strike
A recent study published in Footwear Science shows that the surface underfoot plays a major role in foot-strike determination. Results showed that only 20% of subjects landed on their midfoot or forefoot, on a soft surface. While on a hard surface the percent increased to 65%.
According to UMass running biomechanics group, a study they conducted also showed most test subjects switched to a mid- or forefoot strike on the hard surface when running on hard surface versus soft EVA foam like material. Researchers believe runners tend to be forefoot strikers due a mechanism to “reduce pain.”
The biomechanics of the foot, ankle, and lower leg are essential to understanding the proper functioning of the lower leg and foot. If you suspect a problem with your biomechanics and believe it is causing foot pain, ankle pain, or walking instability, it is recommended to see a podiatrist, like Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C for immediate consultation, care, and treatment options.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body causing an interference with the biological structure and focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
To learn more about biomechanics in podiatry please follow link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more on Biomechanics in Podiatry.
Toenail Fungus Can Be Prevented Easily
Although there is no denying that feet are an important part of the body, they are a part that is often neglected. Toenail fungus is one problem that can occur if the feet are overlooked, a problem that can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to prevent getting a fungal infection. Too much moisture can contribute to getting such an infection and an easy way to combat this problem is to change your socks, select natural fibers for socks and shoes, and to let shoes dry out enough in between wears.
There may be steps to avoid getting fungal toenails, but no step guarantees that this condition will never be a problem. If you are suffering from fungal toenails you should seek the care of a podiatrist such as Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can examine your feet and work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options to ensure safe foot recovery.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.
Antibiotics & Treatments
Lamisil – is the most common treatment. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungus.
Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep moisture away.
Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry.
Alternative Treatments
To learn more follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read the Full Article on Toenail Fungus.
Red Sox Star is Optimistic About His Achilles Injury
David Ortiz (Big Papi) is optimistic with his future as a Red Sox, after sharing some news during spring training. “I think it’s going to happen,” said Ortiz when asked if he’d be in the starting lineup on April 1. Ortiz disappeared from the lineup during the last half of the season with an Achilles injury, which was more serious than anyone imagined. Ortiz was only available to play one game after the injury occurred. Unfortunately, Big Papi only made his injury worse. “I was worried about my Achilles snapping, “said Ortiz. Ortiz feels pretty good and secure getting back to the action after undergoing PRP injections, shockwave therapy and other treatments during the rehab process.
Dealing with an Achilles tendon injury like Ortiz can be a painful ordeal. Luckily, an injury like this can be managed and taken care of by a podiatrist like Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can examine your Achilles tendon, determine the severity of your injury, and work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options.
What Are the Most Common Injuries to the Achilles Tendon?
Tendon Ruptures: One may hear a popping or snapping sound if their Achilles tendon ruptures. Symptoms are swelling, pain, and difficulty walking or bending the foot forward. There are surgical and non-surgical procedures available, and depending on the treatment you take, recovery can last up to a year from treatment.
Achilles tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis is the milder of the two injuries, and can be recognized by the following symptoms: inflammation, dull to severe pain, an increased flow of blood to the tendon, portions of the tendon growing in thickness, and a slower movement time. Tendinitis can be treated in many different ways and is often diagnosed by an MRI.
How Can I Avoid Injuries?
- Stretch before exercising, running or walking
- Calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and using the leg press
- Work out on a floor that is cushioned to relieve pressure on your heels.
- Find properly fitting and comfortable shoes
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read our Article to learn more about Achilles tendon injuries.
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Aerosmith Lead Singer Diagnosed with Morton’s Neuroma
Steven Tyler, front man for leading band Aerosmith, was diagnosed with Morton’s Neuroma. Since the 1970s the lead singer would wear small shoes and his energetic stage performances caused him to suffer foot pain in the past. Tyler had posted pictures from his vacation in Hawaii with his family, displaying his deformed and swollen toes. According to Tyler, doctors stated the pain in his feet can be corrected with surgeries over time. However, his condition does not appear to be holding him back or slowing him down, especially during his family vacation.
Morton’s Neuroma is a condition that can be very painful and resulted in twisted toes if not treated properly. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, it is best to seek a podiatrist such as of Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can examine your feet and work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options to ensure safe foot recovery.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the third and fourth toe and the ball of the foot, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones. Women are more likely than men to have an occurrence of this foot condition. When a person has Morton's neuroma, it can feel as if they are walking on stones or marbles.
What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?
-Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot area.
-Jogging, running and any sports that involve constant impact to the foot area.
-Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformity may put you at a higher risk for developing Morton’s neuroma.
To learn more about Morton’s Neuroma and other nerve disorders of the foot, visit the link below
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more on Morton’s Neuroma.
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Paralympic Swimmer Alyssa Gialamas Relies on Ankle-Foot Orthotic
Seventeen year old Alyssa Gialamas competed in the 2012 London Paralympics swimming events. Gialamas was born with arthrogryposis, a congenital condition affecting the joints and muscles. Out of the pool Gialamas relies on her leg-foot-ankle orthotics to stabilize her joints and support her muscles. Gialamas competed with 34 other elite U.S. swimmers at the games.
Gialamas shows that foot and ankle orthotics can allow anyone to regain full mobility. Her condition did not force her to sideline herself for the games, and now she proves that foot conditions and foot injuries are something that can be overcome. If you have a need for orthotics, it is highly recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist, like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can work with you on treatment options for your foot conditions that might require the use of ankle-foot orthotics.
Orthoses
Orthoses are devices used to correct physical impairments that are caused by scoliosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or foot deformities..
Orthoses include ankle foot orthosis, thoracolumbosacral orthosis, knee orthosis and wrist hand orthosis. When orthoses were first made, plaster of Paris molds were made of the patient and then materials like plastic, elastic, metal or a combination of those materials.
Different Types of Braces
-The Boston Brace
-Used to assist patients who suffer from scoliosis.
-The Charleston Bending Brace
-This is worn only at night, the design of this brace is built to correct the curve of the
scoliosis.
-The Milwaukee Brace
-Used for mid-back curves. This brace consists of a plastic pelvic girdle and a neck ring. This brace is rarely used but patients with a curve very high in the spine can benefit.
-A knee orthosis is a brace worn to given the knee strength. Ostero arthritiscan cause significant pain, knee braces allow a person to remain active.
Orthoses have changed over the decades as new material and technology have advanced.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read the Full Article on Orthoses.
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Singer Annie Lennox Cancels Performance Due to Foot Pain
Former Eurythmics star Annie Lennox has recently canceled a performance at a United Nations event in Switzerland due to a foot injury. Lennox was scheduled to make an appearance at the Nansen Refugee Award Ceremony in Geneva, but opted not to go because of an issue with her foot that has left her in a great amount of pain.
Lennox said on social media site Facebook.com that “Sometimes I get searing electrical shocks flashing through the nerve endings. It’s the kind of pain that makes you stop in your tracks.” The singer says she is resting up and plans to return to work soon. If you have pain like Lennox and think that it may be due to a nerve disorder, you should seek out the care of a podiatrist such as Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can diagnose your injury or condition and provide you with appropriate treatment options.
Nerve Disorders of the Foot and Ankle
There are two nerve disorders of the foot and ankle called Interdigital Neuroma and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. These conditions affect the hands as well, and are caused by stress and genetics. People who suffer from Interdigital Neuroma and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome are prone to serious pain and inflammation in the area.
Pain that is associated with Interdigital Neuroma is often from local inflammation in the nerves in the front of the foot. Symptoms include pain, burning, and/or tingling sensations of the toes.
There are several steps a doctor will take to determine if one has Neuroma such as: radiographs, MRIs, and bone scans. Surgery is not required in many instances, and should only be considered when the patient is suffering from persistent pain.
To learn more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and EMG tests on Nerve Disorders of the foot and ankle please follow link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read More About Nerve Disorders of the Foot and Ankle.
Study Identifies Genes Responsible for Rheumatoid Arthritis
DNA samples from over 27,000 patients were used in a recent study at the Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit at the University of Manchester. This study determined 14 more genes that may cause rheumatoid arthritis along with the 32 other genes already identified. The research was published in Nature and Genetics and also brought to light that the genes is linked to the X-chromosome, which could be an explanation for why more women suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition that requires medical attention. If you believe you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis you should seek the care of a podiatrist such as Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can diagnose foot conditions you may be suffering from as well as help you determine treatment options that are right for you.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occurs, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
For more information about rheumatoid arthritis please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
New Study on Barefoot Running Released; Barefoot Running May Reduce Injuries
Physical therapist and University of Central Florida instructor Carey Rothschild, recently conducted a study on barefoot running which was published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Rothschild surveyed 785 runners for her study. She concluded that barefoot running may help some people, but that others could potentially injure themselves if they do not allow their bodies to adjust properly to barefoot running.
Allowing your body time to adjust properly to barefoot running is essential, and part of this preventative care involves talking to a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can advise you on a running regimen, as well as provide information on techniques of barefoot running to help avoid foot pain, heel pain, and injury.
Barefoot Running
The Impact of Barefoot Running
- Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
- Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.
The Advantages of Barefoot Running
- When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
- It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
- Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.
The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
- No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
- Blisters may form.
- Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
- Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.
So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Pitcher Francisco Cordero Out with Sesamoiditis in his Big Toe
Houston Astros relief pitcher Francisco Cordero was placed on the disabled list during the last half of the season, after suffering painful inflammation on his big right toe that has been diagnosed as sesamoiditis. Cordero was only recently acquired after a ten man trade with the Blue Jays. Cordero is currently on the 15 day disabled list, but is scheduled to visit a doctor soon, who will determine if surgery is necessary, though Astros manager Brad Mills is hopeful Cordero will recover with conservative treatment.
Foot and ankle injuries like sesamoiditis are painful and may potentially require surgery, as Cordero has learned. If you are experiencing sesamoiditis or any other foot pain, it is important to speak to a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. to determine the appropriate treatment options for your condition.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
- Sudden increase in activity
- Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
- Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
