Items filtered by date: December 2013

As a result of difficulties incurred from ankle ulcers, reverend Grahame Stephens was admitted into the hospital for treatment.

Medics initially believed Stephens problem came from was a problem his high blood pressure, but when the sores further deteriorated; they needed to reexamine their diagnosis. Physicians wound find that Stephens’ condition was the result of an obstruction in his leg’s main vein.

Unfortunately, Stephens had to experience numerous surgeries before the ulcers were able to be re-treated. This time his condition was treated with procedures normal for ulcers triggered by blood vessel obstruction.

Elderly people need to take care of their feet. For care, seek podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can diagnose any conditions as well as care for your foot and ankle needs.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away.  Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly. There are many complications that can lead to serious issues, if the problem is not taken care of right away.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Injuries left unnoticed
Insect or pet bites can also become inflamed and infected
Stepping on sharp objects, without notice can increase pain

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

Bacteria- feet which are exposed to floors that have moist environments like pools and spas are prone to bacteria.
These areas can contribute to foot funguses and other diseases.

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.

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Triathlete Matt Harrop had been training doggedly for the Kona Ironman competition, which is known as one of the hardest triathlons there is. But during the first stretch of the race, he suddenly broke his foot.

An ordinary man would have stopped, but triathletes don’t give up easily, and Harrop went on to finish the race in spite of his injury. He came in 335th place out of around 2000, and got his broken foot checked five days later.

A comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for any athlete who is trying to recover from a sports injury. To learn more about rehabilitation, talk to a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can assess your injury and provide you with the care you need to return to the sport you love.

Foot Rehabilitation for Athletes

Injured athletes are always looking for better, faster ways to aid their recovery and get back to the sport they love. To do this, podiatrists and physical therapists are often consulted so the injured athlete can get back onto the field as soon as possible. But rehabbing an injury is just as serious as the injury itself, and going through the motions of physical therapy or rehabilitation is a necessary process to keeping that injury at bay.

Sports Therapist or Physical Therapist?

If an athlete gets a foot injury, it is essential to receive foot rehabilitation to ensure proper healing. Sports therapists are more focused on athletic-related injuries than general physical therapists. It is important for an athlete to become healed properly because if they attempt to get back into their game before they are physically well, they could re-aggravate the original injury or even suffer a new one due to their weakened state.

Physical Therapy Gives Hope

Physical therapy helps to keep athletes as active as they are physically capable, which will get them ready to return to the field once their feet become healed. Physical therapy often gives hope to athletes. However in cases where the injury is very serious, the athlete may never be able to return to the game.

To learn more about Foot Rehabilitation for Athletes, 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.

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Researchers at the University of Cape Town, South Africa focused on the correlation between the COL5A1 gene, flexibility, and its effects on performance. The study focused on participants in the 56K Two Oceans ultra-marathon.

Participants who had the COL5A1 gene tended to run better than those who did not, but also had less flexibility. This proved to be beneficial, as tighter muscle fibers enable a runner to maintain any given pace with a lower energy cost. The study concluded that having a lower flexibility served to benefit runners.

Stretching is an easy and effective antidote for foot pain. For more information on why you should stretch, see a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can help you start a proper exercise regimen that involves adequate foot stretching.

Giving Your Feet the Stretch It Needs

Foot pain is very common for people. Our feet carry the entire weight of the human body all day and can be easily strained from overexertion. The feet can receive cramping which can be from any number causes. Pain in the feet can be alleviated without medication and or doctor visits.

How stretching helps:

Stretching relaxes the feet and eases pain whenever performed. It is important to perform stretching slowly and gradually with no force. Stretching should only be held for several seconds, and then relaxed.

Tips to Performing the Perfect Stretch:

Sit and cross one leg over the other by pulling the toes carefully back without overextending. Start by resting the left ankle on the right knee. With the left hand, gently flex the left foot by pulling back on the toes. Do not pull too hard, just hard enough to feel the stretch in the arch of the foot. Then point the toes of the left foot as far as you can. Rotate the motion of pointing with pulling back on the toes.

The stretch should be performed 10 to 20 times. Repeat the whole process with the other leg.

To learn more about Stretching the Feet, 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.

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In his athletic career Joseph Fitzpatrick ranked number one both the 3000m and the 1500m national events in his age group at merely nine years old. Unfortunately, a year later Fitzpatrick contracted Sever’s disease the following year, causing Fitzpatrick to stay off the track.

Fortunately, Fitzpatrick made a full recovery and even won first place in the 1500m and fourth place in the 3000m nationally in seventh grade. Now in the eighth grade, Fitzpatrick plans to keep running at local, state, and national levels. Fitzpatrick  will be participating in the upcoming Cross Country Junior Olympics in Georgia.

Sever’s disease is common in athletic children. If you think your child may be suffering from this condition, consult with a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can help guide your child on the road to recovery.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain in one or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Symptoms

Acute pain – pain asscoiatied with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

Improper pronation – the rolling of the foot during walking or running and obesity are all linked to causing Sever’s disease.

Treatments

Rest – the feet and legs needs rest. In order to speed up any kind of healing time, one should refrain from sports activity.
Medication- over the counter meds will help with inflammation and also reduce heel pain.

One can also purchase shoe inserts which will help support the heel and foot. Heel pain usually diminishes after wearing the supported heel inserts.

To learn more about Sever’s Disease, 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.

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The Orlando Magic’s Tobias Harris sustained an ankle sprain that put him on the bench, making this season a tough one. To make matters worse, the young forward won’t return to the court anytime soon, as Jacque Vaughn said on Monday that Harris will be out ‘for weeks’. Harris’ injury was described as severe and as a result Harris currently is not practicing with his team. Andrew Nicholson and Jason Maxiell will see more of the front lines for the Orlando Magic for the meantime while Harris recovers from his injury.    

Having an ankle sprain is an painful experience, but they are often treatable. If you’re seeking relief after sustaining an ankle sprain, contact a podiatrist like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. who can diagnose your problem and help to minimize your discomfort.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are quite painful and can limit your mobility. Although they are not completely unavoidable, wearing appropriately fitted shoes and stretching before physical activity can help lower your risk of incurring an injury. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle rolls over itself or twists in an awkward way, causing a ‘pop’ or ‘snap’ in the tendons around the ankle. Some causes of ankle sprains include:

• Walking
• Sports
• Previous Injuries

In addition to pain, ankle sprains are characterized by skin discoloration and swelling, which is the result of ligaments being stretched beyond their limits. Usually ankle sprains are not severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room as there are many home treatments available, including ACE bandages, pain relievers, medication, and of course the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method. However, if the ankle muscles or ligaments or damaged from a rip or tear, it is advisable to see a physician immediately, as the injury may require surgery.

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.

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