Foot for Thought - December 31, 2009

Here are some of the treatment options for Achilles Tendonitis that we talked about in our blog on Monday.

Treatment normally includes:

• A bandage or brace that is specifically designed to restrict motion of the tendon.
• Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication for a period of time. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medication.
• Orthotics, which are corrective shoe inserts designed to help support the muscle and relieve stress on the tendon. Both nonprescription orthoses (such as a heel pads or over-the-counter shoe inserts) and prescribed custom orthotics may be recommended depending on the length and severity of the problem.
• Rest and switching to exercises that do not stress the tendon (such as swimming).
• Stretching and exercises to strengthen the weak muscle group in front of the leg, calf, and the upward foot flexors, as well as massage and ultrasound.
• In extreme cases, surgery is performed to remove the fibrous tissue, any bone spurs, and to repair any tears.

If you are experiencing pain in your foot or heel, please feel free to contact me at 309-661-9975 or at our website.

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Achilles Tendonitis – It’s a pain in the ‘heel’!

As the cold weather is upon us and we begin to wear closed back shoes again after a long summer of those dreaded ‘flip flops’, many members of the Central Illinois community will experience pain in the back of their heels while walking. This is due to a condition commonly referred to as Achilles tendonitis (ITIS means ‘inflammation’).

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body and can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more. It also is the most frequently ruptured tendon, usually as a result of a sports injury. Both professional and weekend athletes may suffer from Achilles tendonitis, a common overuse injury and inflammation of the tendon.

Events that can cause Achilles tendonitis may include:

• Hill running or stair climbing.
• Overuse, stemming from the natural lack of flexibility in the calf muscles.
• Rapidly increasing mileage or speed when walking, jogging, or running.
• Starting up too quickly after a layoff in exercise or sports activity, without adequately stretching and warming up the foot.
• Trauma caused by sudden and/or hard contraction of the calf muscles when putting out extra effort, such as in a sprint.
• Improper footwear and/or a tendency toward over pronation. (I.E. your foot turning ‘inward’ as you walk)

Achilles tendonitis often begins with mild pain after exercise or running that gradually worsens. Other symptoms include:

• Recurring localized pain, sometimes severe, along the tendon during or a few hours after running.
• Morning tenderness about an inch and a half above the point where the Achilles tendon is attached to the heel bone.
• Sluggishness in your leg.
• Mild or severe swelling.
• Development of a bony ‘spur’ on the back of your heel – leading to comfort issues with shoegear.
• Stiffness that generally diminishes as the tendon warms up with use.

Stay tuned to Thursday's Foot for Thought for treatment of Achilles Tendonitis.

If you are experiencing pain in your foot or heel, please feel free to contact me at 309-661-9975 or at our website.

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Foot for Thought - December 24, 2009

Myself and the staff at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C. want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone enjoys all the family, food, and fun.

Merry Christmas!

Dr. Lockwood

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Dry Skin and Winter Itch

Colder temperatures each winter bring many Americans one big problem: dry, cracked skin. Those itchy, dry patches are nature’s way of letting us know that the outer layer of our skin, made up of dead skin cells, natural oils and lipids (fats), needs help.

Cold weather and lower humidity as a result of indoor heating can strip away the skin’s natural protective layer and wreak havoc with our skin’s ability to stay moisturized. In extreme cases, if not treated, some of these dry areas can deteriorate into painful cracked and bleeding skin, particularly around the feet and ankles. A quick trip to your local drug store will show, however, that there is no limit to the number of products that are designed to alleviate dry skin.

If your skin is excessively dry and certainly if you have any cracking on your feet or heels, you should visit with your podiatric physician. We will diagnose and help you treat your feet so that you can get these conditions under control. We can dispense creams and lotions right in the office or make recommendations for the best products for your particular condition.

The APMA recommends a number of products for handling dry skin. These products carry the APMA Seal of Approval and can be found in most drug stores. For more information about these products, and others carrying the APMA Seal, feel free to ask me or contact the APMA at 1-800-FOOTCARE.

If you are experiencing dry skin or a winter itch, please visit our website or call 309-661-9975 to schedule an appointment,

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Foot for Thought - December 17, 2009

Here is the conclusion of Monday's blog from foot.com regarding the treatment and prevention of problems associated with arthritis and your feet.

Treatment and Prevention

Conservative treatment (non-surgical treatment) of the arthritic foot includes proper footwear, orthotics, and/or forefoot supports. Arthritic footwear should provide the following benefits:

• High, wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
• Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if necessary.
• Rocker Soles designed to facilitate ambulating (walking) and to reduce stress and pain at the ball-of-the-foot.

Arthritic footwear should also accommodate swelling of the foot. Orthotics designed to provide comfort, support and extra cushioning are also recommended. Orthotics made with a material called Plastazote are often recommended because they mold to your feet to provide customized comfort. The proper footwear and orthotics will reduce pressure to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for the foot.

Forefoot supports such as gel toe caps, gel toe shields, gel toe straighteners and others can often provide relief.

If you have arthritis and are expreiencing these or other foot problems, please visit our website to make an appointment to discuss your treatment options.

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Arthritis and Your Feet

Here is another great blog I found of foot.com about arthritis and your feet.

Definition

Arthritis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the body�s joints. Inflammation causes redness, warmth, pain and swelling. There are about 40 million Americans who suffer from arthritis. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, estimates that by the year 2020, about 60 million Americans will have arthritis. The primary targets for arthritis are people over the age of 50. Arthritis is a major cause of foot pain because each foot has 33 joints that can become affected by the disease.

Osteoarthritis

There are many different types of arthritis. The most common type is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes excessive strain and the wearing away of cartilage in the joints of the foot. Movement becomes very difficult and painful. The pain and swelling worsens while standing or walking, and stiffness usually occurs after periods of rest.

Gout

Gout is another form of arthritis that also leads to foot complications. Excess uric acid crystals collect in and around the joints of the big toe. The big toe joint is commonly the focal point due to the stress and pressure it experiences during walking and other weight bearing activities. This often leads to severe pain in the big toe. Men are more likely to develop gouty arthritis than women.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. It can develop at any age and there is no known cause for this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most crippling form of the disease that can affect people of all ages. It can cause severe deformities of the joints with associated fatigue of the entire body. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis often develop severe forefoot problems such as bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, and others.

Cause

There are many causes of arthritis. Heredity plays a major role. However, arthritic symptoms can develop due to many other factors. Some of these include bacterial and viral infections, prescription and illegal drugs, traumatic injuries, and bowel disorders such as ileitis and colitis.

Forefoot problems such as hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes, and bunions often develop as a result of arthritis, particularly Rheumatoid arthritis. Problems can also develop in the heel and ankle area due to the erosion of the involved joints.

Stay tuned to this weeks Foot for Thought on Thursday for the treatment and prevention of foot problems associated with arthritis.

If you are expreiencing arthritis or other foot problems, please visit our website to make an appointment to discuss your treatment options.

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Vacation

I am sorry for the lack of posts this week. My husband and I are enjoying a much needed/deserved vacation in Las Vegas.

I will return to the regular posting schedule next week.

Dr. Lockwood

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Foot for Thought - December 3, 2009

Here is the conclusion of Monday's blog from foot.com regarding the treatment and prevention of problems associated with pregnancy and your feet.

Treatment and Prevention

There are effective ways to treat both over-pronation and edema during pregnancy.

Over-Pronation can be treated conservatively with "ready-made" orthotics. These orthotics should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rearfoot posting to correct the over-pronation. Proper fitting footwear is also very important in treating over-pronation. Choose comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption.

It is important to treat over-pronation for pain relief but also to prevent other foot conditions from developing such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Post-Tib Tendonitis and/or Bunions.

Edema in the feet can be minimized by the following methods:

• Elevate your feet as often as possible. If you have to sit for long periods of time, place a small stool by your feet to elevate them.
• Wear proper fitting footwear. Footwear that is too narrow or short will constrict circulation.
• Have your feet measured several times throughout your pregnancy. They will probably change sizes.
• Wear seamless socks that do not constrict circulation.
• If you are driving for a long period of time, take regular breaks to stretch your legs to promote circulation.
• Exercise regularly to promote overall health; walking is the best exercise.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. This helps the body retain less fluid.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in salt that can cause water retention.

Swelling is normally similar in both feet. If swelling is not symmetrical in both feet, this may be a sign of a vascular problem and a doctor should be contacted immediately.

If you are pregnant and expreiencing these or other foot problems, please visit our website to make an appointment to discuss your treatment options.

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