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Illustration of foot with pain and red target zones for injury prevention.
25Oct

Illustration of foot with pain and red target zones for injury prevention.

As we get older, falling could lead to a broken foot or foot fractures that may be the beginning of several hospital trips and health problems. A simple fall could turn into a broken foot, broken ankle, fractured ankle, foot fracture, and a lifetime problem. The risk of falling and developing fall-related complications increases as you get older. The fear of falling is real across those who have experienced a fall and those who have not. Lifestyle and personal factors that can be changed cause falls. It is critical to prevent falling, broken foot, and foot fractures by maintaining your health by

  • Maintaining your bone health

If you maintain the strength of your bones, you will prevent fractures. Healthy bones will not prevent a fall, but the bones will not be prone to fractures that will lead to many hospital trips, sometimes disability, and in severe cases, death. You can improve your bone health at any age by increasing the intake of vitamin D and calcium. Some people prefer taking supplements, but you can include good sources of calcium such as dark green leafy vegetables, dairy products, foods fortified with calcium, sardines, soybeans, nuts such as almonds, and salmon with bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is absorbed by the body when one is out in the sun. For older people, the body does not absorb enough vitamin D from the sun, so they need to increase the intake of foods rich in vitamin D or supplements.

  • Be physically active

Being physically active is a guard to future falls and cracks, it fortifies the muscles, and builds adaptability. Physical activity improves your sleep, decreases pain from arthritis, and avoids muscle shrinkage. Also, the lungs and heart work well and improve blood flow preventing blood clots.

  • Have your hearing and eyesight tested

Changes in sight and hearing may cause a fall causing an ankle break and fractures. Once your eyesight is tested, and if you get new contact lenses, get used to them before moving around with them but always wear them whenever needed. If you have a hearing aid, ensure it fits and you have it all the time.

  • Have your medicine reviewed

It is crucial to understand the side effects of the medications you are on. Some might cause imbalance, dizziness, confusion, and make you sleepy. Some medications escalate the side effects when used together. Carry them all and any additional supplements you are taking to the doctor for you to get correct guidance if they are causing the risk of falling. If it is necessary to continue with the medications, the doctor will give you the way forward on the prevention of falling when on medication. 

  • Always wear safe footwear

Our feet have lots of nerves that judge the position of our bodies and they need to stay firmly on the ground when standing or taking steps. You can contact a foot doctor who will explain what kind of footwear is suitable for your feet. The soles of the shoes should not be too thick or too thin. Wear rubber-soled shoes, lace shoes, and non-skid shoes that will fully support your feet. Always keep track of how many times you fall although you did not get hurt and share these concerns with a health care professional. It could be a sign of medical problems and sometimes they might recommend physical therapy or the use of walking aids to prevents future falls.

At DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center located in Houston, Texas, Ejodamen Shobowale, DPM and her caring staff strive to provide the best comprehensive care for all podiatry and sport medicine related issues. If the foot and ankle issue, is foot-related like toenail fungus or heel pain, or involves foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, the foot specialist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center can get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

 

X-ray of foot showing stress fracture in the ankle area.
17May

A stress fracture is common on foot and ankle; it is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone. Stress injuries can be within the shin bone, foot, lower back, heel, and hip. They are common in the third and second metatarsals. The stress arises from overuse or trauma to the foot and ankle, which if it goes untreated it can cause fractures.

X-ray of foot showing stress fracture in the ankle area.

Causes of a foot stress fracture

Stress fractures occur due to weight-bearing activities and extreme impact activities. The causes of stress can be internal or external factors. If you are dealing with any foot and ankle stress fracture, you may want to seek help from a foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

Internal Factors

Age: Older people have low bone density and weakened bones that may develop stress reactions.

Weight: If you have a low BMI your bones might be weak and if you have a high BMI repetitive loading on your body weight puts you at risk of stress fractures.

Foot anatomy: Foot problems, such as tendonitis, blisters, bunions, and high or low arches, affect the way the foot strikes the ground leaving it susceptible to stress fractures.

Sex: Females are at risk of fractures, especially if they experience irregular menstrual periods.

Medical conditions: Some diseases such as osteoporosis weaken bone density and strength. Soft and weak bones might not adjust to activities, leaving them vulnerable to fractures.

External Factors

  • Practicing incorrect sport technique or training.
  • Having rapid training activities.
  • Changing training activity levels without breaks in between the change.
  • Changing exercising surfaces such as from an indoor track to concrete or gravel surfaces.
  • Running on a sloped surface.
  • The use of improper or poor equipment and footwear.
  • Repetitive, high-impact sports.
  • Low vitamin D level.
  • Poor calorie intake that does not complement the volume of sport one is engaging in.
  • Continuous sport without a break, especially for the youth.

Symptoms of a bone stress fracture

  • Pain and tenderness when the bone is touched.
  • Swelling and aches at the site of fracture.
  • Pain experienced only at the start of an activity.
  • Continues pain throughout an activity.
  • Pain in one leg and the inability of it to function normally.

Treatment

Treatment relives the fracture from pain and allows it to heal. A podiatrist’s treatment plan ensures that no further damage occurs in the bone and you get back to your activities faster. Treatment may vary considering the severity and location of the stress fracture. The efficacy and safety of Levitra were studied in randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving more than 2,000 men aged 20 to 83 years with erectile dysfunction. Patients received the drug at a dose of 5, 10 and 20 mg. In two of these studies, patients with erectile dysfunction had a comorbidity (diabetes mellitus or a condition after prostatectomy for prostate cancer). Read more at https://sdarcwellness.com/buy-levitra-online/. Types of fractures that the doctor might identify include ankle stress fracture, metatarsal stress fracture, stress fracture heel, stress fracture toe, and a hairline fracture in foot. The majority of the stress fractures are nonsurgical treated.

Nonsurgical treatment

The doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and the use of crutches to keep weight off the foot until the pain subsides.

  1. Modified activities:

The podiatrist will recommend you switch to modified activities that are less stressful to your leg and foot. Cycling and swimming are some of the activities recommended until the doctor recommends.

       b. Protective footwear

The doctor may recommend wearing protective footwear to reduce stress on your leg and foot. The protective footwear may include removable short-leg fracture brace shoe, stiff-soled shoe, or a wooden-soled sandal.

      c. Casting

Stress fractures in the fifth metatarsal bone take longer to heal. The doctor may apply a cast to keep the bones in a fixed position, relieving the leg from stress.

Surgical treatment

Some stress fractures require an insert of a fastener through surgery, to support the bones. This is an internal fixation which involves plates, pins, and screws to hold the ankle and foot small bones.

It takes 6 to 8 weeks for a foot stress fracture to heal, though some serious fractures can take longer. It is not advisable to immediately return to robust activity. Re-injury, sometimes leads to chronic problems which might cause the stress fracture not to heal properly. After the pain subsides the doctor can request for an X-ray to ensure the fracture is healed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. Our Cypress office can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot-related stress fractures.

X-ray of foot showing stress fracture in the ankle area.
2Mar

X-ray of foot showing stress fracture in the ankle area. Stress fracture, also known as a hairline fracture, is defined as a small crack or bruise in the bone. The fracture occurs as a result of repeated movement in a specific area leading to imbalance and fatigue. Also, a stress fracture can occur when a particular region of the body is used the wrong way even without a repeat of an action. The overloading of intensity is lower than the maximum bone strength. Stress fractures were first described by Breithaupt in Prussian soldiers in 1855, and thanks to technology the theory was proved.

Common stress fracture includes the second and third metatarsal fracture, jones fracture, hairline fracture ankle, the lower leg on the outer bone, the bone at the top of the foot (navicular) and stress fracture heel. Victims of stress fractures include athletes making 2% of the sports injuries, dancers and soldiers. If you are dealing with any broken foot pain, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet

Common causes of stress fractures

Extrinsic factors

These include movement, nutritional habits, type of ground, and equipment used. The sudden increase of intensive movements, such as in training and the wearing of footwear with poor impact absorption may cause injuries. The training track or ground should be of good quality, even, less rigid and regular. If an athlete’s fitness level is insufficient for functional technique the injury can happen even without repetitive actions.

Intrinsic factors

These include age, anatomical variations, ethnicity, muscle conditions, gender, and hormonal states. Stress fractures are more common in females because of nutrition, biochemical alterations nutrition, and anatomical alterations. A study conducted among athletes showed that stress fractures were high in white athletes compared to black athletes that were attributed to biomechanics and bone density

Other causes of the stress fracture

  • Insufficient low bone mineral density.
  • Error in training technique
  • Problems that affect the striking of the foot on the ground such as blisters, tendonitis, and bunions.
  • Osteoporosis and other diseases that weaken the bones.
  • Low vitamin D levels.
  • Mechanical reasons.
  • Fatigue resulting in micro-fractures forming and accumulating in the bone trabeculae.

 Early detection, symptoms 

  1. Deep pain within the toe, ankle or foot.
  2. Swelling in the ankle or the top of the foot.
  • III. Pain during an activity or after normal activity.
  1. Pain when performing a particular activity, the pain is relieved by rest.
  2. Weakness and minor pain can be felt where the break is located.

With the introduction of new activity and non-gradual increase in the intensity of the activity, stress fractures occur within 6-8 weeks. It is important that after repetitive physiological overloading, allow the bone tissue sufficient time to rest, remodel and adapt to the new conditions. Chronic stress fractures occur when there are overloading, repetitive movements, and inadequate resting time. If left untreated, it can lead to a full fracture. Bone repair in a stress fracture happens through bone remodeling, which is the re-absorption of injured cells and their replacement with new bone tissue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. Our Cypress office can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for treating all foot related stress fractures.

Foot examination by podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center.
3Oct

What is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a term used to describe medical specialists who treat problems in your feet, ankle or lower part of the legs. Podiatric treatments can range from treating injuries in the feet, to treat other health problems affecting the feet, such as diabetes, skin and nail problems, arthritis, and so on. Podiatrists are informally known as foot and ankle doctor in Houston TX, “foot physicians” or also known as podiatric physicians.

Foot examination by podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center.

Medical training of podiatrists

Although podiatrist Cypress TX is referred as a doctor, they do not study in conventional medical schools. Instead, they go to their own professional associations and schools. While doctors usually carry the MD degree (written beside their names), podiatrists carry the DPM degree (doctor of podiatric medicine). Similar to other medical students, podiatrists, too, study and train for four years in podiatric medical school. According to mandate, podiatrists have to complete three years (minimum) of residency training for gaining experience, in clinics and hospitals. 

After a student of podiatric medicine has passed all the necessary examinations, the American Board of Podiatric Medicine certifies him or her as a doctor of podiatric medicine. In some cases, the podiatrist may pursue specialized fellowship training focusing on a particular area in Podiatry to become a specialist podiatrist.

What does a podiatrist do?

Podiatrists perform a wide range of activities such as surgery, resetting bones which have been fractured, broken or damaged and so on. They are also authorized to prescribe drugs and order X-ray tests and other lab tests. Often, with patients suffering from conditions which affect their lower legs and feet, podiatrists require to work closely along with specialists from other medical disciplines.

What conditions do podiatrists treat?

Here is a brief list of the usual problems and conditions that are treated by podiatrists. If you’re facing any of these, consult a podiatrist at the earliest:

  1. Injuries such as sprains, fractures:

These are common injuries of the foot or ankle. Often, these injuries are met by athletes who go to foot and ankle doctor Houston at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center for treatment as well as to learn about how to avoid such injuries.

  1. Bone problems in the feet:

These include conditions such as bunions are hammertoes. Bunion refers to a condition in which the joint located at the base of the big toe becomes larger or gets knocked out of its position, resulting in the big toe bending towards the other toes. Hammertoes, on the other hand, refers to a condition in which the toe (any toe) does not bend in the correct way.

  1. Nail problems:

Nail problems include infections in the toenails such as fungal infections, and so on. An ingrown toenail is also a troublesome problem in which a corner of the toenail grows into the toe instead of growing outwards.

Comparison of healthy toe and ingrown toenail for foot health.

  1. Diabetes:

Diabetes refers to a health disorder in which the blood sugar levels in the body remain excessively high due to the lack of production or usage of a hormone called insulin. Patients affected with diabetes can suffer from neural damage in the feet and legs and also may suffer problems getting sufficient blood supply to the feet. Diabetes can seriously affect a patient’s feet and legs.

According to statistics, every year, over sixty-five thousand patients require amputation of a foot due to diabetes. Therefore it is very important for diabetic patients to see a podiatrist from Houston foot and ankle center in order to prevent that. In case you’re a diabetic patient and you notice a sore or a callus on your feet, it is advised that you consult a podiatrist at the earliest.

  1. Arthritis:

Arthritis is a disorder in which the joints of your body get inflamed, swollen or suffer from wear and tear. Patients suffering from arthritis must see a podiatrist. Each foot in the body has thirty-three joints and they can be severely affected by arthritis. Podiatrists can recommend medication, physical therapy, special type of shoes and inserts for alleviating feet and leg (joint) pain in arthritis. In case these do not work, the podiatrist may suggest surgery.

  1. Growth pains in children:

In children, problems or mild deformities may be present or develop. If a child’s feet point inwards, or they look flat, or his or her toes do not line up in a normal way, he or she should be taken to a foot doctor in Houston Texas. Initially, depending upon the condition, the podiatrist will recommend putting braces, use insoles, or suggest exercises. In case the condition requires further treatment, surgery is recommended.

  1. Pain in the heels:

Heel spurs refer to a condition in which excess calcium builds up at the bottom of the heel bone. Heel spurs may be caused due to a variety of reasons- being obese or overweight, excessive running, or due to wearing ill-fitting footwear. Besides heel spurs, heel pain can also be caused by plantar fasciitis that is the inflammation of a connective band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Taking part in sports or wearing non-supportive footwear may lead to this. If your foot bends inwards or outwards too much when you walk (overpronation) is also a cause of heel pain. Achilles tendinitis is a condition causing pain at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon is present. These are usually treated with pain-alleviating drugs and using shoe inserts known as orthotics. In a few cases, surgery is required.

  1. Morton’s neuroma:

This is a nerve problem between the third and fourth bones in the foot. Symptoms include pain, burning and a sensation that there is something inside the shoe. This neural problem is generally faced by runners, which is worsened if tight shoes are worn and over pronation occurs. A foot doctor in Houston Texas will give shots for relieving pain and inflammation and recommend orthotics (shoe inserts). Surgery may also be suggested for this condition.

When should you go see a podiatrist?

If you detect symptoms of any of the disorders mentioned above, you should go see a podiatrist. If you experience foot pain, notice unusual thickness or discoloration in the toenails, or cracks, warts on the skin of your feet, or see the sole of your feet scaling or peeling off, consult a podiatrist from Houston foot and ankle center as early as possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

29Jul

Trauma to the foot, especially the toes, can occur in many ways. Banging them, stubbing them, or dropping something on them are a few different ways this trauma can occur. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break or fracture. Another type of trauma that can break a toe is repeated activity that places stress on the toe for prolonged periods of time.

Broken toes can be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. Symptoms of minor toe fractures include throbbing pain, swelling, bruising on the skin and toenail, and the inability to move the toe with ease. Severe toe fractures require medical attention and are indicated when the broken toe appears crooked or disfigured, when there is tingling or numbness in the toe, or when there is an open, bleeding wound present on the toe.

Generally, a minor toe break will heal without long-term complications. However, it is important to discontinue activities that put pressure on the toe. It is best to stay off of the injured toe and immediately get a splint or cast to prevent any more additional movement of the toe bones. You can also immobilize your toe by placing a small cotton ball between the injured toe and the toe beside it. Then, tape the two toes together with medical tape. Swelling can be alleviated by placing an ice pack on the broken toe directly as well as elevating your feet above your head.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery, especially when the big toe has been broken. Due to its position and the pressure the big toe endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if it is not properly treated. Pain associated with minor toe fractures can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Prescription pain killers may be necessary for severe toe fractures.

The healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. In severe cases where the toe becomes infected or requires surgery, healing time can take up to eight weeks or more. While complications associated with a broken toe are immediately apparent, it is important to note that there are rare cases when additional complications, such as osteoarthritis, can develop over time. You should immediately speak with your podiatrist if you think you have broken your toe due to trauma. They will be able to diagnose the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment options. 

Close-up of a damaged toenail with signs of injury or infection.
29Jul

Close-up of a damaged toenail with signs of injury or infection.

A broken toe may result from dropping a heavy object on it, or if it is severely stubbed. There are noticeable symptoms that accompany a broken toe, including immediate pain and swelling around the affected area, and patients may notice their toe is bruised. Putting on shoes and performing daily activities may be difficult to accomplish, in addition to walking without pain and discomfort. Treatment options can include taping the injured toe to the one next to it, which is referred to as buddy taping. This is helpful in providing stability to the broken toe as the healing process occurs. Gentle toe stretching can be performed as a part of therapy after the splint is removed. This is beneficial in regaining a full range of motion. If you feel you have broken your toe, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment techniques.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr.Eji Shobowale from DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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