Australian surgeons are now practicing minimally invasive surgery for bunions to reduce the amount of pain and recovery time for patients. Michelle Thacker of North South Wales experienced both minimally invasive surgery and traditional bunion surgery for the bunions on her left and right feet. The difference between the two are that minimally invasive surgeries include multiple smaller 3mm incisions with the bunion drilled and realigned with screws; traditional surgeries involve one large incision. After the second bunion surgery involving minimally invasive surgery, Thacker stated, “The recovery time was much quicker - a lot less pain post op, I can barely see a scar and I was able to run after three months.”

Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Michael E. Newman of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

• Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
• Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How are Bunions Treated?

If you have any concerns please feel free to contact our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Billy Winn of the Cleveland Browns has been diagnosed with a sprained right ankle after being examined by a trainer and then carted off the playing field. Winn is a defensive lineman who was a part of the Cleveland Browns’ high hopes for a strong defense this season. The unfortunate occurrence comes after the lineman was praised as one of the team’s emerging players. “We’re looking for big things, not just from him but the whole (defensive line) room,” said Pettine of Winn. “I think the competition is really going to force that room to work.” In light of the injury, the Browns have announced that Winn will be examined on a weekly basis.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your potential ankle sprain contact Dr. Michael E. Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Arthritis affects approximately 52 million people in the United States—and these are the people officially diagnosed by a physician. Those suffering from arthritis and its symptoms, however, can benefit from several steps to help cope with the condition. The first steps one can take involve learning more about the condition, knowing what kind of arthritis one has, and responding to prolonged symptoms by seeing a physician. Excess weight can add pressure on the joints—especially the feet; therefore exercising, losing weight, and leading an active lifestyle is important. Protect the joints by avoiding using the same joints constantly and alternating movement. Rest and relaxation is also important to avoid straining affected areas.

The feet are one of the most common sites for arthritis to occur in the body. If you are struggling with arthritis in your feet or ankles, call Dr. Michael E. Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can examine your lower extremities to help alleviate your joint pain.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all of your foot ankle injuries.

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Recently in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dave Grohl opened up about performing with his band the Foo Fighters with a broken ankle. Grohl calls his broken ankle a “beautiful blessing in disguise” as the band has been playing longer sets than ever since Grohl has to spend much of his time sitting on the stage. He recalls the night his ankle broke in Sweden and continued playing the entire set. “When it happened I didn’t feel a thing, I tried to get up and walk and my ankle collapsed under my weight,” he stated.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Michael E. Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Broken Ankles

A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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