Items filtered by date: March 2016

Minnesota Vikings’ forward, Phil Loadholt, has been readily rehabbing his Achilles tendon injury and specialists believe he will be ready to play by spring. While this is the last year of his contract, the Vikings could decide to release Loadholt by June 1st due to the injury. With this in mind, the 30 year old player is not focusing on his contract status, but on keeping his lower extremities happy and healthy instead.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns about your feet consult with Dr. Michael E. Newman of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel bone of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Snapping sensation

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If unable to immediately see your podiatrist, remember to Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate until then.

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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Leeds Rhinos lost hooker player Beau Falloon as he suffered a broken toe injury while training. Falloon is unable to play in the First Utility Super League opener game against the Warrington Wolves as he had tests taken and will be on recovery. The status of Falloon’s injury was predicted not to be long-term. Falloon was set to play against the Featherstone Rovers before sustaining his injury.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, consult with Dr. Michael E. Newman of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of 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 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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Michigan’s senior guard Caris LeVert suffered a foot injury and was on recovery, predicted to miss the game against Nebraska. LeVert has a history of injuring his left foot, a stress fracture he sustained during his sophomore year. LeVert was on recovery since Dec. 30, having suffered an supposed ankle injury in the game against Illinois. He was walking “without pain” and was participating in physical activity as part of his recovery process.

Activities, where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, consult with Dr. Michael E. Newman of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

-runners                                  

-people affected with Osteoporosis

-play tennis or basketball

-gymnastics

-high impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.

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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Michigan State Spartans Sophomore guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. may be missing out on potential games this season as he suffers from plantar fasciitis in his right heel. Nairn has so far not missed any games due to the injury, but has to wear a walking boot when he’s outside of the court. Nairn missed the game against Wisconsin, but had played 33 consecutive games for the team. The injury was getting worse and head coach Tom Izzo decided to have Nairn sit out until Nairn can further recover.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, consult with Dr. Michael E. Newman of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

·     Excessive running

·     Non-supportive shoes

·     Overpronation

·     Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

·     Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices

·     Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

·     Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis