Running Free

As a child, you might have spent your summers running barefoot through the grass or at the local pool. But have you ever wondered what it might be like to run barefoot on a track or in a marathon? Ridiculous some might think. However, this is the idea behind the Nike Free running shoes. The Nike Free shoes were created with the hopes of simulating barefoot running. Several different versions of the shoe have been created since the original, with a Nike shoe scale being created to measure the level of support of the different Nike Free shoes (for instance: the 5.0 Nike Free shoe is like running halfway barefoot). So where does the input for this interesting idea stem? As Nike was in the process of developing a new running shoe, the corporation received words of advice from many track coaches who stated that they felt shoes might actually create more injuries and are more of a hindrance for athletes. Researchers set out to develop a shoe that mimicked the feel of running barefoot without actually being barefoot.

Now that several versions have been developed, you might be wondering, is the Nike Free right for me? It’s important to remember that some forms of this footgear are technically considered the bare minimum in terms of support. It is essential to ease your way into shoes of this nature. These shoes are also not a cure-all. For instance, even though they are marketed as being able to increase your speed and reduce injuries, they are more than likely meant for trained runners with minimal history of injuries. They would not be a suitable option for athletes who are susceptible to certain types of injuries such as ankle sprains. These are some of the important things to consider when switching into a new “hot product.” If you have any questions about your current shoegear or if you are wondering what might be right for you, please visit our website at www.drrobertrosenstein.com for more information or contact our office in Mentor, OH for a consultation (440) 946-5858.

Stress and Strain = Athletic Gain?

More and more, young athletes are finding themselves sitting out of the game rather than taking part in it due to various injuries that occur over the course of a sports season. Are certain athletes just more susceptible to sustaining these types of injuries or are we pushing today’s young athletes to the limit?

One of the more common injuries sustained in various sports is tendonitis. Tendonitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendon undergoes excessive stress – such as the type of stress experienced when kids are running, jumping, kicking, etc over a field or court. This can lead to increased swelling in the tendon, which is what causes some of these young athletes to first experience their pain. The reason this condition can be such a problem is that the tendon can be put at risk for a rupture if it is not treated properly. What puts young athletes at risk for this problem? Some of the issues stem from training on hard surfaces or having limited flexibility at some of the muscles. But more and more commonly, one of the major issues is the lack of adequate rest between training sessions. Athletes are pushed to the limit to accomplish their sports dreams, but injuries can happen along the way, unfortunately, as a result of this pursuit.

When tendonitis occurs, the most important step is to retreat from those activities aggravating the tendon. Stretching and icing modalities can also be applied as a form of treatment. Taking anti-inflammatory medications may be another way to manage the pain, though this in and of itself does not cure the problem. Utilizing special braces and wraps can also be an effective way to get the tendon on its road to recovery. Society needs to reflect on the amount of stress put upon young athletes today and realize the literal amount of stress this could be putting on these young individuals’ bodies. Moderation may be the key to both prevention and successful management of this problem. If you have a child who might have an overuse sports injury, such as tendonitis, please come see us in Mentor, OH!

Taping for Treatment

There may have been a time or two back in your high school athletic days where you found yourself taking the advice of your trainer and taping your feet for various aches and pains. But did you ever stop to think why you were doing what you were doing? And did you ever marvel at the great level of relief you obtained just by utilizing some simple taping methods? In the world of podiatry (and sports medicine), taping and strapping techniques are commonly used as a treatment modality for some of the more frequently (and not always frequently) encountered foot and ankle problems.

One such problem encountered may be ankle instability, which may lead to ankle sprains. This problem tends to be seen in sports such as basketball. The amazing thing about tape treatment is that in research literature it is found to be as effective as some bracing techniques. Some might imagine tape to not “hold up” when compared to a seemingly better support mechanism such as a brace, but this isn’t the case. The type of taping and the technique used stems from either the foot problem or injury encountered. Although you might find several types of athletic tape at your local sports or drug store, the effectiveness behind taping treatment stems from the educated application by your local podiatrist.

Some of the benefits of taping, other than those described above, include its ability to conform to the foot and essentially work with the muscles. Depending on how many applications you may need it might be relatively inexpensive as well. Some the downfalls include the limited “life” of tape; tape tends to last about 3-5 days on the foot, so it requires repeated application. In addition, you must be observant of any possible tape allergies that might lead to dermatitis. In what may seem like a very simple treatment option, taping may be one of the most practical and beneficial conservative methods for treating multiple foot problems. Come to our office in Mentor, OH and you just might get the taping treatment!

The Fungus Among Us

I know you’ve all seen it before: thickened, yellow, toenails; a discoloration of the nail that never seems to go away; a problem that tends to be more common in elderly patients and those with systemic diseases like diabetes. Yes folks, it’s that dirty word – nail fungus. Nail fungus, otherwise known as onychomycosis, is actually a fungal infection causing nails to take on that ugly discoloration or thicken or split over time. Initially, when individuals seek treatment for fungal nails it’s because they don’t like the way the nails themselves look, but eventually overtime the nails can get thicker which can cause pressure inside one’s shoes leading to eventual irritation. The main “fungi suspect” as the cause of onychomycosis are dermatophytes (fungi that infect hair, skin, and nails).

Treatment for fungal nails can be quite a tedious process, given mostly to the fact that nails can take a long time to grow out. Two main recognized treatments include oral and topical medications. The oral antifungal medications are taken over the course of a three-month period. Although these medications are typically safe, it’s important that patients taking these oral medications not have liver disease. Prior to prescribing these medications, physicians ensure that patients receive a blood test in order to make sure the liver is functioning properly. Topical treatments are applied directly to the nail, but this method can take much longer as it takes 6 months to a year for the nails to grow out to a healthy color and appearance. However, there are no necessary blood tests required prior to starting topical treatment.

Although the treatments may vary, fungal nails themselves are just generally something people want to get rid of altogether. If you are currently experiencing this problem, please contact our office in Mentor, OH.

Putting your Best Foot Forward: Managing your Feet with Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which an individual has a high blood sugar level as a result of the body either not producing enough insulin or because certain body cells do not properly respond to the insulin that is produced. There are several types of diabetes – Type 1 (failure of the body to produce insulin), Type 2 (insulin resistance), and gestational diabetes (having a high blood glucose level consistently during pregnancy). The classical symptoms of diabetes are polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (frequent thirst), and polyphagia (increased hunger).

The reason why diabetes factors in so greatly to the field of podiatry is that there can be many complications that take a toll on the feet. In general, foot problems tend to happen when there is nerve damage, called neuropathy, which results in a loss of feeling in your feet. Neuropathy basically means that your ability to feel pain, heat, or cold lessens. This can be a potentially dangerous issue, because you might not be able to feel an injury to your foot, which could lead to eventual break down of the foot and infection. In addition, neuropathy over time can lead to foot deformity and changes in the structure of your feet.

Another factor that can become affected due to diabetes is the skin of the feet. Over time, your feet may start to dry out, as well as peel and crack. In addition, individuals with diabetes may notice that calluses on their feet are building up at a much faster rate over time. This is due to the increased areas of pressure under the foot. It’s essential to keep an eye on these calluses, keep them trimmed (best by a podiatric professional), and prevent them from opening up to ulcers.

A final – and not so happy – foot complication of diabetes is foot ulcers. Ulcers tend to occur on the underside of the foot – again, where pressures tend to build up. It’s essential that your podiatrist see any developing ulcers that you notice as soon as possible. It’s important to stay off of any ulcer sites as much as possible to encourage healing. As a main component to treatment, good diabetes control is key! Make sure to keep blood sugar levels where they need to be.

If you are diabetic and need to find a podiatric health care provider for your foot care needs, please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. in Mentor, Ohio.

Pop! Goes the Tendon: Achilles Tendon Ruptures

The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the ankle, connects the calf muscles to heel bone (calcaneus). This tendon, the largest in the body, is what allows you to stand on your toes to reach that can off the top shelf of your cabinet. When you completely tear through the tendon this is called an Achilles tendon rupture.

Some of the things that might predispose a person to an Achilles tendon rupture are varied. Several scenarios can be painted. One might be a teenage athlete who has started an antibiotic for his bronchitis (some antibiotics combined with athletic activity can put individuals at risk for tendon rupture). Another example might be a middle-aged businessman who engages in a pickup game of basketball on the weekends (the “weekend warrior”). A third might be a non-athletic individual who just happens to fall from a significant height. As you can see, Achilles tendon ruptures can affect individuals from all walks of life.

Some symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include a severe pain at the back of the ankle, some may report hearing a loud pop, swelling and weakness, an inability to stand on tiptoe, or a gap seen in the tendon about 2 inches above the heel bone. With any of these types of symptoms, especially with correlation to physical activity, it is important to seek medical intervention promptly. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome.

Treatment for Achilles tendon rupture revolves around the main goal of restoring normal tension and length to the tendon so that you might be able to function to the same level of activity pre-injury. Unlike treatment modalities for other types of injuries, early movement (as well as protection) is important when treating Achilles tendon ruptures. Early treatment usually includes casting for 6 weeks with regular intervals of cast removal/replacement so that the tendon may be stretched (early movement). If surgery is necessary, this will be discussed with your podiatric physician depending on your level of injury and healing time. Once treatment has taken place, prevention for the future is key! Stretching exercises are one such way to do this. While an Achilles tendon rupture can definitely change one’s life, it doesn’t have to be life altering! If you happen to sustain this injury, please call our office in Mentor, OH for an appointment, and we will be happy to assist!

The Bunion Blues

You might be wondering how that big bump, otherwise known as a bunion, on the side of your first toe managed to get there. Bunions reflect a change in the boney structure of the foot over time. In other words, bunions tend to be progressive. As the big toe starts to turn in towards the second toe, a bump is formed with the changing angle of the foot. While bunions can be easily seen, some people might also experience pain with them over time.

But what actually causes a bunion? It’s all in the structure of the foot. Bunions tend to be inherited. So while you aren’t passing that bump from mother to daughter you are in fact passing the certain mechanics of your feet that might make you prone to developing a bunion. The most common symptom experienced with bunions is pain, because you will generally recognize this if you are wearing shoes that are rubbing against this site. Additionally, there might be redness, inflammation, or numbness as well.

If you might be thinking that it’s time to visit your local podiatrist to have this issue assessed, you might also be thinking – well I’ve basically already diagnosed it myself! I can see the bump right there! I know how to read WebMD! Your podiatrist, though, will be able to take some x-rays of your feet to be able to figure out the extent of the bunion deformity and where to take treatment from there. Which brings us to treatment. What can you do to treat these pesky bunions? There are two stages of treatment: mainly, conservative (or non-surgical) and surgical. Non-surgical works to help with the pain, but won’t correct the deformity. Some methods include changing shoe gear, medications, icing, padding, and orthotics. Surgical intervention should be considered when conservative methods have failed and no longer seem to be an option. With many treatment options available, your bunions won’t leave you singing the blues for long!

The Art of the Clinical Exam

How many times have you walked into your physician’s office only to hear that you must follow up with a series of additional tests to figure out what may be going on with you? The same may ring true in the field of podiatry. And while most times this might be warranted – for instance, an MRI to see if in fact you did tear that ligament in your foot – some physicians may utilize these diagnostic tools immediately even before performing a thorough clinical exam. As taught in podiatry school, we learn that aside from the history (the information patients provide), the clinical exam is still the most important tool for assessment of our patients.

Technology has done many great things for us today. We have the ability to see things that our eyes cannot physically see through the art of MRI and CT (computed tomography – used mainly to image complex fractures in our field). Due to this heightened awareness of what technology can do for us, patients and physicians alike may be more likely to rely on it.

There is no question that when these imaging studies are needed that it is important to utilize them. However, it is also key to remember that the origin of discovering a medical problem lies quite figuratively at the hands of the physician, and there is no substitute for that. So if you’re wondering why your physician is or isn’t ordering this or that additional test or is or isn’t sending you for an MRI to figure out why you have ankle pain, much of it lies in the systematic approach to figuring out the root of the problem.