Rajai Davis hit on foot by pitch against the Chicago White Sox

During today's White Sox game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Rajai Davis of the Jays was hit on the foot by a Sox pitch. When an object, like a 90 mile an hour pitch, hits the foot, there is a high risk of injury. The most obvious concern is a broken or fractured bone in the foot, which can sideline a player for 6-8 weeks as it heals. However, less obvious injuries can include a bone contusion, sprains, tears of tendons, ligaments, or muscles, and nerve injuries. Being hit by a high speed object can happen in other arenas besides baseball, but if this does happen to your foot it is important to schedule an appointment for evaluation and x-rays. Immediate care of your injury should include RICE: rest, ice, compression (strapping, ace wrap, air cast), and elevation. Contact Dr. Bender, Advanced Physical Medicine, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL, 708-763-0580 if you have a foot injury! oakparkpodiatry.com GO CHICAGO WHITE SOX!

Staying cool on this HOT July 4th!

Greetings and Happy 4th! It is important to stay cool and hydrated during these very hot July days. Make sure to drink plenty of water, seek shade or air conditioning if possible, and wear comfortable and loose clothes. Also, do not forget your sun screen, as the intense rays from the sun are very dangerous to our skin! Have a great and festive holiday!!! Dr. Bender

Steven Tyler says his foot pain is due to a Neuroma

Recent photos of the feet of Aerosmith rocker, Steven Tyler, over the Spring showed toes that were crossed over each other. Articles report that Tyler says his foot pain is due to a neuroma, which is painful irritation and fibrosis around a nerve. Typically, these affect the nerve that goes between the third and fourth toes of the foot but can occur at other locations in the feet and body. When people have this condition, it can feel like they are walking on a pebble or that their sock is bunched up under the foot. Additionally, there can be a sharp pain radiating to the toes. Pointed or high heeled shoes will make this condition worse. However, with increased severity of the neuroma over time, even normal activities like walking and standing can aggravate the neuroma. There are a variety of treatment options for neuromas: injections, orthotics, medications, and padding. Some patients require surgery to remove the neuroma. I surgery is performed, the two toes that are innervated by this nerve usually become numb (usually the third and fourth toes). For articles on Steven Tyler's toes, see my Facebook page. If you think you have a neuroma or contracted toes, contact my office, 708-763-0580. Dr. Mary Ann Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL.

myFEET-Answers to Teen's Foot Questions

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has developed a very helpful and fun website to address teen foot issues, www.apma.org/myfeet. The website discusses healthy pedicures, proper shoe gear, common foot injuries, and also common conditions of the feet that teens may have, athlete's foot, ingrown nails, warts, smelly feet. With easy to follow language, fun colors, and interesting content, this is a great place to get information on teen foot problems. Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-763-0580

Greg Stiemsma, Boston Celtics player, has plantar fasciitis

The Boston Celtics are currently battling their way through the NBA playoffs, but one of their players, Greg Stiemsma, is battling something else-Plantar Fasciitis. This is a condition where the band on the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. It causes pain after rest and in the morning when the person is getting up from bed. This pain typically occurs in the heel and usually feels better after walking around for awhile. There are a variety of conservative ways to treat this condition! If you think that you have plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Mary Ann Bender, Oak Park and Chicago, IL. Dr. Bender will be happy to examine, diagnose, explain the treatment options, and finally, treat you for heel pain! 708-763-0580

Memorial Day 2012

Wishing a happy and healthy Memorial Day 2012 to All! Thank you to all of our servicemen and women for the sacrifices you have made for our FREEDOM! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Hakeem Nicks of the NY Giants Breaks Fifth Metatarsal Bone of the Foot

During voluntary workouts, Hakeem Nicks of the NY Giants suddenly felt extreme pain in his foot. He broke his fifth metatarsal bone of the foot and will have surgery to place a screw in this bone. He will not return to the field for at least 12 weeks. Fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone, especially close to the base of the bone, are very serious injuries. The blood supply to this portion of the bone is not very strong, and this usually results in slow healing. In my experience, many patients do well with immobilization and rest if the bone is properly approximated (not dislocated and out of position). Some people, especially athletes, respond better and faster with the placement of a screw into the bone to stabilize the fracture. A device called a bone stimulator is often employed for this type of fracture to assist with proper healing. Normal bone healing takes 6-8 weeks, and after surgery and/or immobilization, patients often need a course of physical therapy to get them back to their normal activity level. If you have questions about this condition or any other foot issue, please schedule your appointment! Dr. Mary Ann Bender, 708-763-0580