Back to School 2013!

As the kids go to school today (for most of you!), it is important to make sure they are wearing supportive shoes. There should be some room at the end of the shoe (one thumb length) so that the toes are not bumping the tip of the shoe. Additionally, the shoes should have laces or velcro to ensure proper closure and that they are not too loose. It is important that you cannot twist or bend the shoes in order to achieve proper support. Happy Monday! Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, 708-763-0580

What is a LisFranc Injury? Colts player, Justin Hickman, likely out for season with this injury.

We have been hearing more about LisFranc Injuries to the foot during recent years, especially with elite athletes. Justin Hickman of the Indianapolis Colts is the latest NFL player to sustain one of these injuries. This injury takes place at the part of the foot where the metatarsal bones articulate or join with the tarsal bones (cuboid, three cuneiforms, and navicular). The injury may involve dislocation, fractures (breaks), or both. There are a variety of classifications for this injury, as it can present in a variety of ways. The injury can occur in a variety of ways: car accidents, heavy objects dropping on the foot, crush injuries, and rotational force on a plantarflexed (foot pointed downward) foot. There is pain and swelling with this injury, but there can also be bruising, skin irritation or openings, and stress on the blood supply or circulation. X-Rays are always ordered for this injury, and more advanced imaging modalities like MRI and CT may also be needed. Depending on the severity of the injury and the activity level of the patient, it can be treated conservatively with casting or with surgery. This injury can result in arthritis, pain, and swelling even after healing. If you have a foot problem, contact Dr. Bender for an appointment. 708-763-0580 (Oak Park) and 773-776-3166 (63rd/Chicago).

Pujols on the DL with another Foot Injury

Albert Pujols, now a member of the Angels, was placed on the disabled list with a tear of the plantar fascia of his foot. The plantar fascia is a band that runs along the bottom of the foot and frequently causes heel pain. In some cases, the plantar fascia can develop tears in it, resulting in significant pain that does not respond to traditional conservative treatment modalities. Plantar fascial tears are best diagnosed with diagnostic ultrasound or MRI. The best treatment for these injuries is rest and immobilization. Physical therapy is instituted after the area has healed, and patients typically use custom molded orthotic devices into the future. If you have a foot or ankle injury, call Dr. Bender at her Oak Park or Chicago offices for an appointment. 708-763-0580 or 773-776-3166

Broken for for Phillies Player, Ben Revere

Ben Revere of the Phillies has been placed on the disabled list due to a foot fracture. A foot fracture or broken bone typically takes 6-8 weeks to heal, and occasionally can take longer to heal depending on the specific site that was injured. A broken bone usually causes pain, swelling, and in the case of the foot, difficulty standing or walking. Most fractures can be viewed on conventional x-rays, but hairline or stress fractures may only be visible on advanced imaging modalities like MRI, CT, or diagnostic ultrasound. Treatment of foot fractures depends on the location, whether it is displaced, and other factors but typically involves either surgery or immobilization. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication may also be used. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Open on Fridays!

The Foot Clinic at Advanced Physical Medicine is now open on Fridays! Find a solution to your foot problems by calling today-708-763-0580. Dr. Bender

Painful Bumps on the FEET

When I was out of town this weekend visiting my family, my nephew asked me about some painful bumps on the bottom of his foot. Close inspection revealed that he had warts on the bottom of his feet. These are caused by a virus and thrive in warm, moist environments, like our shoes and socks, pools, and locker rooms. Teenagers, like my nephew, are a common age group that get warts. Although, anyone can get them, children and the elderly are the most common. Warts can appear as raised bumps, calloused areas, white areas, or areas with dark dots throughout, and they are typically painful. Warts are challenging to treat but may respond to any of the following: excision, lasers, acids, freezing, or topical medications. Usually, several months of treatment are required to treat the warts. Recurrence can be prevented by keeping the feet as dry as possible by changing socks frequently, wearing shower shoes at the pool or locker room, and using sprays or powders to keep the feet dry. Happy July! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580 oakparkpodiatry.com advancedphysicalmedicine.org

Topical Treatents for Fungal Nails

During the summer, many people are more concerned about the appearance of their toenails, especially if they are thick, discolored, and irregular looking. Fungal toenails can cause these changes, and a biopsy may be needed to prove that there is fungus in the nail. Fungal toenails can be treated in several ways: oral or topical therapies, laser therapy, or permanent removal. The topic for today is topical treatment for fungal toenails. This therapy involves painting medicine on the nail, and the treatment works from the outside of the nail to fight the fungus. The success rate is lower than oral or laser treatments, often around a fifty percent success rate. There are typically no side effects with topical treatments, other than occasional skin irritation around the nail plate. If the skin does become irritated, discontinuing the treatment will allow the skin to heal. The primary disadvantages of topical treatments with topical antifungal nail treatments include the following: lower success rate, length of use (9-12 months of daily application), and inability to use toenail polish during the course of treatment. If you are interested in getting treatment for your fungal nails, call Dr. Bender today for an appointment! 708-763-0580 Oak Park and 773-776-3166 Chicago.