Jacoby Ellsbury Injures his NAVICULAR bone. What is the navicular bone?

Boston Red Sox player, Jacoby Ellsbury, has injured his navicular bone. Although the extent of the injury is not completely known at this time, many people may be scratching their heads. What is the navicular bone? There are 28 bones in the feet, and the navicular is one of the bones that makes up the inner arch of the foot. The navicular is a bone of the midfoot and classified as a tarsal bone. It has articulation or joins three cuneiform bones and the cuboid bone. A major tendon, the posterior tibial tendon, attaches to the navicular bone. Many injuries can occur in this area and include the following: fractures, arthritis, and posterior tibial tendon problems. It is believed that Ellsbury has a fracture or break of his navicular. The next blog will focus on navicular fractures. Stay tuned! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

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