What is a Neuroma?

Funny things are happening with your foot: sharp pains, two toes separating, feeling like you are walking on a marble or pebble, burning, or tingling in two toes. This may be a Morton's Neuroma. Fibrosis or thickening around the nerve that goes between the metatarsal heads of the foot can cause these symptoms. Typically, the metatarsal bones are too close together, and the rubbing or friction on the nerve and the adjacent metatarsal heads causes the neuroma to form. There will be symptoms in the two toes that are innervated by that particular nerve. Often, the third and fourth toes are involved. Tight shoes, high heeled shoes, trauma, genetic position of the bones, and other causes can generate the neuroma. Neuromas can be diagnosed with a clinical exam and occasionally with MRI or diagnostic ultrasound. X-Rays cannot identify the neuroma (a soft tissue mass) but can look at the position of the metatarsal bones (which can lead to neuroma formation). Common treatments for neuromas include the following: injections, padding, orthotic devices, shoe changes, activity changes, and surgical excision. Pain in your foot? Give us a call, 708-763-0580. Dr. Mary Ann Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Ankle Sprains-Derrick Rose of the Bulls

Many Bulls fans were fearful after watching Derrick Rose limping a few days ago and then missing the Chicago Bulls game Saturday. Reports in the news state that he sprained both ankles and that x-rays are negative. With an ankle injury, x-rays look at the bony structures to determine if there is a fracture or break in one of the bones. The ligaments that are typically injured with an ankle sprain are not visible on x-ray because they are soft tissue structures. Soft tissue structures can be better visualized on MRI or diagnostic ultrasound tests, and these may be ordered if the injury is bad enough. Howeve, if the ankle sprain is improving with the typical conservative treatments (ice, rest, strapping or immobilization,medication, physical therapy, and elevation), an MRI may not be needed. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Happy Halloween 2014

Keep your feet safe today and enjoy the festivities! Happy Halloween! Dr. Bender

Why do I need a toenail biopsy?

Your toenail is crumbly, brown, or thick? You did not notice over the summer, under your nail polish, or you have been putting off treatment of it. Now is the time to get this toenail treated. Toenails take 9-12 months to grow out, so starting treatment now can get the toenail ready for 2015 summer fun. Most commonly, nails can develop changes when they are infected with fungus, subjected to micro trauma, or if the person has psoriasis. It is important to visit a podiatrist so that a sample of nail can be sent to the lab to determine if fungus is present. The foot doctor will take a portion of nail (usually quite far back) and send it for testing. This will help to identify the cause of the abnormal nail and find a treatment that will work best. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Kevin Durant has a Jones Fracture-What is this?

Oklahoma City Thunder player, Kevin Durant, injured his foot and sustained what is called a Jones Fracture. Three times this weekend, I heard ESPN newscasters call this a fracture of the base of the pinky toe. A Jones fracture is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone, which is the bone on the outside of the forefoot and that corresponds to the fifth toe. The injury is near the base of the bone and is more serious because the blood supply is weaker to this area of the bone. This can cause delayed healing of this fracture. This injury takes 6-8 weeks for initial healing and is treated with surgery or immobilization. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Abnormal Bumps or Color Changes to the Foot

Breast Cancer Awareness month reminds all of us, not just women, to check our bodies for any new bumps, pain, changes, or discolorations. Women get mammograms, annual check ups, and perform self exams to look for any breast changes. Similarly, podiatrists warn diabetics and patients with poor circulation to check the tops and bottoms of their feet daily for any changes. This is all a good rule of thumb for all of us! Check your feet! Look for discolorations or moles that have changed. Look for any bumps, bruises, or new swelling. Check the nails for color or thickness changes or drainage. Check the skin for blistering or scaling. Keeping a healthy body is essential for a long and happy life. If you notice a change to your feet, get it checked out and potentially treated! Happy FEET= a Happy Life! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Ouch! I stepped on something! What do I do?

You accidently stepped on something while walking barefoot. It is bleeding and sore. What do you do? It is important to see a podiatrist to get the condition checked out. A foreign object (splinter, glass, pebble, needle etc.) in the foot can become a serious condition, as the object can travel deeper into the foot the more you walk on it. Additionally, the foot can become infected very easily after a foreign object enters. It is important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible to get the object removed and to get the area assessed for infection. Anesthesia may or may not be needed for removal of the object, and occasionally, advanced tests like MRIs or surgery may be needed for objects that have moved deeper into the foot. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580