MLB player Nieuwenhuis out for the season with a tear of the Plantar Fascia

The plantar fascia is a structure that runs along the bottom of the foot. It is divided into three bands and can become inflamed at any portion. Patients with plantar fasciitis will commonly complain of heel pain after rest. However, the plantar fascia can also be injured traumatically, and this can cause tearing of the band. Mets player, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, is now out for the remainder of the season with a tear of the plantar fascia. Plantar fascial tears usually cause a sudden pain, may cause an audible pop when the injury occurs, may have brusing or swelling, and get worse with prolonged weight bearing. Plantar fascial tears can also be diagnosed with suspected plantar fasciitis that is not responding to conventional conservative treatments like stretching, icing, injections, orthotics, taping, and physical therapy. Plantar fascial tears can be diagnosed with MRI and diagnostic ultrasound, as the plantar fascia is not visible on conventional x-rays. Immobilization with a hard cast or soft cast and walking boot are typically s effective treatments for this injury. If you have pain on the bottom of your foot that is not improving with standard treatments for plantar fasciitis, call Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL, 708-763-0580.

Orlando Hudson Foul Ball Hits his own Foot, 8/15/12

Chicago White Sox player, Orlando Hudson, fouled a ball off of his foot (appeared to be the big toe joint area) last night during the White Sox game in Toronto. Hudson had to leave the game after the injury, but MLB.com reports X-Rays were negative for a fracture or break in the bones of the foot. Heavy objects hitting the foot, objects hitting the foot at high speeds, and objects hitting the foot at unusual angles are examples of trauma that can be sustained during sports activities. It is important to immediately implement RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), and if the condition persists, it is necessary to see a podiatrist for evaluation. X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, or MRI tests may be used to determine the severity and extent of the injury. After these tests, proper treatment can begin. Thankfully, Orlando Hudson should be on the road to recovery soon! Go Sox! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302

China's Liu concerned about Achilles Tendon injury at 2012 Olympics

Liu Xiang, a Chinese hurdler at the 2012 London Olympic Games may be troubled by both back and foot problems as reported through several sources by his coach, Sun Haping. A previous article states that he had issues with his Achilles tendon in the past. I am not sure on the specifics of this particular athlete. However, the Achilles tendon is a very important tendon for anything involving the lower extremities: walking, running, jumping, landing, etc. It passes from the knee to the back of our heel bone or calcaneus, so it directly affects knee and ankle motion. Achilles tendon injuries can occur anywhere along its course, but from a podiatry perspective, most of the injuries are at the back of the heel or 2 cm above, in an area called the watershed region (an area of decreased blood supply). X-rays look at bone problems and may not adequately show tendon injuries. Therefore, diagnostic ultrasound and MRI studies may be ordered to determine whether there is inflammation of the tendon or a tear. If your Achilles tendon is sore, it is essential to incorporate RICE-rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If you hear a pop, feel a deficit in the tendon, have severe swelling, blistering, or pain in the area, or have difficulty moving the ankle, it is important to seek immediate treatment in case the tendon has ruptured. Additionally, pain, swelling, redness, and heat in the back of the calf require an immediate assessment by the emergency room for DVT or a blood clot, which can be life threatening. Tears of the Achilles tendon are treated with immobilization or surgery, depending on the severity. Tendonitis of the Achilles tendon is treated in a variety of ways: strapping, soft casts, walking boots, physical therapy, medication, rest, and ice. It is important to see a podiatrist if you have injured your Achilles tendon. Presented for informational purposes by Dr. Mary Ann Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302, 708-763-0580