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

Quarterback Matt Cassel out for the season with multiple foot fractures

Quarterback Matt Cassel, of the Vikings, is out for the 2014 NFL season with multiple foot fractures. A break or fracture in the foot typically takes 6-8 weeks to heal. After the initial healing, physical therapy if often needed to reduce swelling and strengthen the foot. Foot fractures can either be treated with immobilization (walking boots or shoes or casting) or surgery depending on the location of the injury and position of the fracture. If a fracture is out of alignment or in an area of the foot with a weaker blood supply, surgery may be indicated. Additionally, if there is significant damage to surrounding soft tissues (tendons and ligaments), surgery may be needed. The foot is a complicated area of the body, with many ligaments, tendons, and muscles but also 28 bones! Other factors that play a role in the healing of foot fractures include the following: occupation or activity level, smoking, other health conditions (diabetes, peripheral vascular disease), malnutrition, obesity, age, and poor bone density. If you have a foot injury, give us a call-708-763-0580!

What is a dislocated Ankle? Robert Griffin III Injury

Frequently, we watch as pro-athletes are carted off of the field with ankle injuries. A dramatic injury occurred yesterday with Robert Griffin III, of the Washington Redskins. He dislocated his ankle. What does dislocation mean? This means that the bones that make up a joint are shifted out of position. In the case of the ankle, there are three bones that make up the joint: the tibia, fibula, and talus. When the bones are shifted out of position, the joint cannot carry out its normal function or movement. The joint will become immediately painful and difficult to operate or move. In the case of lower extremity injuries, walking will be nearly impossible. Additionally, swelling and bruising often occur. A dislocated joint must be assessed by a physician, so patients typically will go to the ER for immediate care. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

NFL and Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Marvin Jones

The NFL season opens tonight, and fans across the country are excited for a great season of football. There were several injuries during preseason play as players tried to earn spots or maintain their spots on NFL teams. Marvin Jones of the Bengals sustained a fracture of his fifth metatarsal in August. The fifth metatarsal is on the outside of the foot and attaches to the fifth toe. Fractures of the fifth metatarsal can occur anywhere along the bone and may be due to trauma or repeat pressure on the bone. There is a portion of this bone that has a weak blood supply, and this is a common area for fractures, such as the Jones Fracture. Additionally, the very end of the bone may be subject to an avulsion fracture, due to pressure where a major tendon, the peroneus brevis, attaches. When a patient fractures the fifth metatarsal, there is pain, swelling, and difficulty putting pressure on the area. Whether surgery is indicated depends on the severity of the injury, bone density, and the activity level of the patient. Some patient do very well with conservative, nonsurgical care. However, elite athletes, such as Jones, typically have surgery on this injury. If you have foot or ankle pain, visit us! 708-763-0580