Holiday Fun and Feet-Dress Shoes

During the holiday season, many of us have parties, dinners, and get togethers to attend that require fancy or dressy clothes. I am constantly telling my patients this time of year to be careful with their choice of shoes for the festivities. It is important to wear supportive shoes that cannot be bent or twisted and have a heel that cannot be bent inward. Additionally, soft leathers and materials that conform around bunions, hammer toes, and other bumps reduce blisters and pain. Toes with a bigger toe box (the front area for the toes) can allow the toes to move freely. Good choices are round or square toed shoes. High heeled shoes put people at risk for falling and twisting the ankle and also put extra pressure on the forefoot (toes and surrounding areas). Because the foot is in an abnormal or unnatural position with high heels, this increases the risk of injury and pain. Therefore, it is important to be careful what type of shoes you select this holiday season to keep your feet happy and healthy! Foot Pain? Give us a call, 708-763-0580.

Peyton Manning and Tear of Plantar Fascia

Denver Bronco Superstar, Peyton Manning, is injured right now and unable to play due to a reported tear of his plantar fascia. Yesterday, he was seen walking on the field in a walking cast. The plantar fascia is a band that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the bones just before the toes. The plantar fascia is often associated with heel pain, and it can be aggravated after rest when it is inflamed, a condition called plantar fasciitis. However, a tear may also develop in the plantar fascia, which can cause some pain after rest, but also pain with weight bearing (walking, standing, running, etc). Thus, patients that have pain that is aggravated by walking and gets worse with activity or as the day goes on, may have a tear of the plantar fascia. Tears of this band can be caused by repetitive trauma (running, jumping, etc), sudden trauma (twisting the foot, falling, etc), poor shoe gear, poor foot mechanics, and other things. Immobilization for six to eight weeks in a walking boot or cast often works well for this condition. A course of physical therapy is often needed after immobilization. If you have foot pain that is not improving, give us a call! 708-763-0580.

Gout and Thanksgiving

The holiday season has arrived, and this is the time for delicious food and festivities. Often, people wake up over the upcoming, post-Thanksgiving weekend with a swollen, painful, hot big toe joint. They do not recall any injury or problems with the feet over the holiday and wonder what could have caused this. Gout! Gout is an arthritic condition that affects joints. The big toe joint of the foot is the most common location, but other joints can be involved. Certain foods have high levels of purines, which can cause increased uric acid in the blood stream, and this can cause a flare up of gout. Holiday foods, such as red meat, organ meat, game, cheese, leafy green vegetables, shrimp, beer, wine, and others can lead to a gouty flare. Additionally, being male, a post menopausal woman, or taking certain prescription drugs, can increase your chances of devleoping gout along with the diet full of foods that increase uric acid levels in the body when metabolized. If you have foot pain over the holidays, give us a call! 708-763-0580. Dr. Bender

Diabetic Foot Ulcerations and Diabetes Awareness Month

Patients with diabetes are at higher risk for foot ulcerations. This means that an area of skin may open up and have difficulty healing. Poor circulation, lack of sensation, bony prominences, and poor immunity make diabetics more predisposed to foot ulcers. It is important as a diabetic to check your feet daily for any changes, such as blisters, openings, cuts, or thick callouses. Even small changes, like areas of redness, can suggest a pressure point that may cause an ulcer later. Thus, it is important to notify your podiatrist or doctor if you notice the slightest change on the feet. Ulcerations on the feet are often treated with a variety of things: wound care (bandages and medications), blood sugar control, antibiotics if infected, walking boots, shoes, or casts, and nutrition. Bloodwork, x-rays or MRI exams, and blood flow studies may be needed to gather more information about the health of the foot. Additionally, consultations with vascular surgeons, neurologists, endocrinologists, wound care specialists, and other doctors may be necessary to offer adequate treatment. If you have an opening on your foot and are diabetic, it is essential to see a foot specialist immediately for a consultation and plan for healing the wound. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Diabetes Awareness Month 2016 and Circulation

Diabetes affects many parts of the body, and that is why it is important to keep up with your health. At your podiatry visit, the foot doctor will check many things, and one of those is the circulation or blood flow to the feet. Diabetes, and other conditions, can reduce circulation. The podiatry exam includes a check of the pulses to the feet, temperature of the feet, skin changes, nail changes, hair growth, vein changes, and other things. If there is a problem with the blood flow to the feet, it can affect the ability to walk for certain distances, can make the feet or legs feel heavy, can decrease healing, can cause pain, can cause ulcers to develop, and other issues. Thus, it is important to get your feet checked regularly if you have diabetes to make sure that the blood flow is adequate. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Dez Bryant of the Cowboys Using Orthotics after Foot Surgery

While watching the Dallas Cowboys play yesterday, I enjoyed the game announcers discussion about Dallas Cowboy, Dez Bryant, and his recent foot surgery. Dez Bryant sustained a fifth metatarsal fracture, which was surgically treated. According to the announcers, he is now in orthotics for both feet. Orthotic devices are designed to support the foot, control abnormal motion, protect areas of the foot, and to accommodate things like limb length deformities and other structural deformities. Custom molded orthotic devices are only designed for the individual person, as they are made from custom casts or computer scans. Additionally, special shoe gear may be necessary to protect the surgical site, and according to the reports during NFL Sunday, Dez Bryant also had special shoes to go with his new orthotics. Orthotic devices can help a wide range of foot issues: fatigue, arch pain, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, neuromas, neuritis, flat feet, high arched feet, bunions, hallux limitus, and other conditions.

My Second Toe is Being Pushed up by My Big Toe! What do I do?

Often, patients come in with problems to their second toe. One of the big causes is that they have a bunion, which is a condition where they develop a bump on the inner foot and the big toe shifts over. The big toe can bump into the second toe or even push it upward and out of position. Simple solutions that might help this include padding and shoes that have soft material or a lot of room for the toes. Some patients require surgery for this condition, but the surgery often would include reduction of the bunion deformity.

Kids and Foot Problems

At the Advanced Physical Medicine Foot Clinic we do treat kids! When I was a resident at St. Joseph Hopsital, I even was called for consultations for newborn babies with ingrown toenails! Surprisingly, children can have a variety of foot problems: ingrown nails, warts, pain, fatigue, breaks or fractures, flat feet, athlete's foot, infections, and more. Often, there are a variety of straight forward ways to make the little ones feel better fast! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

What is a Neuroma?

A neuroma is caused when there is inflammation around a digital nerve. This is a nerve that goes to the toes and passes between two bones called metatarsals. Often, the bones are too close together, and they rub on the nerve causing friction and inflammation. The inflamed area around the nerve can form something similar to a ball, which can cause the toes to spread and may feel like a rock, bunched up sock, or swollen area on the bottom of the foot. Additionally, there is often pain with the neuroma, and this can be aggravated by certain activities, high heels, shoes with little support, shoes with pointed toes, and barefoot walking. The pain can be sharp, burning, aching, or shooting. If you have this type of pain, it is important to see a foot doctor for treatment. Dr. Bender, 708-837-2540

Cowboy's Dez Bryant to have Foot Surgery due to a Fracture

Last night, Dallas Cowboy, Dez Bryant, was injured during the team's first official game of the season. Reports state that Dez Bryant has a fracture or break of the fifth metatarsal bone on his foot. This is a bone on the outside of the foot that is frequently injured by athletes. Depending on the exact site of the break on the fifth metatarsal, it is sometimes called a Jones Fracture. Fifth metatarsal bones can have slow healing if broken in certain areas of the bone due to a reduced blood supply. Additionally, elite athletes often need surgery for this injury to adequately stabilize the bone with a screw or other hardware and to get them back to their sport as soon as possible. Patients that are not elite athletes may or may not require surgery for this fracture.

What to do with a splinter in your foot!?

Over the summer, my daughter stepped on something (which was a small splinter or piece of wood). This reminded me that it would be a perfect topic for my blog. What should you do if you step on a splinter? If you can easily see the splinter and remove it, you should do so and apply antibiotic ointment and a band aid. However, it is important to see a foot doctor if you have stepped on a splinter and cannot remove it, are in severe pain, or it looks infected (red, hot, swollen pustular drainage). The sooner you schedule an appointment, the better, as the small piece can move deeper into the foot or cause an infection (as it is a foreign object). If the condition is severe and you are unable to get an appointment with a podiatrist, you should go to the emergency room. Additionally, patients with poor circulation, diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or any form of disease with decreased immunity, should schedule a podiatry visit to have the area assessed. These patients are more susceptible to infection and may heal slower. Some patients may require x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans if the splinter has traveled further into the foot, and some patients need the splinter surgically removed if it is deeper in the foot and/or infected. If your foot hurts, give us a call! 708-763-0580

What is the calcaneus?

The calcaneus is the heel bone. It is the largest bone in the foot, and it is, obviously, very important for standing, walking, running, and jumping. With heel strike, our foot begins to take a step. Thus, this bone endures a lot of pressure as soon as we decide to undertake a weightbearing activity. Additionally, the calcaneus has several muscles on the foot that begin or originate from it, and several muscles become tendons and insert on the back of it. All of these structures are important for allowing the foot to move properly. This area of the foot is complicated and important. Thus, when people develop heel pain, there can be a variety of causes. X-Rays, CT scans, and MRIs may be required along with a thorough clinical exam and history from the patient to determine why there is heel pain. If you have heel pain, give us a call! 708-763-0580.

Vacation Closure

Dr. Bender is out of town Aug. 7-16. Please call Eliza or Kasia if you need assistance during this time, 708-763-0580.

What is a Stress Fracture of my foot?

The foot is made up of 28 bones and many soft tissue structures (tendons, muscles, nerves, ligaments). A stress fracture is a hair line or small crack in a bone. Usually, the condition has foot swelling and pain associated with it. The foot is a common place for stress fractures because it is used for weightbearing. Additionally, repeated microtrauma (marching, running, walking, dancing, etc)is a typical cause of foot stress fractures. Stress fractures may not be visible on a normal x-ray for 21 days and advanced tests such as MRI may be necessary along with a clinical exam to diagnose a stress fracture. Stress fractures require immobilization in a surgery shoe or boot and often take 6-8 weeks to heal if treated promptly. Some stress fractures are not immediately diagnosed because the patient does not remember any specific injury or event that caused the fracture. Thus, they often wait to see if the condition will get better on its own and delay their doctor's appointment. Dr. Bender 708-763-0580

What is the Achilles Tendon? Jason Grilli of the Braves Injures his Achilles Tendon

The Achilles Tendon is a thick tissue that connects the muscles in the calf to the back of the heel bone or calcaneus. Jason Grilli of the Braves recently injured his Achilles tendon while racing off the mound trying to cover first base. Abnormal movements and trauma are ways that the tendon can be irritated, torn, or ruptured. If you have pain in the back of your heel, it is important to seek treatment with a podiatrist. A clinical exam, x-ray, and potentially, an MRI will be needed to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan.

What is the Plantar Fascia?

The Plantar Fascia is a thick band of soft tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It begins at the heel bone or calcaneus and extends to an area around the base of the toes. The plantar fascia has three bands: medial, central, and lateral. It can easily become irritated, and this condition is called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be the cause of heel or arch pain in some people. If you have foot pain, give us a call at 708-763-0580. Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302

Is it good to have hair on my feet?

During a podiatry exam, one of the things that the physician looks for is hair growth to the toes and feet. This is a sign that there is good blood flow or circulation to the feet. Thus, it is a great thing to see. In patients with poor circulation, there may be decreased or no hair to the feet, and other findings include color changes to the feet, cold feet, thin skin, nail changes, sores on the toes, no or reduced pulses (the podiatrist feels these on the feet), and pain. If you have any of these changes to your feet, it is important to see a foot doctor. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Dr. Mary Ann Bender presents.......What is a phalanx?

A phalanx is one of the small bones that makes up a toe. For the big toe (also known as the hallux), there are two phalanges, and for the lesser toes, there are typically three phalanges per toe. Thus, a phalanx is a very small bone. These bones are easy to break or injure if they are stepped on, bumped, or traumatized in any other way. The best way to see if a phalanx has been injured is through a clinical exam with your podiatrist and with an x-ray. Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

What are these blisters on my feet?

The weather is improving, and all of the sudden, you notice blisters on your feet, with itching and scaling. As the temperatures go up, our feet get warmer and more sweaty. Fungi love warm, moist environments like our shoes and socks, so it is easy to develop athlete's foot (also known as tinea pedis). It is important to see a foot doctor for this condition, as a cream or gel is needed to kill the fungi and stop them from multiplying. Additionally, it is important to keep the feet dry (changing socks frequently) and to spray your shoes out with Lysol each day. Finally, it is essential that shower shoes are worn in locker rooms or around the pool to avoid getting athlete's foot from these locations. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Flip Flops-Toe injuries

The warmer weather is descending on us, and that means shorts, tank tops, and sandals. Many of us will begin to wear our flip flops. Supportive flip flops are a great option for summer activities. However, the flat and non-supportive flip flops that can be purchased cheaply at various stores are dangerous for the feet! In this blog, I wanted to mention that these versions of flip flops can cause injury in several ways. First, the front of the flexible flip flop can go underneath the sole, exposing the toes to injury (cuts, abrasions, blisters, broken toes, and more). This happened to several of my patients last summer while walking dogs or going on brisk walks. Additionally, these types of flip flops (and many sandals) do not protect the toes from injury-getting bumped, stepped on, or having objects drop on them. Finally, the lack of support in the heel or back of the shoe makes us more susceptible to twisting the foot (spraining the ankle, irritating tendons, and breaking bones). Thus, a sandal that cups the heel will make us slightly safer than a flatter version.

Why do Warts Grow on the Feet?

Warts are caused by a virus, and the feet are a common location for the growth of warts. Warts thrive in warm, moist environments, like our shoes and socks. Additionally, gyms, pools, and locker rooms are places were warts can be spread, as these locations are often warm and wet! It is important to keep your feet dry (powder, changing socks frequently, etc). Additionally, wearing sandals around the pool and shoes in locker rooms is essential. If you have a funny growth on the skin of your foot, it may be a wart! Give us a call-708-763-0580.

Women's Foot Complaints- Women's Health Week

Several years ago, I was asked to write an article about common female foot problems. Many of the conditions that I treat happen in both men and women. However, there are some things that are more common in one sex versus another. Here is the article, as I thought it would be a great blog post for Women's Health Week 2015. Women's Foot Complants The most common foot ailments in women are onychomycosis, Morton neuroma, stress fractures and plantar fasciitis. A variety of foot conditions plague women more often than men. Many are aggravated by the shoes that women wear but also can be caused by loss of bone density as women age. The most common foot ailments in women are onychomycosis, Morton neuroma, stress fractures and plantar fasciitis. Onychomycosis A fungal infection of the toenails, onychomycosis most often is caused by dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes) or yeasts and molds, primarily Candida. Although diagnosis often is based on the clinician's judgment, acceptable methods for confirming fungal involvement include use of dermatophyte test medium or a potassium hydroxide test. Onychomycosis results in cosmetically unacceptable nails that are dystrophic, lytic, thick, painful and discolored. The condition can develop as a consequence of tinea pedias, trauma to the nail, an immunocompromised state, or pedicures (removal of the cuticle creates microtears that allow fungus to enter the nail). Treatment options include debridement, oral or topical antifungal therapies, or permanent removal of the toenail with a chemcial or surgical matrixectomy. Simple removal of the toenail without treatment of the fungus will lead to regrowth of the fungal nail. Combination therapy is the most successful approach; for example, results of a 2006 study showed that oral terbinafine plus nail debridement led to higher mycologic cure rates than did treatment with oral terbinafine alone (68% vs. 63%). Morton Neuroma This condition develops from enlargement of the third common digital branch of the medial plantar nerve. Pressure from the corresponding third and fourth metatarsal heads and adjacent deep transverse metatarsal ligament causes pain in the third intermetatarsal space. Burning or sharp, shooting pain to the corresponding toes and the sensation of walking on a pebble or a marble are common complaints. Compressive forces on the forefoot (e.g., from wearing shoes with pointed toes or engaging in certain athletic activities) exacerbate these symptoms. A positive Mulder sign (clicking as the neuroma rubs on the adjacent metatarsal heads) can occur on dorsal-to-plantar or side-to-side compression of the forefoot. The diagnosis is best made based on clinical examination or with a diagnostic injection of local anesthetic in the interspace between the metatarsal heads. Neuromas can also be diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound or nerve conduction studies. Other pathologies that can cause similar symptoms are capsulitis, metatarsalgia, avascular necrosis or stress fractures of the metatarsals, soft-tissue tumors, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and plantar plate ruptures. After diagnosis of the neuroma, the patient should be referred to a podiatrist or other foot specialist for evaluation and treatment. Conservative treatments include padding and strapping, orthotic devices and steriod injections. A less-widely used but successful conservative regimen involves weekly injections of a sclerosing alcohol mixture (a combination of local anesthetic and dehydrated ethyl alcohol). In a 1999 study, 82% of patients who were given weekly sclerosing alcohol injections for 3 to 7 weeks experienced complete relief. If conservative therapies are not sucessful, the neuroma can be excised surgically; however, this will lead to a decrease in sensation in the corresponding digital interspace. Stress Fractures Metatarsal fractures commonly affect women during and after the menopausal transition; however, athletes and military recruits also can suffer from the condition. The lesser metatarsals are a common location for stress fractures. Patients complain of persistent pain and swelling in the forefoot and might report recent periods of weight-bearing activity (often involving a particular repetitive motion). Initially, the injury is limited to cortical bone - but, if left untreated, the fracture can extend through the entire bone and even become displaced. Although conventional radiographs might be negative for the first 21 days after injury, bone scans or MRIs can reveal the fracture earlier. One study that included 37 female athletes (primarily runners) showed that 47% of stress fractures were identifiable with initial radiographs, whereas 96% were detectable with bone scans. Successful conservative treatment consists of compressive bandaging and immobilization (surgical shoe, cam walker boot, or cast). To prevent fracture recurrence, modification of physical activities and shoe gear should be addressed; in addition, treatment for bone density loss, if present, is warranted. Plantar Fasciitis This inflammatory condition of the plantar fascial band (which courses along the plantar aspect of the foot) is one of the most common foot ailments, accounting for 15% of all adult foot complaints. Pain often is localized to the medial plantar region of the heel. Patients report pain when they stand after periods of rest (poststatic dyskinesia). Typically, a brief period of walking offers some relief. Common causes of plantar fasciitis include foot structure, obesity, changes in physical activity, and lack of supportive shoe gear. Plantar fasciitis is best diagnosed clinically, but ultrasound and MRI often are helpful for visualizing changes in the thickness or continuity of the plantar fascial band. Radiographs can reveal the plantar calcaneal spur that often accompanies this condition. Several other conditions that can cause heel pain (i.e., nerve entrapments, bone cysts, calcaneal stress fractures, systemic arthritic conditions, and lumbar spine disorders) should be considered if the patient has an atypical presentation or is not responding to conservative measures. Conservative therapy renders successful outcomes in most patients and usually should be employed for a minimum of 6 months. The best conservative therapy employs a combination of icing, stretching, nonsteriodial anti-inflammatory drug therapy, padding, strapping, custom molded orthotics, night splints, physical therapy, steroid injections, short-term oral steroid therapy, or immobilization with a cast or cam walker boot. When warranted, surgical treatments for this condition include open or endoscopic plantar fasciotomies. Newer therapies that show promise but are not yet widely used include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, cryotherapy, and Topaz coblation (radiofrequency technology). Conclusion Several podiatric conditions have higher incidence in women than in men. Early diagnosis of these pathologies can lead to more-focused, successful treatment.

The Sesmoids-What are they?

Often, when I am taking an x-ray of the foot, people point to two circular bones with concern and ask "what are these?" The two round bones under the big toe joint (first metatarsal phalangeal joint) are called sesmoids and help the tendon that passes through that area to function properly. These two sesmoid bones are identified as the tibial and fibular sesmoids. Patients rarely notice these bones unless they are injured. High impact activities like marching, running, and jumping are common things that can injure the sesmoids. However, poor shoegear, foot structure, and trauma (falls, twisting the foot, etc) can also harm these bones. If you have pain and swelling under your big toe joint, it is important to get it checked out. Give us a call! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Swollen Toe-What should I do?

All of the sudden, your toe is swollen and tender. What is going on? Well, it is important to see a podiatrist or foot doctor to get it checked out! The foot doctor will be interested in a variety of things: did you injure it, do you have new shoes, do you have other medical conditions, did you start a new exercise or activity, or do you use that foot repeatedly for work (a peddle, etc). The sore toe and foot will be examined and x-rays are usually taken. Many things can cause a swollen toe: breaks or fractures, soft tissue irritation or injury, hammer toes, arthritic conditions, soft tissue masses, infection, and other conditions. Do you have a sore toe? Give us a call, 708-763-0580, oakparkpodiatry.com

Fractured Toe for Brewer's Player, Jonathan Lucroy

News reports state that Milwaukee Brewer, Jonathan Lucroy, will be unable to play for 4-6 weeks due to a fracture of his big toe after it was hit by a foul ball. As the 2015 baseball season kicks into full gear, there will be reports of injuries due to being hit by foul balls, pitches, etc. The speed and angle of the ball can cause significant damage to the structures of the foot and ankle. Fractures or broken bones are common after being hit by a baseball. Broken bones of the foot take 6-8 weeks to heal and often require immobilization (casts, surgery shoes, walking boots), rest, and occasionally, surgery. The need for surgery depends on the location and severity of the injury, stability of the fracture, other health conditions of the patient, and other factors. If you have a foot injury, give us a call! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

What is a metatarsal?

There are five metatarsal bones in each of our feet, and one metatarsal connects to each toe. The metatarsal bones are longer bones than the bones of the toes (called phalanges). Tendons, muscles, and ligaments connect to the metatarsal bones, so they are very important to the normal function of our feet. Make your feet happy, give us a call, 708-763-0580. Dr. Mary Ann Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Jared Sullinger Stress Fracture of Foot

Jared Sullinger of the NBA Celtics will be sitting out for the remainder of the season due to a stress fracture of the foot. Stress fractures, also known as hairline breaks or fractures, are common in the foot and typically take 6-8 weeks to heal if properly and promptly diagnosed. Unfortunately, these fractures are not always diagnosed in a normal patient in a timely fashion because they may not be visible on conventional x-rays for up to twenty one days. For an elite athlete, if x-rays are negative, advanced imaging modalities like MRI and CT scans are often ordered immediately. Frequently, if a normal, non-athlete patient has pain over a bone that is not improving despite negative x-rays, an MRI or CT will eventually be ordered. This can cause a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

White Sox player, Chris Sale, has a Fractured Foot

News broke today that White Sox pitcher, Chris Sale, broke a bone on the outside of his foot while unloading something from his truck. Although the player said to the media that the injury was an ankle sprain, reports from the White Sox state that he has a fracture on the outside of the foot. Typically, fractures or breaks of the foot take 6-8 weeks to heal. The White Sox report that Sale will only be out for his particular injury for three weeks. A fracture or break of the foot is typically diagnosed with an exam by a foot doctor, x-rays, and occasionally more advanced tests like MRI or CT scans. A broken bone in the foot requires immobilization for protection (surgery shoe, boot, cast, and/or crutches), or occasionally, surgery. If you have injured your foot, give us a call! Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. 708-763-0580, oakparkpodiatry.com

Cutting your own Toenails

Patients frequently come into the office with painful, ingrown toenails that they have tried to dig out. Often, trying to cut out the ingrown toenail yourself can make it worse, as a sharp edge or piece of nail will be left behind. This can lead to a cut in the surrounding skin and infection if left untreated. So, the question patients often ask me is how should they cut their own nails. My answer is that they should cut the toenails straight across and try not to dig out or remove an ingrown toenail, as this can make the problem worse. If you have a painful nail border, give us a call, so the nail edge can be properly removed with sterile instruments. Often the nail edge can be carefully removed with little pain. However, occasionally, the toe will need anesthesia for the border of the nail to be removed. Make your Feet Happy, and come visit us! Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. 708-763-0580

SuperBowl 2015 and Toenail Fungus AD

The 2015 Super Bowl ads have been excellent, but the best one of all from a podiatry standpoint is for the drug Jublia that fights toenail fungus. Toenail fungus causes thick, discolored, crumbly, and misshaped toenails that can get worse over time. Give us a call to determine what treatment would be best for your fungal toenails. 708-763-0580 or oakparkpodiatry.com. Dr. Bender

Your FOOT-What is the cuboid bone?

The cuboid bone is a bone on the outside of the foot. There is a misconception that this bone is next to the "pinky toe." However, the little toe is adjacent to the fifth metatarsal bone (a longer bone), which joins the cuboid. The cuboid can be injured by trauma (car accidents, falls), twisting or spraining of the ankle, repetitive movements (marching, operating a machine), or in other ways. There will be pain, swelling, and often inability to stand or walk due to an injury or break of the cuboid bone. Conventional x-rays and an exam by a podiatrist are needed to check the area. Occasionally, CT or MRI exams may be needed to determine the extent of the injury. After a diagnosis is identified, the injury can be treated with surgery or immobilization (casting, boots, etc.). The treatment plan will be determined by the extent of the injury (bone is out of place or involving a joint), age, activity level, bone density, and other factors. Healing of a foot fracture often takes 6-8 weeks and is followed by a course of physical therapy. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Carolina Panthers' player, Lotulelei, out of playoffs with Foot Fracture

As NFL playoff excitement builds, the Carolina Panthers defense will be weaker without Star Lotulelei, who sustained a foot fracture in practice on Tuesday. Lotulelei has undergone foot surgery to repair the break and will be out for the remainder of the playoffs. Reports state that he rolled his foot on another player's foot and developed the fracture. A common way that people develop sprains and breaks in the foot and ankle is when they step on an irregular surface and twist the foot inward. This is the most common way of developing a sprained ankle. Additionally, this motion can also cause excessive strain on the normal structures of the foot, causing breaks in the bones of the foot. If you twist your foot and the pain does not improve, you should see a foot specialist for an exam and x-rays. Ice, rest, strapping the foot, and elevation should also be started as soon as possible. Enjoy the playoffs! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580