2012 The Race That's Good for Life in Oak Park

Come visit Dr. Bender and the Advanced Physical Medicine staff at The Race That's Good for Life this Sunday in Oak Park. We will have a booth at the Health Fair. This event is sponsored by the Oak Park Runner's Club. Hope to see you there!

Jaba Chamberlain suffers Open Dislocation of the Subtalar Joint

Jaba Chamberlain of the New York Yankees injured his foot on a trampoline this week while playing with his son. His subtalar joint (which is deep in the foot and in the area of the heel bone) was dislocated or moved out of position. During the injury, there was a break in the skin or opening, which increases the risk of infection, as bone is exposed. Any dislocations or broken bones that involve breaks in the skin are very serious and most be treated with antibiotics immediately. For more information on this topic and Jaba Chamberlain's injury, please review the articles on my Facebook page, Mary Ann Bender/Advanced Physical Medicine.

What is a Jone's Fracture?

Jone’s Fracture

What is a Jone’s Fracture?

A Jone’s Fracture is a break or fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone in the region of the diaphysis (which is toward the bottom of the bone). The fifth metatarsal is the long bone which attaches to the fifth toe. This bone can be injured by twisting the foot or ankle, falling, or some type of force directly over the bone. People that have this injury can develop pain, swelling, difficulty walking/standing, and a feeling of instability.

Diagnosis/Treatment

This injury is diagnosed with X-Rays. Other advanced imaging modalities, such as MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound, can be used if further information is needed about the alignment of the bones.

If the break is in good alignment, immobilization with a cast or walking boot will usually allow adequate healing. However, if the X-Rays show that the fragments of bone are not aligned, surgical intervention is indicated, usually with the placement of screws, plates, or other hardware to hold the bone together. Most fractures of the foot will heal in 6-8 weeks with adequate treatment. However, initial healing of this bone in particular can be delayed or prolonged due to the decreased or poor blood supply to this portion of the bone and due to the attachment of the peroneus brevis tendon to the base of the fifth metatarsal.

Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Patriot's Gronkowski and High Ankle Sprains

In preparation for the Super Bowl, the New England Patriot's tight end, Rob Gronkowski, has removed his walking boot for a high ankle sprain. Although anyone can suffer this injury when the leg shifts outward and injures the syndesmosis or ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula bones of the leg, football players are more prone to this injury. This is different than a conventional ankle sprain, as it is higher (above the ankle). The injury can take days or months to heal, and the initial treatment focuses on RICE (rest, ice, compression/strapping/immobilization, and elevation).

Dr. Bender, Advanced Physical Medicine, 708-763-0580

Ouch-Swollen Feet when Pregnant

A common complaint during pregnancy is swelling or edema. This tends to get worse as the pregnancy advances, and although the bones of the feet are not growing, the increased fluid accumulation may make the feet feel bigger. The increased size of the uterus, along with the release of the hormones relaxin and progesterone (in preparation of delivery), makes it harder for the veins of the lower extremities to pump the fluid out of the area.

How do I relieve this discomfort? Elevation, rest, properly fitting shoes and socks, and compression stockings can help with swelling and discomfort.


It is important to know that the swelling associated with pregnancy is often symmetrical and equal on both sides. If one leg is significantly more swollen than the other, this could be a life threatening emergency known as a deep vein thrombosis or a blood clot. It is essential to go to the nearest emergency room if you have this condition.



Dr. Mary Ann Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302
708-763-0580
drbender@oakparkpodiatry.com

Dwayne Wade and Heel Pain

Miami Heat player Dwayne Wade inured his heel in late December and is still suffering this week. Reports state that he may have a contusion or "bone bruise" or plantar fasciitis. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions: inflammation or tears in the plantar fascia, bone contusions, broken or fractured bones, arthritis, nerve entrapments, decreased fat on the bottom of the heel, back injuries, and other less common causes. X-Rays, CT scans, and MRIs are helpful in determining what is causing of the pain. Initial treatments can include rest, ice, immobilization, antiiflammatory medication, physical therapy, and occasionally stretching or injections depending of what the primary cause is of the condition.

Presented by Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, 708-763-0580

Happy New Year

Hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season! Advanced Physical Medicine Podiatry is back to our normal hours!

Dr. Bender
drbender@oakparkpodiatry.com
708-763-0580