Hillary Clinton and Blood Clots

Recent reports state that Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has a blood clot. Although I am unaware of the specifics of her case or condition, this is an important topic from a podiatry perspective. Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop in the leg and potentially travel to the lungs, causing a life threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE). The next few blogs will focus on some causes of blood clots. The first is immobilization. Many podiatry patients have to be immobilized with hard or soft casts, walking boots, bandages, ace wraps, and walking boots. These forms of immobilization are often necessary after surgery or injury to the foot or ankle. If the calf becomes red, hot, swollen, or painful or shortness of breath develops, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department, as you may have a DVT or PE.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. There are three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetics are often diagnosed as children or young adults, but this disease can develop at any age. The body does not produce insulin which converts glucose into energy for the body. The glucose becomes elevated in the bloodstream, which can have serious health consequences. Type 2 diabetics are often diagnosed later in life and either do not produce enough insulin or it is not recognized by the body. Finally, gestational diabetes develops in women during prenancy. This form of diabetes goes away after delivery of the baby in most cases, but some women may remain diabetic. Diabetes can have a serious impact on our feet: delayed healing, increased risk of infection, nerve damage, muscle weakening and wasting, circulation or blood flow problems, dry skin, and nail changes. It is important to see a foot doctor regularly if you are diabetic! Diabetic Foot Checks can save your feet and your life! Dr. Bender is a foot doctor at Advanced Physical Medicine in Oak Park and Chicago/63rd Street. 708-763-0580 or 773-776-3166.

Side Effects of Medication

Antiinflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or indocin are helpful at reducing the inflammation associated with foot and ankle injuries or surgeries. Additionally, they are useful for treating the inflammation associated with arthritis, whether rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, or gout. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications or NSAIDS can be harmful to the gastrointestinal tract and stomach, causing irritation, ulcers, and bleeding. Additionally, they may cause the following side effects with prolonged or inappropriate use over time: kidney or liver failure, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, rash, and constipation. It is important to discuss with your doctor your past medical history, current complaints and level of pain and swelling. NSAIDS may or may not work for your condition, and it is essential to know that there are side effects of these drugs. Dr. Bender is a foot and ankle specialist at Advanced Physical Medicine. She can be reached at 708-763-0580 for appointments at the Oak Park location.

Halloween Tips for Keeping your FEET Safe!

Halloween is a very exciting time of year: costumes, candy, treats, parties, friends! However, long costumes, masks, wigs, parties, and trick or treating in the dark can all put our feet at risk. Uneven sidewalks, dips in the pavement or yards, and crowds can cause our ankles or feet to twist and turn. While enjoying the festivities this week, it is important to wear comfortable and supportive shoes, have costumes that are not too long, take care with masks and wigs to be certain you can see clearly, and to use flashlights when it gets dark. Halloween is such a fun event, so make it safe and fun! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Foot Injury for Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez injured his foot this week when he fouled a ball off of it. This can lead to swelling and pain, as it did for Rodriguez. Reports said that he was icing and resting the foot. If a heavy or fast moving object hits your foot or ankle, it is important to rest, ice, wrap, and elevate your foot. These type of injuries may cause breaks and sprains of the foot or ankle, so it is important to make your podiatry appointment soon after injury. Contact the Advanced Physical Medicine Foot Clinic for your foot and ankle needs! 708-763-0580

Forte of the Bears has ankle injury but not a high ankle sprain

Reports today from ESPN state that Bears player, Matt Forte, does have a sore ankle, but it is not a high ankle sprain, as suspected. High ankle sprains involve an injury to the syndesmotic membrane between the tibia and fibula bones of the leg, and the mechanism of injury involves an outward twisting of the leg and/or foot. Obviously, this movement can occur in sports like football, so this is a concern when a professional player like Forte goes down with an ankle injury. X-Rays are taken to make sure that these bones are not broken, but MRI is needed to check the soft tissue structures around the ankle. Compressing the leg often causes pain, especially with twisting. For milder high ankle sprains, RICE (rest, ice, compression/immobilization, and elevation) can be used for treatment, but more severe sprains may require surgery. Thus, the recovery time can vary. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302

Happy Opening Sunday for the NFL! Garcon out with foot injury!

It is the first series of Sunday games for the NFL and Pierre Garcon of the Saints had to exit today's game with a foot injury. Hope you are enjoying your Sunday! Dr. Bender 708-763-0580