Dallas Cowboys Player, Demarco Murray, has broken ankle

Many Dallas Cowboys football fans watched yesterday as player, DeMarco Murray, had to be helped off the field with an injury to his lower extremity. It was later determined that he had a broken ankle. Ankle breaks (also known as fractures) can be very serious injuries that may heal with immobilization or surgery. Often X-rays and more advanced modalities, such as CT scans and MRIs, are used to determine the severity of the injury and to determine what treatment plan is best.

If you have an injury to your foot or ankle, please contact Advanced Physical Medicine to make your appointment for a check up! 708-763-0580

Why are my toenails thick, discolored, and loose?

There are several reasons why you have a loose or discolored toenail. This week, we will again discuss the most common cause-fungus.

You may have a condition called ONYCHOMYCOSIS or fungal toenails. There are a variety of causes of this condition: athlete’s foot, pedicures, trauma, or chronic conditions (diabetes, cancer, lupus, etc.). There are both topical and oral treatment options, and there are even over the counter medications that have good success rates. A toenail takes 9-12 months to grow out, even with treatment. None of the medications are 100 percent successful, but if no treatment is started, the condition can get worse. Unfortunately, the fungal toenails will not improve if left untreated.

It is important to see a podiatrist to assess whether you actually have a fungus in your toenail. Sometimes a biopsy of the nails needs to be taken to determine if there is actually fungus in the nail.

Next week, we will discuss other causes of loose and discolored nails.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Ben Roethlisberger Injures Ankle on Thursday Night Football

Many NFL fans watching in shock tonight as Ben Roethlisberger limped off the field this evening with an injury to his ankle. Although, preliminary X-Ray results show no broken bone, the ankle is a very complicated structure. The ankle is made up of the fibula, tibia, and talus bones, several ligaments that support both sides of the ankle, and several tendons that pass on all sides of the ankle. Thus, a bad fall or twist, as suffered tonight by the Steeler's quarterback, can injure any of these structures.

If you have an injury to your ankle while playing the sport of your choice, it is important to immediately incorporate RICE (rest, ice, compression/ace wrap, and elevation). Please see oakparkpodiatry.com or advancedphysicalmedicine.org for more information on ankle injuries.

Dr. Mary Ann Bender, 6931 W. North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302, 708-763-0580

Second Annual Sock Collection for the Homeless

Hi Friends- I am having my second annual sock collection for homeless patients in Chicago!

These patients visit the free foot clinics that are sponsored by Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine.

If you are able to donate new socks, you can either drop them by my office in Oak Park or I can come

pick them up! Thanks so much for your continued support of the homeless population in Chicago!

Mary Ann



Second Annual Sock Drive for the Homeless

As the cold weather approaches, more individuals visit local homeless shelters for healthcare services, meals, and lodging. Dr. Mary Ann Bender is collecting new socks to distribute at her podiatry clinics at Pacific Garden Mission, Interfaith House, and Uptown Mission.

Needed: NEW Adult Men’s Socks

Collection site: Dr. Mary Ann Bender

Advanced Physical Medicine

6931 W. North Ave.

Oak Park, IL 60302

Dates: November 28-December 23

Questions: drbender@oakparkpodiatry.com

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Diabetes Awareness Month Wrap Up

As Diabetes Awareness Month wraps up, it is important to remember several important things throughout the year to keep your feet healthy.

1. Control your blood sugar by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

2. Check your feet daily. If you see any color changes or any abnormalities, see your foot doctor immediately.

3. Wear supportive, cushioned, properly fitting shoe gear.

4. Stop smoking!

5. Wash your feet daily and apply lotion or cream to the tops and bottoms but not between the toes.

6. Keep your doctors appointments. This includes seeing a foot doctor regularly for your long nails, corns, and callouses.

This information is only a basic outline of reminders about diabetic foot care. If you have this condition, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Bender for a more comprehensive discussion about your particular foot care needs. 708-763-0580.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Dr. Bender, Advanced Physical Medicine

Baltimore Ravens Player Ray Lewis Unable to Play Today due to Toe Injury

NFL Player Ray Lewis, of the Baltimore Ravens, was unable to play today due to a toe injury. There are a variety of ways we can injure our toes while playing sports. If you do injure your toe while playing a sport, it is essential to get it checked by a podiatrist right away, so you can get back to your sport or exercise routine as quickly as possible!

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