January 2024
Surgery for a Broken Foot
When a foot bone fracture occurs, proper healing is critical for recovery. Treatment options vary based on factors, such as the fracture's severity and location. While some fractures can heal with casts, others necessitate more invasive approaches, like bone fracture repair, also known as open reduction and internal fixation, or ORIF, surgery. ORIF surgery is recommended when a broken bone cannot heal adequately with casting or splinting alone. This is often the case with compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, or fractures involving joints, which can impact mobility. Recovery typically takes six to eight weeks, with initial pain, swelling, and numbness managed through painkillers, rest, and elevation. If you have broken your foot and it is a severe break or is not responding to customary conservative treatment measures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether surgery is an appropriate option for you.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Managing Slow Healing Wounds
Living with diabetes brings its own set of challenges, and one significant concern is the potential for slow-healing wounds. While minor injuries are a part of life, individuals with diabetes face heightened risks. Wounds that linger, fail to heal, or become infected can lead to severe health issues, with infections spreading to nearby tissues or even becoming life or limb threatening. Monitoring these wounds is imperative as slow healing is not normal. Any signs of spreading, oozing, or extreme pain should not be ignored. Daily wound care, including cleaning and bandaging, is essential for prevention. For those with foot wounds, wearing shoes and socks may help to minimize infection risks, especially during physical activities, like walking. Seeking prompt medical attention for non healing foot wounds is paramount. Antibiotics may be necessary, and in severe cases, hospitalization may be required. This proactive approach to wound care, rooted in vigilant monitoring and early intervention, helps to guard against the potential complications of untreated wounds. If you notice lower leg and foot wounds that are slow in healing, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist who is trained in treating and managing foot wounds.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Adult Feet Versus Children's Feet
As we explore the realm of podiatry, the disparities between adult and children's feet unfold like chapters in an evolutionary narrative. Adults, with fully developed skeletal structures, boast arches that have endured the test of time, providing stability and balance. In contrast, children's feet can be likened to blank canvases, each step imprinting a unique pattern of growth. The arches are pliable and unfixed, mirroring the malleability of childhood itself. Ligaments and tendons, gradually gaining resilience, transform these delicate feet into the robust foundation required for a lifetime of mobility. The bones, still in the process of ossification, reflect the ongoing saga of physical development. If you notice that your child exhibits foot development problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough exam and diagnosis.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Causes of Foot Pain From Running
Embarking on a running journey often leads to foot discomfort, ranging from blisters due to friction or wet conditions to more serious injuries caused by repetitive impact. One cause of foot pain in runners is stress fractures, often the result of overuse or sudden mileage increase. Plantar fasciitis, another common cause, is characterized by heel pain resulting from increased mileage or improper shoe choices. Achilles tendonitis, another overuse injury, requires timely diagnosis and treatment by a podiatrist to prevent complications and chronic pain. Metatarsalgia, causing ball of foot pain, and Morton’s neuroma, marked by nerve enlargement between third and fourth toes, commonly cause pain in the metatarsal and toe area of the foot. Pain along the top of the foot may be linked to tightly laced shoes or other causes. Tibialis posterior tendonitis, causes throbbing or burning pain along the arch. Bunions, a deformity of the big toe, and hallux rigidus, or stiffness in the big toe, necessitate treatment from a podiatrist. It is always a good idea to address foot pain rather than to ignore it and keep running. If you are a runner experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough foot exam that will form the basis of an appropriate treatment plan.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
It's Time for Beautiful Feet
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
Common Causes of Lateral Foot Pain
Lateral foot pain can be the result of various conditions, each with distinct features and treatments. Ankle sprains, often caused by rolling the ankle, result in ligament tears, possibly leading to side foot pain, swelling, and instability. Cuboid syndrome may be noticed after an ankle sprain as the cuboid bone shifts out of position. This can cause ongoing foot pain, especially after activity. Peroneal tendonitis, due to repetitive stress, leads to lateral foot pain that worsens with activity. Stress fractures, often caused by repeated stress from sports or increased activity, result in progressive pain during physical activity, localized swelling, and tenderness. Diagnosis relies on bone scans or MRIs, and surgery may be needed in severe cases. Bunions, caused by genetics, wearing tight shoes, flat feet, or arthritis, may lead to symptoms like a rotated big toe, pain, and deformity. Corns and calluses, characterized by thick, raised skin areas, often occur due to excessive friction from tight shoes, foot deformities, or aging. Posterior tibial tendonitis is associated with flat feet, and results from irritation and inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon. This causes pain on the inner side of the ankle and foot during activity. For help with any of the above conditions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.