Posts for tag: Little River
The most common cause for a persistently painful ankle is incomplete healing after an ankle sprain. Other conditions that can lead to chronic ankle pain include an injury to the nerves that pass along the ankle joint, a torn or inflamed tendon,arthritis of the ankle joint, a fracture of bones around the ankle, inflammation of the ankle joint lining, or scar tissue buildup. These conditions can cause symptoms of pain on the outer side of the ankle, difficulty walking on uneven ground, difficulty walking in high heels, ankle instability,swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and repeated ankle sprains.
The first thing a doctor will evaluate is the history of your chronic ankle pain. This will help them determine the cause, as there are so many potential reasons for chronic ankle pain. Your doctor will also feel for tender areas and look for signs of swelling. They may have you move your foot and ankle to assess range of motion and flexibility. To test the sensation of the nerves, your doctor may administer a shot of local anesthesia. Your doctor may order x-rays of the ankle joint and foot to help view the bony alignment.
The podiatrists at Coastal Podiatry Associates will tailor your treatment plan to your needs. Conservative treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, braces, local steroid injections, and casts. If conservative treatment doesn’t bring relief, surgery may be needed. Most procedures are done on an outpatient setting with six to ten weeks of post-op rehabilitation. Surgical options include removing loose tendon fragments, cleaning the joint or joint surface, and ligament repair or reconstruction.
Coming soon.
A bunion, otherwise known as hallux abducto valgus, involves misalignment of the bones at the big toe joint and sometimes the joint within the big toe. This abnormal anatomy causes the boney prominence on the inside of the big toe. Conservative treatments vary, but surgery is the best treatment and extremely common. Some people avoid the surgery because they have heard stories and misconceptions. The surgery does typically require realignment of the bones through bone cuts and screws. The podiatrists at Coastal Podiatry Associates are well trained, having executed hundreds of bunion surgeries. The following statements are myths, especially when using Coastal Podiatry Associates.
Myth 1: Bunion Surgery is Extremely Painful
Bunion surgery is not different from other surgeries. In general, foot surgery can lead to increased pain due to swelling as the foot is below the level of the heart and blood can easily rush to the area. In addition, the foot has less soft tissue surrounding the bones, so moderate swelling can aggravate the nerves leading to pain. Swelling can be reduced through elevation and icing the affected foot.
Myth 2: Bunion Surgery Means a Cast and Crutches
Modern surgical techniques allow patients to mobilize quicker. Most bunion surgeries involve walking in a surgical shoe for six weeks. Mild surgeries can lead to an early return to shoes, while more complex surgeries may require casting and crutches.
Myth 3: You Have to be Off Work
As a general statement, this is not true. The amount of time away from work depends on the demands of the job and type of surgery. A patient can return to a sedentary desk job within two weeks of the surgery. However, jobs requiring excessive walking, standing, and physical activity may require a medical leave of absence.
Myth 4: Healing after Bunion Surgery Results in Unsightly Scars
Surgical healing is part of the process with any surgery. Newer techniques allow for smaller incisions and alternative surgical approaches may be used to hide surgical scars. Bunion incisions are either on the top of the foot or along the side, based on the surgeon’s technique. A surgeon may use a plastic surgery-type closure to minimize scaring.
Myth 5: Bunions Come Back After Surgery
Recurrence can happen after any surgery. The return of a bunion is no different, and it may be something that can happen over time. Patients that have excessive motion in the foot or do not reduce their risk for developing a bunion may experience a recurrence.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy otherwise known as PRP, is an emerging trend in treatment for professional athletes. This treatment is extremely straightforward and preliminary studies display great benefits for treating plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the ligamentious tissue found on the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.
PRP is blood that has been concentrated with platelets, growth factors, and other blood products. It is used to stimulate the healing of bone and soft tissue. The interesting fact about PRP, is that every part of the process involves a patient’s own blood. Blood is first withdrawn from the patient. It is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the blood into a platelet- rich component, platelet-poor plasma, and red blood cells. The concentrated platelet- rich component is then removed from the rest and injected back into a patient’s problematic areas. This process is nonsurgical and since it involves the patient’s own body, the chance for infection, rejection, or allergic reaction is greatly reduced.
The platelets found in the PRP injection contain proteins and other particles involved in the body’s self-healing process. A teaspoon or two of this injection contains 3 to 10 times the concentration of platelets from that of normal blood. Many times the injection is placed in locations where blood rarely reaches. This allows PRP to deliver the healing instincts of platelets without triggering the clotting response that platelets typically cause.
Since PRP is relatively new and only early studies have been completed, insurance coverage is not universal. If you are interested in this technique to treat plantar fasciitis or other foot pain, it is important to consult a trusted podiatrist. They can help determine the correct treatment path and help you return to pain free activity.
What is Coastal Podiatry Associates?
For most people their feet are the furthest things from their minds, both physically and mentally. They continually place their feet into shoes with the expectation that their feet will hurt at the day’s end. The foot’s design allows it to withstand the constant demands ofwalking, running, and for the most part whatever stress we place on them. It is for this reason that constant foot pain is especially concerning. Often times, your foot’s health is an indicator of your overall health. Signs of arthritis, diabetes, nerve, and circulatory disorders can all be detected in the foot. This is where the doctors at Coastal Podiatry Associates are specially trained to help. Podiatrists are highly trained physicians and surgeons focusing on the foot and ankleand should be an important part of your healthcare team.
The doctors at Coastal Podiatry Associates, Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Menn,Dr. Werter, and Dr. Bakerhave each completed years of rigorous foot and ankle training in a podiatric medical school. This education is an additional four years after receiving an undergraduate degree. Their schooling and training make them the most qualified doctors to care for your feet. These doctors have been taught and specialize in wound care, surgery, biomechanics (how the foot moves), geriatrics, pediatrics, diabetic care and dermatology.
Coastal Podiatry Associates has locations in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach and Little River, South Carolina. It is important to visit one of these locations if you are experiencing or have diabetes, flat feet, bowed legs, high arches, recent or recurring foot, ankle, or lower leg injuries, sores or infections, circulation problems, or lasting foot pain of any kind. The foot is a complex combination of bones, ligaments, and muscles. It is an all-in-one stabilizer, shock absorber, and the initiating force during walking making it essential to overall health and wellbeing. Feet require expert care, like that given at Coastal Podiatry Associates.
Choosing footwear that properly fits can prevent many common foot problems. Hammertoes, calluses, corns, heel pain, andbunionscan all be caused or aggravated by improper footwear. A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) found that 73% of women admitted experiencing foot pain and discomfort because of their shoes. The key to preventing foot issues is to wear shoes that support your specific foot type. This does not mean every shoe should be a sneaker. Dress shoes and many high-heeled shoes come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different foot types. It is important to choose footwear with comfort in mind. Pointy-toe styles can cause hammertoes and bunions. A shoe with a round toe area is the best shape since it allows the most room for the toes to move naturally. According to the APMA, heels over three inches put seven times the pressure on the ball of the foot. They can also lead to balance problems and place unnecessary stress on your knees and ankles.
It is important to get your feet measured on a regular basis as feet naturally widen and lengthen with age. Have your feet measured while standing with full weight of your body on your feet. Most people have one larger foot; therefore, it is important to fit your new shoes accordingly. When trying on your next pair of shoes, there should be one-half inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. It is also a good idea to try on both shoes and walk around the store. If your feet hurt in the store, don’t buy them, as footwear should not need a break-in period.
Before purchasing your next pair of shoes, spend a moment to look at how it is made. To reduce the chance of excessive sweating and blisters choose breathable materials such as leather. Look inside the shoe for exposed seams, pieces of material, or outcroppings of leather that can rub against you foot and cause blistersor wounds. It is best to shop for footwear in the afternoon or evening when feet are largest due to natural swelling. Full-service shoe stores are more likely to carry half sizes and have knowledgeable staff members who can measure your feet and suggest a specific shoe. Focusing on your foot health as you shoe shop is definitely worth the extra time and effort!