Osteochondritis

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you having pain and stiffness in your ankle?

Persistent pain in your foot or ankle can be very frustrating as it impairs your ability to carry out daily tasks or takes you out of activities. Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT regularly sees patients complaining of ankle pain and ready for relief.

If you are experiencing pain and stiffness in your ankle joint, it could be the result of a condition called osteochondritis. This is a common condition that most often develops after you have had a twisting-type injury to your ankle. During an injury, a piece of cartilage from the end of a bone in your ankle can “chip” off or become loose. Sometimes a chipped piece of cartilage stays in place leaving no pain or symptoms. It is when a fragment of cartilage moves and and gets caught between a joint that pain or stiffness can develop. Swelling and aching are also common symptoms we hear from patients at our podiatric office.

This sounds like what I may have, what can be done?

This is one of those conditions where the early it is diagnosed and treated the better. Rest and immobilization in a cast can give the bone injury time to heal. If the condition is more severe, surgery may be needed to remove the loose fragments of cartilage. The area where the fragment broke off from may need to be addressed as well. This can be done by drilling holes which stimulates blood vessels resulting in scar tissue that fills in the area.

To avoid surgery, please call us today if you are experiencing nagging, aching pain or stiffness in your ankle. Dr. Boucher can diagnose the severity of your injury and start appropriate treatment immediately. Call our office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Capsulitis: Take Time Now and Get it Treated

Right knee. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two bones coming together in the body form a joint. Joints are what allow the body to move. Capsular ligaments surround the joint. They are tough cord like structures that are similar in strength to tough leather. They hold the bones together in alignment and allow the joint to move within its appropriate range. Bones are tougher than ligaments and have strength more in the range of low grade steel. With ligaments holding the joint together, if a traumatic injury occurs, since the ligaments are the weaker of the two structures, they give way first. Faulty biomechanical structure can also cause stress that results in an injury.

Activities done every day may contribute to stress that leads to injury. Some of the day to day activities that you do that may be contributing factors include:

• Stooping while gardening
• Squatting down frequently
• Climbing ladders
• Working close to the ground or floor
• Wearing high heels

All of these activities force the body into a position where the toes are excessively bent and a great deal of pressure is placed on the toes. Eventually, this constant overstretching occurs and capsulitis sets in. If the aggravating activity continues the injury becomes more serious and takes longer period of time to heal.

The pain caused by capsulitis is a continual nagging discomfort. At times the pain may closely resemble that of Morton’s neuroma, making it difficult or somewhat confusing to diagnose. A clear history of prior foot injuries, complaints and activities may assist Dr. Boucher with her evaluation, so a patient should be prepared to answer questions. You should contact Dr. Boucher if you suspect you have capsulitis.

Fortunately, there are conservative treatments that should help with the discomfort. These may include:

• Oral anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Topical analgesics

You need to avoid the aggravating activity as much as possible and protect your feet by wearing shoes that have a more durable sole. Avoid flip-flops, high heels, boat shoes, skimmers and flats. These shoes have flimsy soles and will not protect your feet. Call Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668 if you suspect you have capsulitis. A delay in treatment will worsen the condition and extend the recovery time.

References:

http://www.centralctfootcare.com/library/3763/Capsulitis.html
http://www.foot-pain-explained.com/capsulitis.html

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Blue Ridge Trail Head or Pennsylvania Avenue - Pros and Cons of Trail Running

Kilian Jornet, during his winning run at 08 UTMB (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Runners are always looking for something to make their somewhat lonely and tedious sport a bit more interesting and challenging. One of the options that they exercise is trail running. Many runners believe that the softer footing is better for the health of feet and ankles and in some circumstances it is. But the looser terrain and frequent obstacles can pose a trip and fall or sprain injury hazard if you lose focus for so much as one moment. Another thing that trail runners need to be concerned with is the rise in the terrain. There is some question as to how steep the angle is before it has an adverse effect on the Achilles tendon. The selection of a surface to run on may be more of a choice based on what type of pain, if any, that you are dealing with. Whereas running on the street provides a flat level surface, it is somewhat hard.  However, studies show that our bodies are somewhat adaptive. The softer terrain of trail running may have its own appeal, at first thought, but there are masked dangers like stumps, rocks, holes and an uneven path under foot. Roadways are equally hazard strewn, but you are closer to help if need be, or help is closer to you.

If you are weighing your options, remember there are other suitable surfaces that offer you a safe and pleasant experience. These alternatives may include:

• Grass
• Dirt roads
• Athletic tracks
• Treadmills
• Sand

A park like setting and a run on the grass provides an appealing alternative. The grass provides spring underfoot and will definitely lessen the impact forces. You will have to contend with other people, bicycles, dogs on leashes, holes in the grass and possibly debris. Dirt roads are softer than concrete or asphalt and provide good stability for the feet and ankles. Athletic tracks with their extruded rubber or other synthetic surfaces may be the perfect blend between soft and sturdy, but it would do nothing to alleviate boredom, and could possibly cause an overuse problem such as iliotibial band syndrome which causes pain in the outer knee. Treadmills provide yet another opportunity, but most runners would prefer the outdoors. If you are running on a treadmill, to optimize your workout, adjust it to an incline. There is no scenery on a treadmill, so tedium may set in, but it is an option, especially for cold or rainy stretches. Sand on the beach is one more possibility. No prettier or more enjoyable than a run there. If you are new to running on sand, you might want to condition first by staying on the firmer wet sand.

Options presented here should help you to make a decision. Our best advice is...mixing it up. If an injury does occur, you are lucky to have Dr. Boucher at your toe tips. She provides a full range of podiatric services, with a little compassion and humor thrown in for good measure. Call her at (203)238-3668 and let her heal your feet.

References:

http://www.fitsugar.com/What-Iliotibial-Band-Why-Does-Cause-Me-Pain-69008
http://voices.yahoo.com/pros-cons-trail-running-7004092.html

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Tips for Beach Feet

If you are planning on going to the beach this summer and walking around barefoot, follow these tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

1. Puncture Wounds and Cuts.

Wear protective shoes so your foot does not get cut by broken glass, sea shells, and other sharp objects that may be on the beach. If you do get a cut, do not go into the water, as bacteria already present in lakes and oceans can cause infections. A serious puncture wound on the foot should be treated by a podiatrist within twenty-four hours of occurrence.

2. Jellyfish Stings

Even if the jellyfish has washed ashore it can still sting you if you get too close. If tenacles stick to your foot or ankle, remove them, taking caution not to sting your hands as well. Jellyfish stings can be treated with vinegar, meat tenderizer, or baking soda to reduce swelling and pain.

3. Sunscreen

Skin cancer can appear on the foot and ankle like any part of your body. Take precautions and apply sunscreen to your feet and ankles on the top and bottom.

4. Burns

Hot pavement, concrete, or asphalt can cause severe burns on the bottom of your foot. Remember to wear protective shoes when you are walking on all kinds of surfaces.

5. Ankle Injuries, Arch and Heel Pain

While playing a game of beach volleyball or running on the sand, you can accidentally twist your ankle. Performing athletics on uneven surfaces can cause arch and heel pain , especially if you are wearing flimsy flip-flops or sandals. If you injury yourself, remember to RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.

6. Diabetic Risks

People with diabetes shoul be especially careful since they often do not feel when they get a cut or if something is lodged in their foot. If you have diabetes, never go to the beach without protective shoes and if you take them off, have someone check for foreign objects.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM

Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Meriden, CT Podiatrist
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!

Ouch! Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures result when the ankle is forced inward or outward past its normal range of motion. Fractures result from the same causes as sprains. This can occur when a jumping or running athlete lands on an uneven surface. It may also occur when the foot is firmly planted and the body gets twisted. Equipment and surface conditions may also play a role. Sports most commonly associated with ankle fractures include: Basketball, Football, Baseball and Soccer. An ankle fracture is accompanied by one or all of these signs and symptoms:
Pain at the site of the fracture, which in some cases can extend from the foot to the knee.
Significant swelling, which may occur along the length of the leg or may be more localized.
Blisters may occur over the fracture site. These should be promptly treated by your surgeon.
Bruising, which develops soon after the injury.
Inability to walk—however, it is possible to walk with less severe breaks, so never rely on walking as a test of whether a bone has been fractured.
Change in the appearance of the ankle so that it differs from the other ankle.
Bone protruding through the skin—a sign that immediate care is needed! Fractures that pierce the skin require urgent attention because they can lead to severe infection and prolonged recovery.
How to prevent ankle fractures
Taping, bracing, and high top shoes may help prevent some ankle fractures. Maintaining excellent ankle muscle strength and balance, and wearing the Proper footwear when participating in sports also may reduce your risk.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!