Training for the Mini?
Many people have aspirations of running the Indy 500 Mini-Marathon in May. They either began their training in the fall or sometime around the first of the year depending on their previous running experience. I see a lot of patients that are concerned about heel pain, arch pain, or ball-of-foot pain because it is interfering with their training. Often times the reason for this pain is that they have been sedentary until now or have tried starting the training too vigorously, thus causing an overuse type syndrome to some aspect of their feet. Orthotics work very well at easing the stresses on the feet that are caused from this type of training. The prescription-custom orthotics are a fine-tuned version that takes individual differences in feet into account. Whether flat-footed, high-arched, or even with a particular “deformity” such as a bunion or an arthritic joint these devices place the foot in a more balanced position which aids in decreased stress to not only bones and joints in the foot, but the ankle, leg, knee, hip, and back. Most of the time the custom orthotics are a covered item by local insurance plans. If you or a loved one are having any foot, heel, or ankle issues call our office today at 896-6655 or visit www.westfieldfoot.com. If your insurance does not cover custom orthotics then mention this article for 20% off in the months of January and February. Happy Training!
Showing posts with label ball of foot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ball of foot. Show all posts
Hammertoe Surgery
Thinking About Hammertoe Surgery?
Many people develop what are referred to as hammertoes that are unsightly and often painful. They usually develop because of an imbalance with the muscles of the foot that help flex and extend the toes. The deformity and pain can be worsened with constrictive or ill-fitting shoes. The bony prominence at the joints become pronounced and become an area of increased pressure within the shoe. A bursitis (small, inflamed, fluid-filled sac) may develop over the prominence and be an added source of pain. Conservative treatment options/lifestyle changes include, but are not limited to:
-Wearing appropriate width and depth shoes
-Strapping/Padding of the affected toes
-Corticosteroid injection or Anti-Inflammatory medication for bursitis
There are surgeons who will shorten the toes strictly for cosmetic reasons, but this is not a widely accepted practice. However, surgical intervention is indicated if there is pain. There are several different methods for straightening of the toe. Many of these utilize wires, screws, or other types of implants to maintain the correction of the deformity. Sometimes additional procedures are needed on the joints and bones in the foot where the toes “attach”. A much more simple procedure can be performed in the office with only 2-3 bandaids for dressing and splinting. It requires no downtime. When the toe is contracted or hammered, but can be manually corrected during the exam, a simple procedure on the tendon that flexes the toe can be performed. This is done with local anesthesia. No stitches are needed. There is a small amount of loss of muscle strength in the toe, but this is more pronounced in the other types of surgeries mentioned and also typically not that important to the patient that is suffering pain. For the right patient it is an excellent alternative to enduring a long recovery process. It is also a fraction of the cost when comparing it to the charges associated with performing surgery in an OR setting.
For a more comprehensive explanation of what a hammertoe is, please visit www.westfieldfoot.com. This site will provide you with a library of information that will prepare you for your visit with the doctor. An overview ov anatomy, biomechanics, how hammertoes form, and what is involved with treatment are all covered comprehensively.
Dr. Sullivan performs the above mentioned procedure in his office on a regular basis with excellent results. The recovery is almost not an issue because there are no sutures and only involves a couple of bandaids for 1-2 weeks. Risks of infection and other common complications associated with hammertoe surgery that involves cutting of bone are avoided much better.
Many people develop what are referred to as hammertoes that are unsightly and often painful. They usually develop because of an imbalance with the muscles of the foot that help flex and extend the toes. The deformity and pain can be worsened with constrictive or ill-fitting shoes. The bony prominence at the joints become pronounced and become an area of increased pressure within the shoe. A bursitis (small, inflamed, fluid-filled sac) may develop over the prominence and be an added source of pain. Conservative treatment options/lifestyle changes include, but are not limited to:
-Wearing appropriate width and depth shoes
-Strapping/Padding of the affected toes
-Corticosteroid injection or Anti-Inflammatory medication for bursitis
There are surgeons who will shorten the toes strictly for cosmetic reasons, but this is not a widely accepted practice. However, surgical intervention is indicated if there is pain. There are several different methods for straightening of the toe. Many of these utilize wires, screws, or other types of implants to maintain the correction of the deformity. Sometimes additional procedures are needed on the joints and bones in the foot where the toes “attach”. A much more simple procedure can be performed in the office with only 2-3 bandaids for dressing and splinting. It requires no downtime. When the toe is contracted or hammered, but can be manually corrected during the exam, a simple procedure on the tendon that flexes the toe can be performed. This is done with local anesthesia. No stitches are needed. There is a small amount of loss of muscle strength in the toe, but this is more pronounced in the other types of surgeries mentioned and also typically not that important to the patient that is suffering pain. For the right patient it is an excellent alternative to enduring a long recovery process. It is also a fraction of the cost when comparing it to the charges associated with performing surgery in an OR setting.
For a more comprehensive explanation of what a hammertoe is, please visit www.westfieldfoot.com. This site will provide you with a library of information that will prepare you for your visit with the doctor. An overview ov anatomy, biomechanics, how hammertoes form, and what is involved with treatment are all covered comprehensively.
Dr. Sullivan performs the above mentioned procedure in his office on a regular basis with excellent results. The recovery is almost not an issue because there are no sutures and only involves a couple of bandaids for 1-2 weeks. Risks of infection and other common complications associated with hammertoe surgery that involves cutting of bone are avoided much better.
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