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November 2017

Monday, 27 November 2017 00:00

How do Stress Fractures Happen?

Stress fractures develop when a bone that’s constantly under stress eventually weakens. It typically occurs on the outside of the bone and happens due to repetitive motion. Many professional athletes and runners develop this condition, as overuse of the bones in the foot is common. The way the foot is structured may be another cause, as having flat feet or higher arches may be a contributing factor in developing stress fractures. When overdoing a specific activity, the risk is high for developing these fractures. There may not be physical signs and symptoms from the fracture, but when the activity resumes, pain is often felt. An x-ray is used to determine exactly where the fracture is. Recovery comes from resting the foot and being careful not to put stress on the bones. Occasionally a medical boot is worn to keep the fracture from worsening, in addition to engaging in physical therapy. Please seek the advice of a podiatrist if you feel you have a stress fracture in the foot or ankle.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Douglas Webb from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Alvin and Webster, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel has sustained a season-ending left ankle injury. Samuel injured his ankle during the Panthers and Miami Dolphins game during the third quarter.  A defensive player rolled over Samuel’s ankle in the end zone, which caused him to drop the pass. Beyond the fact that the injury has ended his season, it is unknown how severe the injury actually is. The Panthers went on to defeat the Dolphins 45 to 21.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Douglas Webb of Texas. 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 one of our offices located in Alvin and Webster, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Wednesday, 15 November 2017 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Published in Blog
Sunday, 12 November 2017 00:00

Shockwave Therapy Explained

A noninvasive option for chronic heel pain is known as ESWT, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. This treatment involves shock waves, which originate from outside of the body, and are directed onto the heel of the foot. These are sound waves, and are intended to accelerate the body’s own healing process. It has been associated with helping to heal the pain that comes from plantar fasciitis. During the relatively short procedure, the patient reclines and waves are sent to the heel of the foot. Typically, ESWT is suggested when the patient has suffered for long periods of time from chronic heel pain. This treatment has been FDA approved since 2000 and is highly effective for the treatment of pain. Consult a podiatrist to see if this procedure might be right for you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Dr. Douglas Webb from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Alvin and Webster, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 06 November 2017 00:00

Yoga and Bunions

A bunion, a bony bump that occurs on the base of the joint of the big toe, can be a very uncomfortable deformity to live with. Women are more likely to suffer from bunions than men, and their exact cause is unknown. For those who partake in yoga, poor foot form, such as overpronation, can exacerbate bunion pain and may even lead to bunions according to some experts. When doing yoga, be sure to keep your feet properly positioned. Some yoga exercises that may help relieve pain and prevent bunions include heel lifts, toe lifts, seated toe abduction, and yoga handshakes. Before doing these yoga exercises, however, it is recommended to see a podiatrist first to ask if yoga is right for you. Furthermore, these exercises will not get rid of any existing bunions, so if you are experiencing pain from a bunion, it is advised to see a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Douglas Webb of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Alvin and Webster, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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