Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center: December 2012

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Keep Your Feet Safe at the Gym in the New Year

Published by: The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Don’t let foot injuries keep you from your fitness resolutions

In the New Year, don’t forget to keep your feet in tip-top shape while following through with your resolutions to get fit. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers tips for foot safety while at the gym.

Start new workouts gradually— Increase your stamina and the length of your workouts gradually to avoid overuse injuries such as stress fractures or tendon strains and sprains. Stretching your muscles before and after workouts also helps prevent these types of injuries. “If you do feel you’ve sprained your ankle, be sure to seek treatment right away,” Florida foot and ankle surgeon, Brandi M. Johnson, DPM, FACFAS, explains. “Untreated or repeated ankle sprains may lead to chronic ankle instability, a condition that causes persistent pain and a ‘giving way’ of the ankle.”

Wear the right shoe and sock—Wear well-fitting athletic shoes designed for the exercise or sport. According to Dr. Johnson, shoes that don’t support the arch of the foot and provide cushion for the heel can cause heel pain (plantar fasciitis). Shoes that are too small can also cause a neuroma or a thickening of the nerve tissue, in the foot and may require injections, medication or physical therapy. Wearing cotton or non-slip socks are also key to help avoid painful blisters, which can become infected and cause more serious issues.

Use good technique— improper exercise techniques can result in injury to the tendons or ligaments in your feet and ankles. “Incorrect posture or misuse of exercise equipment can cause decreased stabilization in the foot and ankle, leading to joint sprains and muscle strains,” Dr. Johnson says.

Protect yourself from bacteria—Sweaty shoes, public showers, exercise equipment and the pool deck at the gym are breeding grounds for fungus, viruses and bacteria, including drug-resistant strains like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) which has become increasingly more common. Never go barefoot while in public areas; water shoes can provide a great barrier between your feet and the wet surfaces. “It’s also best to cover cuts and cracks in the skin or ingrown toenails since these minor tears in the skin’s surface can act as entry points for bacteria. If you have a cut or scrape that becomes red or swollen and is not healing in a timely manner, don’t hesitate to see a foot and ankle surgeon for an examination,” Dr. Johnson says.

Above all, it’s important to listen to your body. If you experience an injury or pain, call your foot and ankle surgeon.

The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office is located in the Las Vegas and the Henderson area, which we have 3 convenient locations to serve you. To take the first step to better foot health, call today @702-878-2455, Monday thru Friday, between 9am to 5pm and closed for lunch between 1pm to 2pm. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com where all of your questions may be answered and also to schedule your appointment On-line.

When pain or injury occurs, you deserve highly personalized treatment using the most advanced techniques. At the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center (FallCenter), you’ll enjoy an unsurpassed level of quality care. Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod are proud to provide comprehensive solutions for all types of foot and ankle problems.

Your quality care begins the minute you arrive, as our staff greets you by name and answers your questions. Our team of foot and ankle specialists will inspire your confidence and their genuine warmth and compassion will earn your trust.

You’ll receive a prompt and thorough assessment, including on-site diagnostic ultrasound and digital x-rays. Your treatment plan is designed to resolve your condition without surgery whenever possible. When surgery is needed, your feet are in the hands of leading foot surgeons with expertise in the latest minimally invasive techniques. As a result, you’ll be back on your feet and back to your active life as quickly as possible.

Without proper treatment, an injury or chronic condition can keep you from performing even the simplest everyday tasks. To meet patients’ most critical health needs,

Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod have developed the following treatment programs: Bunion Solutions, Heel Pain, Diabetic Foot Care and Sports Medicine.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Balancing act

Published by: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

The wrong boot could lead to ankle, foot injuries

Winter’s popular women’s boots typically feature tall, spiked heels and narrow, pointed toes. These boots can make your feet unstable on snow- and ice-covered surfaces.

A stylish low-heeled winter boot is a lot more fashionable than a cast and crutches. We recommend women scuff-up the soles of new boots, or purchase adhesive rubber soles, to provide greater traction.

Falls from high-heeled winter boots can lead to a number of injuries, depending on how you lose your balance. If your ankles roll inward or outward, you can break your ankles. If your ankle twists, ligaments can be stretched or torn, causing an ankle sprain. Broken and sprained ankles can be present at the same time. Slipping or falling in these boots can also cause broken toe, metatarsal and heel bones.

If you do get hurt, call a foot and ankle surgeon for prompt evaluation and treatment. In the meantime, the “R.I.C.E.” method should be followed. This involves:

Rest. Stay off the injured foot, since walking can cause further damage.
Ice. To reduce swelling and pain, apply a bag of ice over a thin towel to the affected area. Do not put ice directly against the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again.
Compression. An elastic wrap should be used to control swelling.
Elevation. Keep the foot elevated to reduce the swelling. It should be even with or slightly above the heart level.

Tips to avoid winter ankle injuries:

· Keep areas around outside doorways well-lit so icy patches are visible

· Wear shoes or boots with a traction sole that can prevent slipping

· Check for slippery spots before getting out of a car or walking on stairs

· Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes outdoors

· Stretch and warm up before outdoor and indoor physical activities

Call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office located in Las Vegas and the Henderson area, which we have 3 locations to serve you. Call to schedule your appointment

@702-878-2455 between 9am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday and closed for lunch between 1pm to 2pm. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com where all of your questions may be answered and to also schedule your appointment.

You’ll receive a prompt and thorough assessment, including on-site diagnostic ultrasound and digital x-rays. Your treatment plan is designed to resolve your condition without surgery whenever possible. When surgery is needed, your feet are in the hands of leading physicians with expertise in the latest minimally invasive techniques. As a result, you’ll be back on your feet and back to your active life as quickly as possible.

Without proper treatment, an injury or chronic condition can keep you from performing even the simplest everyday tasks. To meet patients’ most critical health needs,

Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod have developed the following treatment programs: Bunion Solutions, Heel Pain, Diabetic Foot Care and Sports Performance Center.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Obesity Doubles Ankle Fracture Risk

Study shows severity of ankle fractures increases as body mass index increases

Obesity nearly doubles the odds of a patient having the most severe category of ankle fracture, according to research published in a recent issue of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (JFAS).

The study, which was conducted among 280 patients, explored the association between obesity and severity of ankle fractures. It analyzed the X-rays of each patient’s ankle fracture and classified the severity of each one. Body mass index (BMI), age, diabetes, tobacco use, osteoporosis, sex and age were then assessed alongside each patient’s ankle fracture classification. The study attests that being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal problems; specifically in this case, increased risk of having a severe ankle fracture. The increase in weight can have grave effects on the bone and joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis and (potentially) the need for total joint replacement at a younger age.

Obesity (classified as BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater) is becoming more prevalent in America and so are musculoskeletal issues associated with it. The healthy ankle joint allows for normal walking, and injuries to the joint, including fractures, can have devastating effects if not properly addressed. The recent study identified a correlation between more severe ankle fractures and obesity, especially for obese men younger than 25, and obese women older than 50.

Alan MacGill, DPM, AACFAS, a Florida foot and ankle surgeon and Associate Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, says, “We are seeing more severe injury patterns in the obese population compared to the non-obese. These severe ankle fractures tend to have a worse prognostic outcome compared to others.”

This is likely due to the fact that severe ankle fractures tend to be higher in the fibula, above the level of the ankle joint. The twisting motion of the injury not only breaks the bone but also tears the ligaments that hold the lower leg bones (fibula and tibia) together for stability of the ankle joint.

Dr. MacGill adds, “The findings of this study correlate with what I continue to see in my practice. It’s basic physics; as body mass increases, so does the kinetic energy associated with the injury. The higher the body mass, the greater the risk of more severe ankle injury.”

There’s not much that can be done to prevent these types of injuries, as ankle fractures cannot be predicted. But bearing the results of this study, this is yet another reason to maintain a healthy diet, exercise plan and body weight to possibly help decrease the likelihood of an ankle injury being more severe.

"The ankle is a relatively small joint that bears much more force than the knee or hip. Fractures of any sort that disrupt the integrity of the ankle can have devastating consequences, such as ankle instability, post-traumatic arthritis, and chronic joint pain, especially in those who are overweight. Because of the complexity of the joint, it’s important to have these and any other ankle injuries evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon,” MacGill says.

Please call Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office located in Las Vegas and the Henderson area, which we have 3 locations to serve you. Call to schedule you appointment @702-878-2455 between 9am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday and closed for lunch between 1pm to 2pm. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com where all of your questions may be answered and to also schedule your appointment.

You’ll receive a prompt and thorough assessment, including on-site diagnostic ultrasound and digital x-rays. Your treatment plan is designed to resolve your condition without surgery whenever possible. When surgery is needed, your feet are in the hands of leading physicians with expertise in the latest minimally invasive techniques. As a result, you’ll be back on your feet and back to your active life as quickly as possible.

Without proper treatment, an injury or chronic condition can keep you from performing even the simplest everyday tasks. To meet patients’ most critical health needs, Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod have developed the following treatment programs: Bunion Solutions, Heel Pain, Diabetic Foot Care and Sports Performance Center.

Monday, December 3, 2012

American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure

Please come and join the Tour de Cure with the American Diabetes Association on Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ The M Resort on 12300 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center will be one of the sponsors there, so please stop by our table!

Register today to STOP DIABETES!

Step 1: www.diabetes.org/tourvegas

Step 2: Once on the NV page, select "Register to Ride"

Step 3: Select, "Start a Team", "Join an Existing Team" or "Ride as an Individual"

Individuals supporting someone with diabetes or Red Riders without a team can join Team Red! Ask 15 people for $10 and your ride fee is covered!

Vegas glam and new routes from The M Resort - 8-mile, 30-mile, 65-mile and 100-mile Route Options

New VIP Perks & Dinner Friday night - Great food, energy & support - $25 registration + $150 ride free

Register today by creating a team:
There are no team member minimum numbers of riders and each rider is responsible for his or her own ride fee! So by creating a team, you have a way to get exposure for your company or group and create momentum for the ride. Team members do not need to ride the same routes during the event.

To get others involved: Simply log in and send out emails from the team page with the easy, online tools. A link to YOUR team's page will automatically be placed at the end of the email.

Ask your friends, family and work associates specifically to Join a Team or Sponsor a Rider and help create a movement to STOP DIABETES!

Most current information and route details are on the Nevada event page. For information call Tracie Patten, ADA market manager: 702-369-9995 x7483 or tpatten@diabetes.org

Five Tips for Healthy Holiday Feet

Don’t let sore, achy feet ruin your holiday season. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers five tips to healthy holiday feet.

1. If the shoe fits, wear it—When hitting the dance floor or the shopping malls during the holiday season, don’t compromise comfort and safety when picking the right shoes to wear. Narrow shoes, overly-high-heeled ones or shoes that aren’t worn very often, such as dress shoes, can irritate feet and lead to blisters, calluses, swelling and even severe ankle injuries. “To ward off problems, choose a shoe that has a low heel and fits your foot in length, width and depth while you are standing,” says Tennessee foot and ankle surgeon Christopher Hendrix, DPM, FACFAS. “Be proactive, protective and preventive with your selection of appropriate shoes for the occasion.”

2. Don’t overindulge in holiday cheer— Did you know your feet can feel the effects of too much holiday cheer? Certain foods and beverages high in purines, such as shellfish, red meat, red wine and beer can trigger extremely painful gout attacks, a condition when uric acid builds up and crystallizes in and around your joints. “Oftentimes, it’s the big toe that is affected first since the toe is the coolest part of the body and uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes,” Dr.Hendrix says.

3. Be pedicure-safety conscious—Before you head for your holiday pedicure, remember nail salons can be a breeding ground for bacteria, including MRSA. To reduce your risk of infection, choose a salon that follows proper sanitation practices and is licensed by the state. Consider also purchasing your own pedicure instruments to bring along to your appointment.

4. Watch for ice and snow—Holiday winter wonderlands can be beautiful but also dangerous. Use caution when traveling outdoors; watch for ice or snow patches along your trail. The ankle joint can be more vulnerable to serious injury from falling on ice. “Ice accelerates the fall and often causes more severe trauma, because the foot can move in any direction after it slips,” Dr. Hendrix explains. If you do experience a fall, take a break from activities until you can be seen by a foot and ankle surgeon. Use R.I.C.E. therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to help reduce the pain and control swelling around the injury.

5. “Listen” to your feet—Don’t let foot pain ruin your holiday fun; inspect your feet regularly for any evidence of ingrown toenails, bruising, swelling, blisters, dry skin or calluses. ”If you notice any pain, swelling or signs of problems, make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon,” Dr. Hendrix says. “Often, especially for diabetics, what may seem like a simple issue can turn into a larger problem if medical care is delayed.”

You’ll receive a prompt and thorough assessment, including on-site diagnostic ultrasound and digital x-rays. Your treatment plan is designed to resolve your condition without surgery whenever possible. When surgery is needed, your feet are in the hands of leading physicians with expertise in the latest minimally invasive techniques. As a result, you’ll be back on your feet and back to your active life as quickly as possible.