This weekend we saw a lot of significant injuries in the NFL.  One of the main factors that experts are attributing this too is the choice of shoe gear in relation to the playing surfaces.  

You have probably read plenty of studies on the importance of sitting correctly. However, we don’t hear nearly as much about the importance of walking correctly, even though the consequences of walking abnormalities are just as serious. Rheumatologists, Physiatrists, Orthopedists, Neurologists and Podiatrists all agree that poor gait can lead to back pain. 

These injuries are some of the most commonly diagnosed lower extremity fractures. Most commonly they are caused by crush injuries, such as dropping a heavy item on top of the toe. Another common method of injury is excessive axial load, an example is stubbing toe on a piece of furniture. Hyperextension and stress fractures of toes are uncommon.

If the fractures are open, meaning there is an overlying cut or scrape, they require immediate management to minimize the risk of infection. These do occur quite commonly and a timely evaluation can make all the difference.

For closed fractures, ones with no break in the skin, they may often be subtle with minimal bruising initially. X rays are effective for quick diagnosis, our staff can perform several radiographic views in the office to evaluate the presence of a fracture and whether it is in a good position. Fractures sometimes may cause a dislocation of the toe, which can put pressure on adjacent arteries and compromise the blood flow to the digit. In these instances, a small injection may be required to numb the toe and allow our doctors to manipulate the fracture into a better position.

In the case of a stable, nondisplaced toe fracture, treatment may simply be buddy taping the fractured digit to a neighboring toe and dispensing a rigid-sole shoefor ambulation to limit joint movement.

Toe fractures usually take 4-6 weeks to heal but this time frame may increase if you have underlying comorbidities or if the fracture is in several pieces. Rarely, surgery may be required to anatomically align the toe and stabilize the fracture with either pins or screws.

If there is a possibility you may have a toe fracture, our recommendation is to come and see one of our doctors as soon as possible for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan to get your injury healed as fast as possible!

The winter is finally over (mostly…although I may have just jinxed us. Apologies loyal readers). Spring sports are in full swing (no pun intended baseball players) and unfortunately, with them come many preventable injuries. The most common that we see are tendonitis, growth plate conditions, and bursitis. The occasional bumps and bruises will generally heal quickly, but lingering problems that won’t get better or become worse can sideline a player or end their season.

 When I evaluate a patient in the office, the first questions I ask are what type of activities are they participating in, what terrain are they playing on, and what shoe gear is required. Usually a combination of these three allows me to properly diagnose the cause of the foot and ankle pain. In my experience, the majority of cleats, spikes and sneakers worn are unsupportive and ill suited to properly handle the high demands of the athlete using them. The best way to support the lower extremities is with a custom orthotic device that is worn in the shoes. With a custom device, the foot and ankle are realigned into the most appropriate anatomical position and will allow an athlete to perform to their highest capability. The sooner we can get you casted and fitted, the sooner you will be out there pounding the pavement, hitting home runs and aces and scoring goals!