What is Turf Toe?

Turf toe refers to a sprain that affects the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint. Turf toe usually affects football players, especially those playing on artificial turf. It’s important to note that the condition can affect athletes in many other sports including basketball, soccer, gymnastics, wrestling and dance.

What Causes Turf Toe?

Turf toe is caused when the big toe is suddenly bent beyond its normal limit resulting in hyperextension, such as when a football player is tackled and falls forward fall while the big toe is in a flat position. Turf toe injuries can also be caused by shoes that don’t offer proper foot support.

How to Avoid Turf Toe

Turf toe can be avoided by wearing the correct shoes for the playing surface as well as special inserts designed by a podiatrist, physical therapist or sports medicine specialist. Gait problems have also been associated with turf toe injuries, so correcting gait can also help in preventing turf toe. Developing better training techniques also goes a long way in reducing turf toe risks among athletes.

Turf Toe Treatment

The basic turf toe treatment involves a combination of elevation, rest, ice and compression. In some cases, doctors prescribe over-the-counter oral medication like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and control pain. Turf toe injuries can also treated using a special walking boot, crutches or a cast to immobilize the foot completely and keep it from moving. It is important to note that turf toe injuries can also be treated through surgery in severe cases.

How to Treat and Avoid Ankle Sprains

The most common cause of a sprained ankle is a fall or a sudden twist. Sometimes a hard blow may cause the joint of the ankle to shift from its normal position and result in a sprain. These injuries typically happen when playing sports, wearing shoes the feet aren’t comfortable in, running and even walking.

Treatment

If you’ve got a sprained ankle, your doctor may prescribe the following treatment options:

• Rest – Take it easy and try not to walk on a sprained ankle.
• Ice – Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and press it against the injured area for 20 minutes. Wait at least 40 minutes before applying ice again.
• Bandage – In order to reduce swelling and help stabilize, an elastic wrap can be used.
• Elevate – Positioning your ankle higher than your heart will also help alleviate swelling.
• Medicate – Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen, for pain relief.
• Therapy – Your doctor will tell you when it’s time to start therapy to get your ankle back to proper working order.
• Surgery – a severe sprain may require surgery, but this will be determined by a doctor and x-rays.

How to Avoid Ankle Sprains

Make sure you warm up properly and completely before participating in a sport or running. If the foot or ankle has a history of injury then use a brace or tape. In addition, make sure the correct shoes are worn and that there is enough support for the ankle. Avoid uneven surfaces whenever possible.

Who Needs a Podiatrist

The human foot is a complex combination of 26 bones, 33 joints, and 126 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Both feet combined have a total of 52 bones, accounting for about 25% of the bones in the entire human body. But your feet are also one of the most constantly utilized parts of the body: the average person in the United States can take as many as 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. Moreover, by age 50, the average American has walked 75,000 miles over the course of their lives. With such a high degree of use, it is important to take proper care of your feet. This includes treating your foot pain and having your foot problems treated by the best podiatrist in your area.

Foot pain is a common ailment in the United States. While research shows that women in the United States are estimated to be four times more prone to foot pain than men, it affects many people regardless of gender. Common causes of foot pain include poor fitting shoes, high heeled shoes, and poor posture. Therefore, while you should ask a podiatrist to diagnose your individual issues, an easy first step towards foot pain relief is changing into a better fitting, low-heeled pair of shoes and attempting to improve your posture.

However, foot pain can be caused by a number of different problems and diseases. Arthritis, for example, affects an estimated 40 million Americans every year, causing many of them to experience chronic foot pain. Diabetes can also cause chronic foot pain, as well as swelling and numbness; diabetics should therefore immediately seek out the best podiatrist in their area if they find themselves experiencing foot problems.

So whether you have health problems that can cause foot pain and other issues, or simply are experiencing pain in your feet, seek out a board certified podiatrist to discuss your issues. Don’t live your live in constant pain and discomfort: schedule an appointment with Dr. Titko today.

Why Are Torn Ankle Tendons Common in Overweight Women Over 40?

Torn ankle tendons, sprains and ligament damage tend to be more common in overweight women age 40 or above for several different reasons. First, there is a strong and well-researched connection between tendon injuries and estrogen, specifically that estrogen interferes with the synthesis of collagen and the formation of fibroblasts. In addition, women’s hormones also influence water retention, which can lead to increased swelling and additional pressure around the soft tissue that is located between the ankle tendons. Overweight women over the age of 40 are prone to ligament damage and torn tendons in the ankle due to pressure changes and changes in the tissue repair rate, both of which are the direct result of hormonal fluctuations that women tend to experience as they get closer to menopause.

An increased body weight also puts extra pressure on joints and ligaments. The ankles are responsible for supporting the entire weight of the body, and thus are more prone to injuries and pain as opposed to other weight-bearing areas such as the knees or pelvis.

When to See a Podiatrist about Your Foot Problems

Our feet are important to us, and given how complex they are, it’s no wonder! Our feet contain a combination of 26 bones, 33 joints, and 126 muscles, nerves, and ligaments. Without those we wouldn’t be able to use our feet for a variety of activities, from walking and running, to dancing and playing sports. Sometimes we just like to kick up our feet and relax with loved ones. Experiencing foot pain, however, can take a lot out of us, even if we have no place to go.

If you’ve ever dealt with foot problems such as pain, swelling, infection, or broken bones, you know how debilitating these issues can be. If you’re dealing with any foot problems right now, it may be time to ask a podiatrist, or foot doctor, about what treatments are right for you.

Not sure if you’re having foot problems that require medical attention? Use this guide to find out if you need to visit a podiatrist for treatment. You may need to see a podiatrist if…

… You have any skin condition on your feet: This can include rashes, corns, warts, fungal infections, or athlete’s foot, which is characterized by dry, flaking skin. While these problems may seem harmless at best or mildly irritating at worst, they can spread and worsen over time. See a doctor for treatment of these issues, especially if over-the-counter solutions haven’t worked.

… You have problems with the bones in your feet: Bone problems in feet can manifest in many ways — most commonly through bone spurs and bunions. Bone spurs are sharp projections on the joints in feet, and bunions are a lateral deviation of the big toe. Both conditions can make it extremely difficult and painful to walk or participate in other activities.

… You are diabetic: Because diabetes can affect blood circulation in the lower extremities, it is especially important to pay attention to any pain or discomfort in the feet. Diabetics are at risk for foot infections, which can lead to amputation of toes, or part or all of the foot if left untreated. Adding a podiatrist to your medical care can reduce the risk of hospitalization from diabetes complications by at least 24%.

… You have had any broken or fractured bones in your feet: To make sure that your feet heal properly, it is wise to visit a podiatrist to make sure that the bones in your feet mend correctly.

… You have any other kind of foot pain: Foot cramps and foot pain are big problems. These could be due to a muscle tear, a sprain, or another issue. Sometimes wearing poor fitting shoes or high heels frequently can cause these issues, and poor posture can also contribute to foot pain as well, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. Even something as minor as swelling or an ingrown toenail can cause larger issues down the road. Any foot pain you experience should be taken seriously, and visiting a podiatrist is a wise decision to diagnose and treat your pain as soon soon as possible.

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any foot problems, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to a podiatrist about how you can get help. You don’t have to live with foot pain, so be sure to see a professional about any pain or discomfort you have immediately.

4 Problems with Wearing Flip-Flops

Just about everyone wears flip-flops in the summer, but this popular footwear choice is not very healthy for your feet. The lack of support can cause serious injury when worn for an extended period of time.

2. Bunions, joint pain and swelling
   Flip-flops have small strips of fabric, leather or rubber that hold your foot in place. If this part of the flip-flop is loose, you could be over-contracting your toes to try to keep the shoe on. Continued contraction of your toes can lead to pain, swelling and the formation of bunions.
3. Blisters
   Also due to the looseness of flip-flops, your feet are constantly rubbing against them as they move. This motion creates friction which can result in painful blisters.
4. Bacteria
   Research has shown that flip-flops leave the feet exposed to a number of bacteria, especially outside, including those from fecal matter and the dangerous staphylococcus aureus.
5. Arch pain
   Your foot’s arch, or plantar fascia, is a thick band of tissue that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel. Lack of adequate support can result in painful inflammation, called plantar fasciitis.

To eliminate these problems, wear shoes that provide proper support. There are a number of summer styles that have a slightly elevated heel, strong arch support and a stiff and comfortable outsole and insole. So do your feet a favor and pitch those flip-flops!

Fissures And Cracks – What Are They?

Our skin is a complicated organ that needs to be supplied with the right quantity of moisture to keep it healthy. It can, however, be very hard to achieve the right balance especially on the feet. And the situation gets worse in extreme weather conditions when the skin gets too dehydrated or moist, leading to fissures and cracks.

What Are Fissures and Cracks?

Fissures and cracks are splits in the skin. Fissures normally form on the heel and are a result of dryness, while cracks are a result of a bacterial infection. People who have the habit of walking barefoot are more susceptible to such problems. Apart from this, patients who wear synthetic socks and shoes are also at risk of developing infection. Fortunately, doctors can easily treat cracks and fissures and assist patients in preventing further issues.

Treatment

If its moisture that’s causing bacteria or fungal infection on the skin, the expert may apply certain kinds of medications to the feet. The patient may also be prescribed an antifungal ointment to use at home. In some cases, doctors may hand out oral medications as well. However, in case the patient suffers from dry skin, the expert may remove the rough patches with a special ointment. Fissures might be bandaged and an antibiotic may be given to prevent infection and soothe cracks.

Caring For The Feet

The expert might treat the fissures and cracks in the office. However, patients can also try out the below mentioned tips

For Dry Skin:

• Always apply a good moisturizer on the feet after washing them thoroughly.
• Ask an expert before making use of pumice stones to decrease calluses.
• Avoid walking barefoot. Avoid open shoes.

For Moist Skin:

• Dry the area in between the toes after taking a bath.
• Never apply lotion between toes.
• Take advice from the experts about utilizing antifungal lotions and powders.
• Wear cotton socks.

Whether you suffer from moist skin or dry skin, inspect your feet on a regular basis. Look at the bottom and top of your foot. Also, visit a center for foot care in case you see swelling, redness, or increased heat.