Fun in the Sun!

Summertime is here which means more activities and increased risk for sports related injuries such as ankle sprains. These are the most common among start-and-stop running sports like, basketball, soccer and volleyball.  Proper and immediate treatment of a sprain can reduce your overall healing time. Symptoms include swelling, bruising and inability to walk on the injured foot.

 

What should I do after a sprain?               

·        Rest:

      

       The first 24-48 hours are considered the most crucial phase of the healing process. Resting the      injured limb is important and you should only do activities as tolerated. Crutches, braces and ace wraps can help with mobility.

·        Ice:

For the first 48 hour post injury you should ice for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours. DO NOT exceed 20 minutes at a time as this can cause tissue damage (frostbite) and it will not help you heal faster if you do.

·        Compression:

Use compression when elevating sprain or strain with an Ace bandage. The goal is to reduce and prevent excessive swelling and semi-stabilize the joint. You should be able to fit two fingers between the elastic wrap and your skin. Watch for numbness and discoloration of your toes, if they become cold, blue or tingly…RE-WRAP!

·        Elevate:

Keep your sprain or strain as straight as possible, elevating above your heart. You can accomplish this by placing pillows under your leg. This will help reduce the swelling.

 

If you cannot place any weight on the ankle, seek medical attention from a physician such as a Podiatrist. NEVER “Walk it off” this will only lead to more damage.

 

Affiliated Podiatrists

7230 Mentor Avenue

Mentor, Oh 44060
 

(440) 946-5858

 

 

Had enough of those painful calluses?

Calluses are characterized by a buildup of thick, hard, dead skin cells that can be extremely painful if left untreated.  This is the body’s natural defense mechanism in response to the following:

·         Excessive pressure

·         Tight shoes

·         High heels

·         Abnormal walking

·         Flat feet

·         High arches

·         Friction

·         Short Achilles tendon

Some things that can help prevent this condition or relieve symptoms if you already have them are:

·         Wear properly fitted shoes with adequate arch support

·         Rotate your shoe type on a daily basis

·         Take pressure off your callus by using pads or custom insoles

·         Have the excess skin removed

DO NOT attempt to cut or shave away corns and calluses at home. This can lead to potentially dangerous infection of the surrounding tissues, especially if you are immunocompromised or diabetic. This should be performed by a podiatrist or other health-care practitioner

Why Might Your Feet Hurt?

Why might you hurt?

Did you know certain supplements can protect you again disease?  I want to focus on Magnesium. 

Potential health benefits to taking magnesium include reduced risk of diabetes, protection against osteoporosis, maintaining healthily blood pressure and reduced risk of coronary artery disease.  Foods rich in magnesium are leafy green vegetables like spinach, beans, fruits like bananas and apricots and nuts and seeds.  It is common for the American diet to be low in magnesium levels due to eating less fruits and vegetable since our fast food life style or mineral depleted soil for growing vegetables.

Some symptoms of low levels of Magnesium are chronic fatigue, weakness, insomnia, poor memory, mental fog, muscle cramping and numbness.  Because these symptoms can overlap, let you Doctor know how you feel and possibly get a blood test to check your levels.  Most studies recommend between 400 mg – 700 mg. per day of Magnesium.

Before you start any supplement check with your Physician to prevent any side affects. If you have foot pain, please contact our office - 440-946-5858 at Affiliated Podiatrists, INC.