Items filtered by date: May 2015

broken foot3Corey Dickerson of the Colorado Rockies left his most recent game against the Dodgers in three innings due to plantar fasciitis pain. The heel pain has been bothering Dickerson’s left foot since spring training and the pain increased as he chased a ball in the outfield. The left fielder has been a key player for the team, but has been struggling in recent months due to his foot pain and has not participated in at least three of the ten Rockies’ games this season.

Full recovery is much more difficult if one continues to play sports with a foot or ankle injury. If you would like assistance with an injury, see Dr. Louis R. Macdonald of New York. Our doctor will assess your injury and provide you with a quality treatment plan.  

Playing Sports with Foot Injuries

Many types of foot injuries affect athletes over the course of their athletic career. Despite their setbacks, many of these athletes will continue to play with mild foot injuries and attempt to ‘push’ through the pain. In order to be able to prevent injuries, it is important to stretch before any activity, wear proper footwear and replace shoes as needed. Some of the foot injuries athletes are at risk for include:

  • Turf toe- upward bending of the big toe outside normal range of motion
  • Stress Fractures
  • Overpronation- excessive foot movement during gait
  • Plantar Fasciitis- swollen ligament in the foot’s base
  • Strains
For more serious injuries it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist as fractures and other serious conditions may require surgery.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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plantar fasciitis6According to Umnia Shahid of The Express Tribune, stretching the feet can reduce frequent foot cramping as well as reduce heel pain. Frequent foot cramping may be due to dehydration or nutritional deficiencies that cause circulation or nerve issues. To solve this, drink plenty of water and try increasing intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. For immediate relief of cramping, soak feet in warm water and stretch toes forward. Although heel pain can occur due to wearing improper or unsupportive footwear, stretching the area post workout or when you first wake up can help reduce the pain.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet contact Dr. Louis R. MacDonald of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching Your Feet 

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Good ways to stretch your feet are:

·         Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot

·         Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot

·         Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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sprained ankleBritney Spears has rescheduled two of her Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Shows in Las Vegas due to an ankle injury. During her performance last week, she injured her ankle and fell. The singer’s doctor advised her not to perform that weekend so the injury could heal resulting in two cancelled shows. Spears has had a residency at the Las Vegas casino since 2014 and has been slowly working on a new album. However, she has been spending most of her time focusing on her two sons Sean and James. “Thank you for all the sweet wishes! Had a little scare on stage tonight with my ankle, but I’m ok,” Spears stated on social media.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your potential ankle sprain contact podiatrist Dr. Louis R. MacDonald of New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

·         Mild to moderate bruising

·         Limited mobility

·         Swelling

·         Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

·         Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion

·         Stretching before exercises and sports

·         Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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stress fractures2Florence Welch, lead singer of Florence and the Machine, sustained a broken foot while performing at Coachella this past month. The musician sent out a message to her fans via Facebook stating, “I’m so sorry to say, that after what was one of my favorite shoes ever at Coachella, I have discovered I have broken my foot from leaping off the stage.” Although she is devastated she cannot perform to her typical extent, Welch understands that she has to scale back until her foot is properly healed. “This album was so much about making something from what was broken, so let’s see what we can do with this,” Welch stated enthusiastically.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent exacerbation. If you are seeking treatment for a broken foot, visit Louis R. MacDonald, DPM of New York. Our doctor will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue (foot)
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any concerns please feel free to contact our office located in Moriches, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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