The holidays are here and the jolly is to fallow. With family and friends, we all take some time to indulge. Indulge in giving, Indulge in receiving, but most of all Indulge in Holiday Cheer! There is nothing merrier than eating a big Holiday meal and having a few drinks with all who is near. The time that we all enjoy may lead you or your loved ones to have unbearable pain, joint pain!
Gout is a disease of high uric acid levels in the body that can cause crystal accumulations in the joints. This can cause excruciating joint pain. Uric acid is found in red meat and alcoholic beverages but mostly beer. Overindulgence in such food and drinks can cause a “gout attack.” The first joint that is often affected is the big toe. The joint will become swollen, red and very tender. The joint is often so tender, that even a bed sheet will cause pain. A gout attack usually subsides within hours or days. Gout attacks are not only caused by over indulgence, but also diuretics, and surgery with someone who already has elevated levels of uric acid. Not everyone that has high uric acid levels has gout but they are at a greater risk of complications, such as kidney stones and kidney damage.
Gout is much more common in males over 35. So if dad or grandpa complains of joint pain after a day of holiday cheer, he may be suffering from a gout attack. Over time the uric acid crystals can cause permanent joint damage that may lead to some mobility problems or constant pain. There are several different medications to reduce the amount of uric acid and others to accommodate any pain. Most importantly, if you are at risk of elevated uric acid levels, or if you have had a gout attack previously, you need to limit the amount of red meat and alcohol that you consume.
Enjoy your holidays and bring in the New Year with moderation.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
DALLAS COWBOY WITH TOE INJURY
While many were carving turkey, the Dallas Cowboys were defeating the Seattle Seahawks. Though a sweet victory, Marion Barber left the game with a foot injury. The Dallas Cowboy’s running back dislocated his right pinky toe. Now many wonder if he will be able to play in their next game against Pittsburg on December 7th. So what is a dislocated toe and how serious can it be?
Toe dislocations are very common in athletes and are often considered a minor injury. There are three bones that make up the pinky toe. A dislocation is a displacement of bones from their normal position. Depending on the severity of the injury, the dislocation may be associated with a fracture, ligament sprain, and other soft tissue damage. The x-rays of Marion Barber did not reveal any fractures.
Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Toe
Barber most likely felt excruciating pain in the toe at the time of injury and when he attempts to move the injured joint. Often, there is a change in walking and running patterns due to the pain. This was noted with the running backs injury after he returned to the game. Barber will experience tenderness, swelling, and bruising over the sight of the injury and if serious enough, there may be nerve damage and vessel damage. This will lead to numbness or paralysis in surrounding areas.
What the Doctor will Do
A Podiatric Physician or Emergency Physician will take x-rays and an MRI to exam the injury. The joint is manipulated to reposition the bones back to their normal alignment. At times, surgery may be needed to restore torn ligaments and tendons. After the joint has been corrected, it may require immobilization with a splint, taping, or special shoe for 2-3 weeks. If ligament damage is present, recovery will take a minimum of 6 weeks. During recovery, it is very important to follow instructions for R.I.C.E. which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Rehabilitation and Medication
After the pain subsides, daily rehabilitation exercises should start. To recover normal range of motion, one should start with passive movement by moving the joint back and forth using your fingers. Over time the therapy should advance to active movement by scrunching toes against the floor or with a towel. Ice massages should be used before and after workouts. Local anesthesia and muscle relaxants are used to manipulate the joint. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Aspirin is used to relieve moderate pain. If the pain is severe, narcotic pain relievers are used.
Marion Barber’s Future
If the injury is not severe, the recovery should be fast. The most common complication is recurrent injury to the joint. Once a joint has been dislocated once, it is more likely to dislocate again. The joint may be unstable or arthritic fallowing repeated injuries. If Marion Barber returns to activity too soon, the healing process will take longer and he will have an increased chance of a repeated injury.
Since it has not been released how severe his dislocation is, we can only speculate whether or not he well be able to play in December 7th game. As long as there is no soft tissue damage, full rehabilitation may only take 2 weeks. It would be best if he sat out in the game against Pittsburg, but as professional sports go, there is a chance we will see him on the field!
Toe dislocations are very common in athletes and are often considered a minor injury. There are three bones that make up the pinky toe. A dislocation is a displacement of bones from their normal position. Depending on the severity of the injury, the dislocation may be associated with a fracture, ligament sprain, and other soft tissue damage. The x-rays of Marion Barber did not reveal any fractures.
Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Toe
Barber most likely felt excruciating pain in the toe at the time of injury and when he attempts to move the injured joint. Often, there is a change in walking and running patterns due to the pain. This was noted with the running backs injury after he returned to the game. Barber will experience tenderness, swelling, and bruising over the sight of the injury and if serious enough, there may be nerve damage and vessel damage. This will lead to numbness or paralysis in surrounding areas.
What the Doctor will Do
A Podiatric Physician or Emergency Physician will take x-rays and an MRI to exam the injury. The joint is manipulated to reposition the bones back to their normal alignment. At times, surgery may be needed to restore torn ligaments and tendons. After the joint has been corrected, it may require immobilization with a splint, taping, or special shoe for 2-3 weeks. If ligament damage is present, recovery will take a minimum of 6 weeks. During recovery, it is very important to follow instructions for R.I.C.E. which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Rehabilitation and Medication
After the pain subsides, daily rehabilitation exercises should start. To recover normal range of motion, one should start with passive movement by moving the joint back and forth using your fingers. Over time the therapy should advance to active movement by scrunching toes against the floor or with a towel. Ice massages should be used before and after workouts. Local anesthesia and muscle relaxants are used to manipulate the joint. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Aspirin is used to relieve moderate pain. If the pain is severe, narcotic pain relievers are used.
Marion Barber’s Future
If the injury is not severe, the recovery should be fast. The most common complication is recurrent injury to the joint. Once a joint has been dislocated once, it is more likely to dislocate again. The joint may be unstable or arthritic fallowing repeated injuries. If Marion Barber returns to activity too soon, the healing process will take longer and he will have an increased chance of a repeated injury.
Since it has not been released how severe his dislocation is, we can only speculate whether or not he well be able to play in December 7th game. As long as there is no soft tissue damage, full rehabilitation may only take 2 weeks. It would be best if he sat out in the game against Pittsburg, but as professional sports go, there is a chance we will see him on the field!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Would you get foot surgery in order to fit into your high heels?
The author of this article is very wise. Women today are having foot surgery so they can make their feet smaller to fit fancy high heel shoes. http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/opinion/write_stuff/1.135736
Yes, I like stilletos but to walk around them all day will cause your feet to ache, not to mention the hammertoes and corns that can develop. Foot surgery is successful but only if you need it. The foot is like a 1957 Chevy. It might be a little rusty on the outside but as long as the motor is working then it can take you places. Feet are for ambulating and maintaining balance. Treat them well and they will take you places you have never dreamed of. For more info on foot care or a free book on foot problems go to: www.stopfootpainfast.com
Yes, I like stilletos but to walk around them all day will cause your feet to ache, not to mention the hammertoes and corns that can develop. Foot surgery is successful but only if you need it. The foot is like a 1957 Chevy. It might be a little rusty on the outside but as long as the motor is working then it can take you places. Feet are for ambulating and maintaining balance. Treat them well and they will take you places you have never dreamed of. For more info on foot care or a free book on foot problems go to: www.stopfootpainfast.com
Naming Oprah's bunion
I heard that Oprah has one big bunion and the Calgary Herald is having a contest to name it. Go to:
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=d849e171-812b-4944-a77d-18867cf48a62.
I like the Color Purple choice myself. Painful bunions really don't get purple but do get red and mean looking. Here is the biggest misconception about bunions-surgery for them is not usually painful. Why do people then complain that the surgery was painful? One reason is that they are probably on it too long after the surgery. Pain is usually from too much swelling and if the surgeon is not delicate with the tissues and if the patient walks around on it too much, then swelling will occur and the patient will be in pain.
I recommend three days of rest and take a good anti-inflammatory medication. After that, with most bunion surgery, the patient can resume regular activities (not running or jumping of course). Go to: http://www.stopfootpainfast.com/1_bunions.php to get more information.
Don't walk around with a bunion soooooo big that someone wants to name it!
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=d849e171-812b-4944-a77d-18867cf48a62.
I like the Color Purple choice myself. Painful bunions really don't get purple but do get red and mean looking. Here is the biggest misconception about bunions-surgery for them is not usually painful. Why do people then complain that the surgery was painful? One reason is that they are probably on it too long after the surgery. Pain is usually from too much swelling and if the surgeon is not delicate with the tissues and if the patient walks around on it too much, then swelling will occur and the patient will be in pain.
I recommend three days of rest and take a good anti-inflammatory medication. After that, with most bunion surgery, the patient can resume regular activities (not running or jumping of course). Go to: http://www.stopfootpainfast.com/1_bunions.php to get more information.
Don't walk around with a bunion soooooo big that someone wants to name it!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Flip-Flops Bad For Your Feet?
See http://www.livescience.com/health/080624-bad-flip-flops.html. I really do not like flip-flops for walking. It is ok to hang around the pool with them but wearing them while walking causes several problems. First, they do not give you any support. Your feet can go where ever they want and this can easily cause ankle sprains. Second, definitely a lot easier to trip over them than a regular shoe, especially on escalators. Third, in order to keep them on you have to crunch your toes which leads to swelling in the digits as well as neuromas, an inflamed nerve in the foot due to increase pressure of the bones on the nerve. Shoes have a purpose and pick a shoe for the activity you are participating in. Playing tennis, tennis shoes, walking-walking shoes, hanging around, flip-flops are fine. For more information on your feet and shoe wear go to:www.stopfootpainfast.com.
-Dr. Wishnie
-Dr. Wishnie
RUNNING BARE-FOOT
I recently have been reading about bare foot running. Go to:http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/20606954.html?location_refer=Health%20+%20Wellness:highlightModules:6 and read about a MN podiatrist that runs barefoot. He states that people have been running for millions of years before Nike came around in the 80s. He said the foot was made to absorb the pounding on natural pavement. This may be true but today's surfaces are hardly natural with concrete and asphalt. In addition, there is the high possibility of stepping on a rusty nail or any other dirty object. This can lead to infections. I do agree that more cushioning is not always the best. You need to understand your feet and body. Do you have a very flexible foot or a very rigid foot or one in between? This will tell you what kind of shoe you need. Go to: www.stopfootpainfast.com for more info on your feet.
