Jan
22
Got gout? If so, a Chelmsford, MA, foot and ankle surgeon has a recommendation for surviving the holidays: Watch what you eat and drink.
Changes in diet, including overindulging in certain foods and beverages, can cause gout attacks this time of year, says Jerold H. Fleishman, DPM, FACFAS. Dr. Fleishman is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) with offices in Chelmsford, MA.
Gout attacks are extremely painful. They are caused when uric acid accumulates in the tissues or a joint and crystallizes. This most commonly occurs in the big toe joint. Dr. Fleishman explains this is because the toe is the coolest part of the body and uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes.
He says foods that are high in purines contribute to uric acid build-up. He recommends that people prone to gout attacks avoid purine-rich items such as shellfish (shrimp, crab, etc.), organ meats (kidney, liver, etc.), red meat, red wine and beer.
Gout can be treated with medications, diet changes, increasing consumption of appropriate fluids, and immobilizing the foot. In some cases surgery is required to remove the uric acid crystals and repair the joint.
For contact information visit www.nefootankle.com
Jan
15
With the observance of National Diabetes Month in November, Timothy M. Downs, DPM, FACFAS, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons with offices in Chelmsford, MA, reminds residents with diabetes that following simple foot care tips can reduce their risk of toe, foot or leg amputations.
People with diabetes are 10 times more likely to have a lower limb amputated than people without diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Downs says the disease can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage in the feet, making them vulnerable to developing ulcers, infections, deformities and brittle bones.
The ACFAS consumer Web site FootPhysicians.com provides these foot care tips for people with diabetes:
· Inspect feet daily for injuries that could lead to dangerous ulcers.
· Gently wash feet in lukewarm (not hot!) water.
· Moisturize feet, avoiding the area between the toes.
· Never trim corns or calluses; this can lead to serious infections.
· Inspect the inside of shoes before wearing.
People with diabetes must always be vigilant, says Dr. Downs, and see a foot and ankle surgeon at the first sign of trouble. Early treatment can keep diabetic foot problems from progressing, and reduce the risk of amputations.
To contact Dr. Downs, www.nefootankle.com.
Jan
9
With the hectic pace of the holidays, serious injuries from ice-related falls inevitably occur. A Chelmsford, MA foot and ankle surgeon says falls on icy surfaces are a major cause of ankle sprains and fractures, and it’s critical to seek prompt treatment to prevent further damage that can prolong recovery.
Jerold H. Fleishman, DPM, FACFAS says the ankle joint is vulnerable to serious injury from hard falls on ice.
“Ice accelerates the fall and often causes more severe trauma because the foot can go in any direction after slipping,” he says.
Dr. Fleishman is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) with offices in Chelmsford, MA, and Newburyport, MA. He adds that in cases of less severe fractures and sprains, it’s possible to walk and mistakenly believe the injury doesn’t require medical treatment.
“Never assume the ability to walk means your ankle isn’t broken or badly sprained,” he says. “Putting weight on the injured joint can worsen the problem and lead to chronic instability, joint pain and arthritis later in life.”
Some people may fracture and sprain an ankle at the same time, and a bad sprain can mask the fracture.
“It’s best to have an injured ankle evaluated as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment,” says Dr. Fleishman. “If you can’t see a foot and ankle surgeon or visit the emergency room right away, follow the RICE technique – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation – until medical care is available.”
According to the ACFAS consumer Web site, FootPhysicans.com, even though symptoms of ankle sprains and fractures are similar, fractures are associated with:
· Pain at the site of the fracture that can extend from the foot to the knee
· Significant swelling
· Blisters over the fracture site
· Bruising soon after the injury
· Bone protruding through the skin—a compound fracture, which requires immediate attention!
Most ankle fractures and some sprains are treated by immobilizing the joint in a cast or splint to foster union and healing. However, surgery may be needed to repair fractures with significant malalignment to unite bone fragments and realign them properly.
Dr. Fleishman said newly designed surgical plates and screws allow repair of these injuries with less surgical trauma.
“With newer bone-fixation methods, there are smaller incisions to minimize tissue damage and bleeding and accelerate the healing process,” he says.
Dr. Fleishman recommends scheduling an appointment with his office if you have injured your ankle in any way.
“If you fall on an icy spot and hurt your ankle, the best advice is to seek medical attention immediately,” he says. ”This aids in early diagnosis and proper treatment of the ankle injury and reduces the risk of further damage.” For contact information please reach me at www.nefootankle.com.
