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.
Contact Us:Chelmsford Podiatry Office: (978) 441-9241
or Newburyport Podiatry Office: (978) 463-0086
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.
Contact Us:Chelmsford Podiatry Office: (978) 441-9241
or Newburyport Podiatry Office: (978) 463-0086
Dec
29
This winter’s fashionable high-heeled boots put women at risk for slips, falls, and injuries on ice and snow, warns foot and ankle surgeon Timothy M. Downs, DPM, FACFAS.
These popular boots typically feature tall, spiked heels and narrow, pointed toes.
“Wearing high-heels makes you more unstable when walking or standing on dry surfaces, let alone slippery ones like ice or snow,” says Dr. Downs. “A stylish low-heeled winter boot is a lot more fashionable than a cast and crutches.”
Dr. Downs also recommends women scuff-up the soles of new boots, or purchase adhesive rubber soles, to provide greater traction.
Falls from high-heeled winter boots can lead to a number of injuries, depending on how the woman loses her balance. If her ankles roll inward or outward, she can break her ankles. If her ankle twists, ligaments can be stretched or torn, causing an ankle sprain. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons consumer Web site, FootPhysicians.com, broken and sprained ankles can be present at the same time. Dr. Downs is one of 6,000 ACFAS members.
“This time of year I see a variety of broken bones occurring in patients who have slipped on the ice,” says Dr. Downs. “These include broken toes, metatarsals, heels and ankles.”
Dr. Downs urges women hurt from slips and falls in high-heeled winter boots to contact his office in nefootankle.com for prompt evaluation and treatment. In the meantime, immediately use the “R.I.C.E.” method – rest, ice, compression and elevation – to help reduce swelling, pain and further injury.
“Delaying treatment can result in long-term complications such as chronic ankle instability and pain, arthritis, or deformity,” says Dr. Downs. “Even if you’re able to walk on the injured foot, pain, swelling, or bruising indicates a serious injury.”
Contact Us:Chelmsford Podiatry Office: (978) 441-9241
or Newburyport Podiatry Office: (978) 463-0086
