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
Dec
16
Snug cleats, repeated kicking can contribute to a painful problem
Toes and feet can take a beating, especially from sports.
Foot and ankle surgeon Jerold H. Fleishman, DPM, FACFAS, says he treats many soccer-playing children for ingrown toenails. He blames improper toenail trimming, snug soccer cleats and repetitive kicking for creating this painful problem.
“Many kids wear hand-me-down cleats that don’t fit,” says Dr. Fleishman. “Older children like tighter cleats. They believe it gives them a better feel for the ball and the field.”
Dr. Fleishman has offices in Chelmsford and Newburyport and is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He says there are steps soccer moms and dads can take to prevent their children from suffering a painful ingrown toenail. First, teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don’t cut them too short. Second, make sure cleats fit properly.
“A child’s shoe size can change within a single soccer season,” Dr. Fleishman reminds parents.
If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, soaking their foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold can reduce the inflammation. But Dr. Fleishman warns parents against home treatments, which can be dangerous. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons lists myths about ingrown toenail home treatments on its Web site, www.FootPhysicians.com.
“If your son’s or daughter’s ingrown toenails show signs of infection, it’s definitely time to seek medical care,” says Dr. Fleishman.
A foot and ankle surgeon like Dr. Fleishman can remove a child’s ingrown toenail, and prevent it from returning, with a simple, 10-minute surgical procedure. During the short procedure, the doctor numbs the toe and removes the ingrown portion of the nail. Various techniques can permanently remove part of a nail’s root too, preventing it from growing back.
“Most children experience very little pain afterwards,” says Dr. Fleishman, “and can resume normal activity the next day.”
For more information on ingrown toenails and other pediatric foot problems, contact Dr. Fleishman’s office at www.NEfootankle.com.
Contact Us:Chelmsford Podiatry Office: (978) 441-9241
or Newburyport Podiatry Office: (978) 463-0086
