Which is Which!
If you tear a piece of the tissue (known as a ligament) that connects bones to a joint, you have a sprain. If the ligament was simply over-stretched, it is minor. If the ligament is completely torn, it can be debilitating. An injury to connector tissue that connects a muscle or group of muscles to a bone is considered a strain. Like a sprain, it also may be minor or serious depending on whether it is overstretched or torn. The treatment for the two is essentially the same. The injured area should be immobilized, elevated and iced. Anti-infl ammatories such as ibuprofen are recommended. The podiatrist may want to use a traditional or air cast. In some instances, surgery is necessary.

Hint: With proper care, most sprains and strains will heal without longterm side effects.

We've been specially trained to diagnose the strains, sprains, fractures and other problems that can occur to your feet. Don't rely on home diagnosis to determine what's wrong. Turn instead to the professionals who have had years of traiing and experience treating injuries, conditions, diseases and deformitiesof the feet. New patients are always welcome at 15 Sewall Street, Portland, please call 207-774-0028 for an appointment.

Psyched to Bike
Cyclists are not strangers to foot problems. This is due to the fact that the foot is the contact point with the cycling pedal. The more you cycle, the more the fat padding under the ball of your foot wears thin. Achilles tendon problems can occur, particularly with cyclists who cover a lot of miles. This tendon can get inflamed from continuous friction. Sesamoiditis, the infl ammation of the two small bones known as the "ball bearings of the foot," can cause swelling or rupture under the stress of cycling. The pinching of small nerve branches between the second and third or third and fourth toes can cause numbness in the toes. Should cycling cause you discomfort, see your podiatrist.

Hint: Bicycle pedals with a wider platform distribute the impact on the feet better than smaller pedals.

For those who participate in sports of any kind, professional attention and guidance can help reduce the potential for discomfort and injury. And since difficulties with your feet can adversely affect your performance, comfort and lifestyle, we invite you to call us for an appointment to receive comprehensive podiatric care geared to your individual footcare needs. Your feet are our specialty at 15 Sewall Street, Portland. Office hours are by appointment and emergencies are seen as promptly as possible. 207-774-0028.

The Pressure Is On
Black toenails are generally the result of blood accumulating underneath the toenail where a bruise or a blister has developed. The amount of blood may cause the toenail to lift up, and draining may be necessary to relieve pressure. Walkers and runners can get a black toenail when there is an injury to the toenail bed. This can result from shoes that allow the foot to slip forward in the shoe, causing the toes to hit the toebox. It is important to understand that a black toenail could also be due to the development of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, under the nail. Should you experience toenail blackness that does not improve, have it evaluated by your podiatrist.

Hint: The best way to prevent getting a black toenail is to wear shoes that don'tgive too much or too little room.

There are many problems that can aff ect toenails, including black nails, ingrown nails, fungal nails, and thickened nails,and a professional diagnosis is imperative in order to begin the correcttreatment plan. A complete evaluation awaits you at our office no matter what your foot concerns. We'll also tell you ways to prevent future nail problems from occurring. For an appointment at 15 Sewall Street, Portland, please call 207-774-0028.

Podiatrists provide their patients with a full range of treatments relating to the health and function of the foot, ankle and lower leg. The first two years of podiatric medicine study is comparable to many other medical schools. Podiatric studies include anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology and pathology. In addition, students receive specialized surgical training for a wide variety of foot procedures. The third and fourth years are mostly devoted to clinical rotations that train students in taking podiatric histories, performing examinations, interpreting test results and making correct diagnoses. In many states, obtaining a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree requires a two-year postdoctoral residency. Continuing education is required for a podiatrist to meetstate license renewal requirements.

Hint: A podiatric surgeon may opt to specialize in a particular area of interest such as sports injuries or wound care.

Podiatrists are medical professionals who are specially trained to use the latest in techniques and equipment to get and keep feet healthy and working well. We use a wide range of therapies and surgeries to treat conditions relating to foot structure and function. We also teach our patients how to avoid foot problems in the future. We welcome your call at 207-774-0028 for an appointment for comprehensive footcare. Weare located at 15 Sewall Street, Portland, where we specialize in custom molded orthotics.

Royal Pain in the Foot

There are numerous causes of foot pain, and nearly all can be grouped under one of three general categories. First are illfitting shoes. For example, highheeled shoes concentrate pressure on the toes and can aggravate, if not cause, problems with the toes. Second are certain medical conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, obesity, and pregnancy. Any medical condition that causes a disturbance in the way a person walks can contribute to foot pain. Some medications, such as drugs used for high blood pressure, can cause foot swelling. Third is high-impact exercise. This sort of exercising such as jogging or strenuous aerobics, can injure the feet. Common injuries include corns, calluses, blisters, muscle cramps, acute foot and ankle injuries, and plantar warts.

Hint: Neurological disorder, such as Parkinson's disease or cerebral palsy, can lead to pain or numbness in the feet.

We only have one pair of feet, and they must take us shopping, dancing, traveling, working, and wherever else we may want to go. Treat yours to a little pampering as well as the professional care they deserve. From sophisticated testing techniques to customized treatment plans, you'll fi nd compassionate, personalized care from a foot care specialist. We are experienced in all phases of family footcare,and we welcome your call for an appointment at 207-774-0028.
Our offi ce is located at 15 Sewall Portland, Maine