Podiatrist - Portland
15 Sewall St
Portland, Maine 04102
207-774-0028
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
DR. K's BLOG
Posts for: August, 2010
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.