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CJ’s Story: Chronic Tendon Pain (The Power of Regenerative Medicine)

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CJs testimonials chronic tendon pain

The new year is here, and for many of us that means it’s time to focus on our health, and address some of those lingering issues we’ve been putting off.

Today, I will share a success story of a patient who was dealing with chronic joint and tendon pain for several years. My goal is to help instill hope in many of you who have been experiencing similar pain, and have perhaps given up on finding a solution. So, here we go.

52, Healthy and Active

This patient is a 52 year-old female, who was healthy and active. We will call her CJ. She came into my office with a variety of foot complaints. The primary issue was chronic joint and tendon pain in her right foot and ankle, and this had been going on for several years.

Seven years prior, a horse stepped on her foot and she was diagnosed with a “hairline fracture” and wore a cast for three months. Once she was out of the cast, she could get back to activity with little pain. However, over the next five to six years, she started having more and more pain in the area that began to significantly limit her activity. This gradually led to weight gain, which only made the problem worse.

Plantar Fasciitis, Arthritis and Tendon Pain

When I first saw CJ, she was planning on having gastric bypass surgery, but was concerned that she would not be able to exercise properly after the surgery because of her foot and ankle pain. She had previously been treated for plantar fasciitis by another doctor.  She had steroid injections and wore a night splint, but neither treatment seemed to give her any relief.

During her initial exam, her X-rays showed that the old injury had been more than just a hairline fracture. She had evidence of post-fracture arthritis in two joints in the middle of her foot. The fracture had healed, but left joint damage behind. Her other main issue of ankle pain was diagnosed as a partial tendon tear. This had likely been aggravated by compensating for the joint pain.

Regenerative Medicine + Surgery

Many times, when patients present with arthritis, tendon pain, or plantar fasciitis, we use regenerative medicine therapy to help stimulate healing and avoid surgery altogether. But, in CJ’s case, we needed to use several different treatments to help address all the issues that had been accumulating for all these years.

We performed surgery to repair the tendon tear and used regenerative injections to help heal the joint damage. To better support the damaged joints, we fitted her for custom orthotics. She then began physical therapy to improve her strength, balance, and flexibility.

Ten Weeks Later

CJ was on crutches for four weeks after the tendon repair. But, once we cleared her to start walking, she progressed quickly. She was highly motivated and committed to her therapy and post-operative rehab. Ten weeks after surgery and regenerative therapy, she was already back to walking and elliptical workouts daily. She still has the occasional sore muscles, but no longer has anywhere near the pain she did before. CJ is still considering gastric bypass surgery. But, she now feels she will be able to lose the weight without it since she can exercise without pain.

So, if you or someone you love is struggling with daily foot or ankle pain, please don’t wait any longer to address it. Call today to make an appointment, and we can discuss treatment options with you.

2018 can be your last year to deal with chronic pain. It’s time to get on the path to healing, together.

Raymond’s Story: Decades of Chronic Foot Pain

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24 Years in the Military

Raymond Evans was accustomed to toughing out pain. But after serving for 24 years in the military, he was experiencing chronic foot pain that had become debilitating. Now working in the mail business, Raymond’s job required him to be on his feet all day every day, and it was becoming harder and harder for him to get through the day.

Many Diagnoses, No Relief

Raymond went to doctor after doctor to try to find a solution. “I was diagnosed with a bone spur, and plantar fasciitis, and I was seeking treatment but I wasn’t getting any relief,” Raymond says. “It was getting to the point that sometimes I would have to crawl to get from point A to point B, and I was worried I was going to lose my job.”

Finally, A Referral That Brings Hope

Raymond was being treated at the VA Center nearby where he lives in Spearfish, South Dakota. He had tried many treatments, and even more holistic options like acupuncture and yoga, but nothing was working.

One day his doctor referred him to Dr. James Anderson, and the seed of hope was planted.

A Specialist Six Hours Away

“I didn’t know much about Dr. Anderson at the time,” Raymond said, “But I knew he was a specialist in his field, and that’s what I needed.” Although Fort Collins, CO is  6-hour drive from where Raymond lives in South Dakota, he was more than ready to make the trip. “I would have gone across the country to get help at this point,” Raymond said. “I was having trouble just walking, and I needed answers.”

A Treatment Plan That Worked 

“Raymond had seen multiple doctors for this chronic pain in his left foot. After a thorough physical exam and testing, I diagnosed him with arthritis,” Dr. Anderson says. Dr. Anderson recommended a nerve resection in Raymond’s foot to help with the pain.

“We performed surgery on one nerve above the ankle, and he got relief from that, so we did a second surgery to resect the other nerve,” Dr. Anderson explains. He also used a regenerative injection during surgery to stimulate the cells heal faster. “Sometimes we use regenerative treatment to help patients avoid surgery altogether, but in Raymond’s case, this was a great option to save him from needing a much more painful and intense surgery to fuse the joints together.”

Chronic Foot Pain, Gone

Today, Raymond is back on his feet. “I give Dr. Anderson 10 out of 10 stars,” Raymond says. “He takes the time to really figure out what’s going on. He has the passion, and he knows what he’s doing.”

Raymond is back to work on his feet every day, and he has resumed his normal activity level without pain. He also has custom orthotics made just for his feet, and he wears them every day to help provide continued support.

Raymond’s advice to other is this. “If you are in pain, don’t let it go on and on without addressing it. Eventually it can get to the point that you are struggling just to get through each day. I feel like this treatment saved my job, and in a lot of ways, really, it saved my life. I am truly grateful.”

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Learn about more treatment options for arthritis and chronic foot pain. 

To make an appointment, click here.

Chronic Foot Pain: Why Am I Still in Pain?

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It’s never fun to suffer an injury of any kind. There is always the initial pain and limitations. But, what happens when the pain doesn’t go away even when the injury is “healed?”

Does it just need more time? Are you doing something wrong? In many cases, the injuries look completely healed on X-rays or MRI, but the pain continues. So what do you do next?

I’d like to tell you a story about a patient who had just this problem. We will call her Alice.

The Ankle Fracture that “Healed”

Alice is a 32 year-old female patient. She came to see me for severe daily pain in her foot and ankle, which initially started after she fractured her ankle. Alice fell on her ankle and heard/felt a pop. She was evaluated in the ER and properly diagnosed, and subsequently had surgery to repair the fracture. The repair went as planned and after six weeks her X-rays showed a completely healed fracture.

She was then allowed to start walking on it again. That was when her pain really started. After surgery, she had experienced the normal post-op pain, but it wasn’t until she was out of a cast that she began having constant ankle and foot pain that was not relieved by much of anything. It hurt when she walked and it hurt when she didn’t walk. The pain woke her up and kept her awake.

Time to Put on My Detective Hat

Alice was at the end of her rope, and was even considering possible amputation if the pain could not be relieved. With any patient in this much pain, my first impulse was to throw the kitchen sink at her problem to try to find some way of getting her relief. However, in order to help these patients, I know I have to put on my detective hat, do a thorough review of their injury, treatment, and health history, and then put together a step-by-step plan to hone in on the primary cause of the pain.

A Painful Scar

Alice had pain throughout her foot and ankle, but the majority of the constant pain was along the inside of the ankle and down into the foot. This area was so sensitive that any light touch would send pain up and down her leg. She was especially sensitive along a surgical scar from her ankle fracture repair.

She had mentioned this to the surgeon who fixed her ankle and he assumed it was simply a painful scar and would improve with time but instead the pain grew steadily worse. An X-ray showed the screws and plates in the bones did not appear to be causing any problem and the scar itself did not appear thickened or contracted. However, the location of the incision was right over one of the main nerves in the leg, and I considered the possibility that the nerve had been damaged or cut during the fracture repair.

Testing the Theory

A simple way to test this theory was to perform a diagnostic nerve block of the nerve higher up the leg with a long-acting local anesthetic and a small amount of steroid. This will decrease inflammation and reduce sensitivity of the nerve for 2-3 days after the injection.

If the patient’s symptoms significantly improve for a few days after the injection, then it is a good bet that the nerve itself is the source of the pain and not just the messenger. If it only feels better while it is numb, then it’s time to head back to the drawing board. Alice had significant improvement for 3-4 days after the block before the pain returned. This is normal and expected because you can only use this injection for diagnosis, not treatment.

The Source of the Pain

Once we knew the nerve was the source of her pain, it was time for treatment. In this case, I recommended a procedure called a neurectomy of the nerve. This involves making a small incision over the nerve, farther up the leg than the damaged portion. I then locate the nerve, and cut it to shut off the pain signals. It’s kind of like throwing a breaker on an electrical outlet.

Although this might sound drastic, it is a much safer and effective option than other chronic pain management options (opiates or a spinal stimulator for example). For Alice, it worked very well. Once the nerve pain was eliminated, she was finally able to participate in physical therapy to address the other tendon pain and weakness that had developed from how she was compensating for the pain.

Finally, Pain Free

At Alice’s last follow up, she was pain free. She still had a bit of residual limp that will continue to improve with therapy. I present Alice’s story as an example of the complex diagnostic work-up often involved with post-traumatic chronic pain.

No two patients are the same and no two injuries are the same. What worked on one may not work on the other. As a doctor, when I see patients with chronic pain, I have two goals in mind.

1. Identify the primary problem.

2. Do not aggravate the pain any further with unnecessary treatments.

Once we identify the root of the issue, we can then proceed with the appropriate treatment to relieve the patient’s pain.

If you are experiencing chronic injuries or unresolved pain, please come see us! We can help. Come visit your podiatrist in Fort Collins or Broomfield for further consultation.

To learn more about our treatment options, click here.

Book your appointment here. 

Why Treadmill Running on an Incline is a Bad Idea

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I treat a wide variety of sports-related aches, pains, and injuries involving the feet and ankles. While there is no sure fire way to avoid all of these issues, there are some common workout methods that can aggravate your feet more than others. Over the years, I have learned to ask for detailed info on a patient’s exercise regimen. For example, the type of running shoes, hiking boots, etc they use is important. The type of surface they are running/walking on, warm up and cool down techniques, etc. are all very important.

This advice does not pertain to everyone or every situation. If you do any of these things and don’t have pain, then feel free to keep doing what you are doing. But, if you have been dealing with nagging foot pain that isn’t going away, then read on. A simple change in how you exercise may help.

1. Treadmill Running + Incline = Pain

This is one I have seen quite frequently. Just running on a treadmill is fine in most cases. But, once you start cranking up that incline, the chances of pain and injury also start to climb.  As the pitch increases, you start running more on just the ball of your foot. This does three things.

  1. Focuses all the impact on just the ball of the foot.
  2. Prevents normal rear-foot pronation which leads to decreased shock absorption to the whole foot.
  3. Causes increased tension/strain on the Achilles tendon and maintains this strain throughout the stride.

These things can lead to development or worsening of neuroma pain, plantar fascia pain, Achilles tendonitis, and joint pain in the ball of the foot. So if you routinely use the treadmill on an incline, and have been having any type of foot pain, keep the treadmill flat or run outside or on a track if possible.  This may not solve the problem right away, but can be a good starting point.

2. Barefoot + Running = no problem (most of the time)

BUT:  Barefoot + Dance/Aerobics/Zumba/etc = Ouch

For many years now barefoot running has been touted as good for your feet and for many people this can be true.  However, just because barefoot running may have some benefits, it doesn’t mean that being barefoot during other types of workouts is just the same. For example, dance-type aerobic workouts like Zumba are very popular, and can be a great workout, as well as a lot of fun. But these types of activities (usually done on hard surfaces) involve quite a bit of repetitive stress and impact on the feet and should rarely, if ever, be done barefoot. A decent pair of athletic shoes will provide the necessary shock absorption and support to keep your feet happy and healthy.

3. Beware of the “Minimalist” Shoes

Over the past few years, “minimalist” shoes have been popular and are marketed as having similar benefits as barefoot-type shoes. These minimalist shoes are typically very lightweight, flexible and offer little benefit for either support or shock absorption. In addition, since the foot’s motion is still confined in a shoe, they do not have the foot strengthening benefits of barefoot shoes.  In short, they provide all of the negatives of barefoot running and none of the positives. Stiffer soled shoes with adequate cushion are usually the better option if you are having any chronic foot pain.

As I mentioned before, these recommendations do not pertain to every person in every instance. However, if you regularly do any sort of these workouts and have any foot pain associated with it, then it may be a good idea to make some minor adjustments to your routine. Your feet will thank you for years to come.

If you are experiencing unresolved  foot pain, come see us! We can help.

Book your appointment here.

Reconstructive Foot Surgery: Part 1

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What is reconstructive foot surgery?

“Reconstructive surgery” is a term you may have heard from time to time. This can mean very different things depending on what we are “reconstructing” and why. Reconstructive surgery can correct a condition you were born with like clubfoot or cleft palate. Or, it can correct something that developed due to an injury or chronic condition. Examples of this are arthritis or a deformity caused by injury, neurological condition, etc. These conditions can range in severity from “mild but annoying” to “severe and debilitating” and everywhere in between.

Examples of reconstructive surgery could be something as simple as a correction of a bunion deformity or a hammertoe deformity. In other cases, it could be a more severe deformity, such as a flat foot deformity that may need to be addressed surgically both in the child or in the adult. For others, it could be addressing an arthritic joint surgically. In many situations the option of reconstructive surgery occurs when conservative measures fail and if the symptoms are severe enough to affect a patient’s activity of daily living. One should be properly educated about the potential risks of surgery and consequences of delayed surgery.

It’s important that you as the patient understand why you are going to have the procedure done and what other options are available to you. When treating patients with these issues, our goal is get maximum improvement without needing surgery. when surgery is needed, we’ll advise you and consult with you about the various treatment options that we offer.

If you have questions, please schedule an appointment and come see us for an evaluation. We would love to help you get back on your feet. 

Does Foot Size Change with Age?

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Have you ever slipped on a pair of shoes you haven’t worn in a while, only to find they feel tighter or looser than you remember? It’s not just your imagination—your feet can actually change size over time. As a podiatrist, I’ve seen countless patients surprised by this phenomenon, and it’s always a great conversation starter in the office. Let’s dive into why this happens and what it means for your foot health.

Are your feet really growing?

If you are in your 30’s or 40’s and you swear your feet must be growing because your shoes are getting tight, you are not alone. I am often asked by patients “Why are my feet a different size than they were when I was younger?” This is actually very common for people in this age range. The truth is that the foot size does change.

Why does foot size change happen?

This happens because of the gradual collapse of the arch of the foot. This isn’t necessarily a dramatic, painful drop that is readily noticeable, but something that occurs very slowly. Let’s say you were to build a rock arch and put it up in your backyard. You would notice that 30 or 40 years later, that rock arch does not look the same as it did when you built it. In spite of the wondrous design of the human foot, the miles add up. The ligaments that support the 26 bones of the foot gradually weaken, causing the arch to fall. As that part comes down, the foot elongates. Oftentimes, this means going up one and even two shoe sizes larger. Resulting in your foot size changing!

  • One of the most common reasons for foot size changes is aging. As we grow older, the ligaments and tendons in our feet naturally lose some of their elasticity. This can cause the arches to flatten slightly, making your feet longer or wider. I often joke with my patients that their feet are “settling” like a house foundation, but it’s a real and sometimes uncomfortable process.
  • Pregnancy is another big factor. Many women notice their feet grow a half size or more during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that loosen ligaments and the added weight that flattens the arches.
  • Weight fluctuations can also play a role. Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight can alter the structure of your feet, causing them to spread out or shrink. While some patients can lose a lot of weight and are thrilled to fit into smaller shoes, other patients gain weight and find that their favorite sneakers no longer provided the support they need.
  • Even something as simple as swelling can make your feet feel like they’ve changed size. Conditions like edema, prolonged standing, or certain medications can cause temporary swelling, making your shoes feel tighter by the end of the day. I always remind my patients to pay attention to these changes—it’s your body’s way of signaling that something might be off.

Remember growing pains?

I would liken this phenomenon to the growing pains that occur in adolescence. As the foot elongates it creates a passive and active strain on the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the foot that often leads to some of the more common conditions that present here in our office. These conditions include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, other tendon issues in the foot, as well as bunions and neuromas.

What is the solution to your foot size changing?

The best thing to do is to get custom insoles to support your foot during this transitional phase of life. These orthotics are streamlined, and thin and will allow you to continue to wear fashionable shoes while having the support that you need. We take a cast of your foot and then send it to a lab to pour a plaster mold and have essentially a “bust” of your foot. Then, they design the orthotic specific to that shape.

This orthotic is made of a thin, graphite, composite that holds up for anywhere between 7 to 10 years. For most patients, this is an integral portion of their treatment protocol, and we are able to create a custom product at an affordable price. We also have new regenerative medicine therapies that combined with custom orthotics, can help people get back to their normal activities much faster than other treatments before.

shoe foot size changing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I measure my feet?
A: It’s a good idea to measure your feet once a year, especially if you’ve experienced weight changes, pregnancy, or are over the age of 40.

Q: Can foot size changes cause pain?
A: Yes, wearing ill-fitting shoes due to size changes can lead to discomfort, blisters, or even long-term issues like bunions or hammertoes.

Q: What type of shoes are best if my feet are changing size?
A: Look for shoes with adjustable features, like laces or straps, and plenty of room in the toe box. A podiatrist can help you find the perfect fit.

At Anderson Podiatry Center, we’re here to help you understand these changes and provide solutions, whether it’s recommending the right footwear, custom orthotics, or treatment for an underlying condition.

Your feet are the foundation of your body, and taking care of them is essential for staying active and pain-free. If you’ve noticed changes in your foot size or have concerns about your foot health, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to help you step forward with confidence.

Learn more about regenerative medicine or custom orthotics.

To make an appointment, click here.

Heel Pain in Active Kids: Sever’s Disease

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I’ll start by mentioning that I am not a big fan of this condition being referred to as a “disease.”  That word tends to upset needlessly. It’s not a “disease,” but is simply an inflammation of a growth plate in active children. A more accurate name is Sever’s Calcaneal Apophysitis, but that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. For now,  let’s further abbreviate and just call it “Sever’s.”

Now that I got that off my chest, let’s review some basics of this very common complaint. Sever’s is an inflammation of the heel bone growth plate in children, and is most common in adolescents. This inflammation is thought to be caused by repetitive trauma to the growth plate caused by impact from running, jumping, etc. It is named for Dr. James Sever who initially described it in 1912. The pain involved can vary from patient to patient in severity and timing, but the location of the pain is always going to be located in the back part of the heel bone at the growth plate as seen below.

Don't Ignore Your Kids Heel Pain

When a child is developing this issue, they will typically complain about aching pain in the heel that usually occurs following some type of physical activity. It most commonly affects just one foot, but can certainly occur in both. This pain will fluctuate up and down depending on activity, but can eventually lead to significant pain during sports, which can really limit the child’s ability to participate in ANY physical activity.

Diagnostic studies like X-rays are usually normal; the diagnosis is made by the location and timing of the pain. Treatment for Sever’s includes taking a short break from sports, regular stretching and icing of the heel, inserts for the shoes (heel lifts and orthotics), physical therapy, and in more severe cases I may recommend temporary cast immobilization.

For most children, the pain resolves in a few weeks and they are able to get back to their full activity level.  Long term pain or damage from Sever’s is very rare, and the inflammation of the growth plate will always stop once the foot is done growing, so the long term prognosis is good for just about any child suffering with this.

If you think your child may be dealing with Sever’s or any other type of foot pain, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with me at either of our office locations in Fort Collins or Cheyenne.

The quicker you do, the quicker your child can get back to being active and pain free.

Understanding Your Mobility : The Mobility Triangle

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I’ve always been a visual learner, and I’ve always liked to teach. I have a passion for helping those with neuropathy, and challenging the status quo in regards to it. Putting all these together, I’ve come up with the concept of the mobility triangle. Why? Well, before I was trained in the treatment of neuropathy I was of the same belief as many in medicine that nothing could be done. However, I have learned that nerve function has a lot to do with your mobility.

During the past 14 years I’ve had the opportunity to extensively study about and receive training on restoring more normal nerve function by doing nerve decompression procedures. The potential benefits of these procedures outweighs anything I’d previously encountered as a doctor for patients suffering form neuropathy. Having nerves that function better can affect you in very significant ways. Before my exposure to these nerve procedures I was only able to help with foot pain itself, not in treating the underlying cause of the pain. Yes, pain does affect your mobility.  With pain in your feet or legs you don’t want to move around much, but eliminating foot pain doesn’t increase your mobility nearly as much as improving the nerves themselves.

So now for the triangle concept. The triangle is composed of three factors: numbness, strength, and pain. Remember, nerves that are not performing optimally affect all three.

  1. Numbness:

Without good sensation in your feet you are not going to want to ambulate as much. It’s difficult to feel the irregularities in the surfaces you walk on, and you’re more likely to fall. Walking on a mountain trail, for example, is an activity you may choose to avoid.

  1. Strength:

When strength is an issue, walking is obviously effected. You may not be able to push of the ground with your feet as well or lift your feet off the ground (drop foot). Falls become more probable. Again, no motivation to walk on that mountain trail, or even sidewalks for that matter.

  1. Pain:

Yes, pain! The burning, tingling, and nerve pain keep you from sleeping well, and often get worse with activity, so once again, no maintain trail for you.

Now let’s look at the mobility triangle with each of these three points. Simply stated, if any one of these three factors of pain, strength, or numbness is affected, it will tend to affect one or both other factors. Obviously to function well all three have to be working optimally.

For example, if you’re experiencing nerve pain you may become less active. This has a negative impact on your strength, making you even less active, and then your muscles become weak. You may even become diabetic, and your feet may eventually start to go numb. Or, you may have a lot of numbness, making it hard to walk and balance, and you become even weaker. This lack of activity can cause weight gain, which can lead to more arthritis in the knees hips and back. And so it goes. Each of these factors are important and have an impact on your general health in a big way.

It’s a simple concept. But I think it’s a good way for you to understand the importance of your nerves, and the role they play in the lower extremity and your general health.

Now for your next step. Imagine a way to reverse these problems. Imagine the potential to improve your mobility triangle. This is what you’re not being told.  What you are told is to take drugs, live with it, nothing can be done, and/or it’s probably your back.

Few in medicine, aside from us, are looking at the optimum function of your lower limb in terms of maximizing nerve function. However, medicine is in the midst of being challenged with this concept.

Some of the research we are doing will help in these efforts. That’s good news for you! So, keep learning and we’ll keep researching and working to give those with mobility issues more hope. Our goal is to make your lack of mobility a memory.

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Ankle Sprains: What You Need to Know

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sports ankle sprain

 

Sports ankle sprain treatment: Getting back on your feet faster

When it’s back to school time, we’re also back to fall or spring sports, gym class, and recess. Summer is also often a time for additional sports activities or neighborhood pickup games.  With any physical activity comes the risk of sports related injuries, especially those involved in high-impact sports like basketball, soccer, and tennis. The most common of these is ankle sprains, which in my opinion is usually not treated appropriately. We’ve all heard the advice of “rest it for a few days” or “just wear a brace and get back out there.” Or my personal favorite “just rub some dirt on it.” Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, an ankle sprain can quickly sideline you from your favorite activities. But fear not, with the right treatment and rehabilitation plan, you can bounce back stronger than ever. Now the problem with this advice is that most sprained ankles do feel better after a few days, but that doesn’t mean they are healed.

 

types of ankle sprains anderson podiatry center treatments

Understanding sports ankle sprains

Before diving into ankle sprain treatment options, let’s briefly revisit what happens during a sports ankle sprain. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear, usually due to a sudden twist or turn of the foot. In sports, this often happens during rapid changes in direction, jumps, or collisions with other players.

The most frequent type of “rolled ankle” sprain involves rupturing one of the three ligaments that connects the outside of your ankle to the outside of your foot. If you continue activity as usual on this injury, the torn ends of that ligament continue to move and deteriorate until the normal strong ligament is basically gone. This will not cause much of an issue for normal activity, but can result in a chronic weak point in ankle motion that will cause the ankle to “give out” if the foot is planted in a certain position. It can also cause more severe injuries down the road.

Immediate ankle sprain care

If you’ve recently suffered a sports ankle sprain, immediate care is crucial to minimize swelling and pain. Remember the R.I.C.E. protocol:

  • Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle to prevent further damage.
  • Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
  • Compression: Use a compression bandage to support the ankle and limit swelling.
  • Elevation: Keep your ankle elevated above heart level whenever possible to reduce swelling.

Professional evaluation

After the initial injury, it’s essential to seek professional medical evaluation, especially if you suspect a severe sprain or if the pain and swelling persist. Your podiatrist will perform a thorough examination, which may include imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of the injury.

Ankle sprain treatment options

When I am treating a recent ankle sprain I will first immobilize the ankle at 90 degrees for two weeks or more depending on its severity. This is typically done using a walking boot. This allows you to remove the boot for sleeping and to ice the ankle regularly. You will also be given instructions on therapy involving gentle moving of the ankle to prevent stiffness. After two weeks the boot comes off and more active physical therapy begins, usually lasting an additional two to three weeks before full activity can be resumed. Here are some common treatment options for sports ankle sprains that we would provide:

  • Immobilization: In severe cases, a brace, splint, or walking boot may be necessary to immobilize the ankle and allow the ligaments to heal properly.
  • Physical Therapy: A structured physical therapy program can help strengthen the muscles around the ankle, improve range of motion, and restore stability.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Bracing and Taping: Wearing ankle braces or undergoing athletic taping techniques can provide additional support and stability during sports activities.
  • Gradual Return to Activity: It’s essential to gradually reintroduce physical activity once your ankle has healed to avoid re-injury. Your podiatrist or physical therapist can provide guidance on when it’s safe to return to sports and how to prevent future ankle sprains.

Preventive measures

While some ankle sprains are inevitable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury:

  • Warm-Up and Stretching: Always warm up before engaging in physical activity, and incorporate dynamic stretching exercises to prepare your muscles and ligaments.
  • Proper Footwear: Invest in supportive athletic shoes designed for your specific sport and replace them regularly to ensure optimal cushioning and stability.
  • Strength and Balance Training: Incorporate exercises that target the muscles around the ankle, such as calf raises, ankle circles, and single-leg balance drills, to improve stability and reduce the risk of sprains.

Conclusion

Now, a month or more out of sports activities sounds like a lot, but considering the lifelong pain and instability that can be associated with an under-treated ankle injury, it’s more than worth it. Don’t let a sports ankle sprain keep you on the sidelines for longer than necessary. With prompt and proper treatment, along with preventive measures and rehabilitation, you can get back to doing what you love with confidence and strength. So, if anyone has questions or concerns about a recent or past injury please make an appointment with us and we can talk about how to get you back in the ol’ ball game.

Dr. Anderson is considered one of the top podiatrists or foot doctor in the Fort Collins, Colorado region with over 6000+ subscribers on youtube and thousands of facebook followers it makes sense to consult with him.

Amputation: Three Things You Must Know if You’re Diabetic

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So, you’ve been told you’re a diabetic, and the first thing that enters your mind is the possibility of an amputation. Wow, a scary thought! I want to show you how this can happen. As a diabetic you need to hear this, to arm yourself with knowledge. I’m alarmed at how few people truly understand how the process leading to amputation gets started. In some situations it may not be as much of a worry as it should be, and in others it may be far greater than it needs to be.

So here we go! Here are three basic principles that set a foot up for an amputation:

  1. Foot structure

Any type of foot deformity that would create a greater probability of a skin irritation can be problematic. Examples of this would be a bunion. This is that prominence by the big toe joint that you’ll notice when the big toe starts to drift towards the second toe. That bone that protrudes can make it a potential for skin irritation.

A hammertoe would be another example. In this situation the toe is bent so that the knuckle on the top of the toe may rub against shoe gear or the tip may develop a sore, as you tend to walk on the tip and not on the fatty pulp that lies on the opposite side of the toenail. Any of these types of abnormalities should be addressed by appropriate shoe gear or, in some cases, by corrective surgery.

  1. Blood flow

You have probably heard that because of lack of blood flow diabetics have amputations. In my practice experience this appears overrated. Many diabetics have adequate blood flow for healing. I think it’s important if you’re diabetic to really have a thorough exam so you know specifically how you rate. This is a perfect situation of one size doesn’t fit all.

But, obviously, if circulation is an issue then healing of any type of sore or cut may become an issue. One of the worse things you can do is smoke. Obviously the smoking habit has a detrimental effect on circulation, but when you combine it with diabetes, the risk goes up by a factor of at least three times.

  1. Neuropathy

This is what I consider the most dangerous factor: the health of your nerves. Neuropathy will occur in 50-70 percent of diabetics, but how severe it may become varies. Patients may feel a burning tingling and numbness in the feet and legs. The danger, however, is present when more numbness is present. It’s the inability to feel that is dangerous. The good news is that we can help restore the feeling with surgical decompression of selective nerve tunnels using laser and CETS technology to revitalize your nerves. Please refer to our website videos for more information.

Consider this the triad of things to ponder when you’re told you are diabetic and you’re worried about that dreaded word: amputation. The purpose of this blog was not to scare you, but rather give you some peace of mind. You may have more control than you realize, and you need to carefully consider each of these three areas.

First, a few questions you will need to consider are: if you have a deformity does it have to be corrected to reduce risk of amputation in the future, or are there conservative things that may be done? Or, if you have poor blood flow what are steps you can do, and what can a doctor do to help?

Next, if you smoke consider quitting.

Finally, the subject of neuropathy, which to me is most promising!  We have surgical and non- surgical options that are backed up with objective research to measure improvement of nerve function. What I consider the most dangerous of the three has the greatest opportunity for help.

So, arming you with knowledge should empower you to consider these factors, and help you to understand you may have more options to avoid amputation.

I hope you better understand that there is more hope than ever for you to do something to preserve those precious feet.amputation diabetic foot