Marc Gasol Suffers Broken Foot Injury - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Who would have thought that the ever reliable center of Memphis Grizzlies Marc Gasol might suffer from a broken foot injury? The center suffered a broken foot injury while playing against the Portland Trail Blazers? He immediately underwent successful surgery to repair the broken bone in his right foot.

Broken Foot injury

A crack or fracture in the foot can be serious. This injury needs attention and proper medication to avoid complications. The human foot is composed of 26 bones and is prone to injuries like fractures or breaks. It is important that you consult with a podiatrist for the first signs of a foot injury. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

What are the causes of a broken foot injury?

Accidents is one of the leading reasons why bones break. When bones are suddenly bent, stretched, twisted, or crushed it can lead to a breaks. Athletes, soldiers, gymnasts, runners, and dancers are prone to this type of injury.

What are the symptoms of a broken foot injury?

• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Pain during an activity and is gone when resting
• Deformity of the foot
• Immobility
• Pain

If someone has a broken foot injury, walking may become painful. It is also impossible to diagnose a broken foot by just looking at it. The best thing to do is to seek medical attention. The podiatrist will order an x-ray to determine what kind of treatment is needed. Sprain and broken bone injury are almost similar when it comes to symptoms. The only difference is the intensity of the pain, bruising, and swelling.

Treatment for broken foot injury

The type of treatment for a broken foot injury is determined by the location and its severity. It is necessary to stabilize the injured foot whether it is mild or severe. You also have to avoid putting weight on your injured foot. Crutches, casting, walking boot, or wheelchair are few options to help treat the broken foot.

Splinting is also a way to treat the broken foot injury. See to it not to tape the broken foot tightly. Let your doctor show you the proper way of splinting your broken foot.

Wear a shoe with a solid sole that will provide an additional support. The recovery period of broken foot injury is between six to eight weeks depending on the degree of injury. 

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success,we specialize in helping people suffering from foot problems. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

James van Riemsdyk Goes Down with Metatarsal Injury - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Toronto Maple Leafs winger James van Riemsdyk will be out for six to eight weeks because of a non-displaced fracture in his left foot. The Maple Leafs team announced that Riemsdyk has a metatarsal fracture and will undergo treatment and rehab.

Metatarsal bones are long bones found between the tarsal and phalanges of the toes. A metatarsal fracture happens when one of these long bones is broken or is weakened due to thinning of the bones. Consult a podiatrist for any signs of a metatarsal bone injury The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

What causes a metatarsal fracture?

Metatarsal fracture is caused by direct injury to the foot such as:

• Twisting of the foot
• Overuse
• Over supination
• Repetitive activities such as running, swimming, or jumping
• Overpronation
• Not enough rest
• Abnormal weight transfer

What are the symptoms of a metatarsal fracture?

During its early stages, pain may be relieved by rest. As the injury becomes severe, rest may not be enough to relieve the pain and can become chronic. Swelling can be noticed without bruising. The following are the most common symptoms of metatarsal fractures:

• A cracking sound at the time of the injury
• Immediate pain and tenderness
• Bruising and swelling
• Difficulty putting weight on the affected foot
• Limited movement of your foot
• Pain that progresses gradually
• Pain worsens when walking or standing
• Pain in the mid or front of the foot

How metatarsal fractures treated?

Treatments may differ and recovery periods range from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of the fracture. Always check with your podiatrist before any treatment.

• Simple painkillers may help to relieve the pain
• Remove all stress from the foot to allow it to heal
• Immobilization
• Rest is needed in metatarsal fractures
• Apply ice as soon as possible after the injury
• Elevation will limit and reduce any swelling
• Surgery to re-align any part of the fractured bone
• Physical therapy to exercise the fractured metatarsal

How to prevent metatarsal fractures?

The risk of foot injuries is high especially in high-impact activities like sports. Preventing metatarsal fractures is tricky but there are a number of things that you can do:

• Gradually intensify the duration of the exercise
• Rest and allow yourself enough time to recover
• Wear appropriate footwear that should protect and support your feet
• Limit activities to prevent further problems
• Visit a medical professional to check your injury

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from foot problems. To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Dez Bryant Falls to a Jones fracture - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Previously there was a lot of talk about Dez Bryant’s injury in a game against the New York Giants. Dez Bryant is a star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who suffered a Jones fracture during a game.

Keeping the foot healthy and in tip top shape is essential for any athlete. After all, it is responsible for supporting most of the movements performed by athletes. An injury however small, can spell the end of an athlete’s career. Consult a podiatrist for any signs of chronic foot pain. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping in helping people with chronic foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

What is a Jones fracture?

A Jones fracture is an injury to the base of the fifth metatarsal. Jones fracture is caused by a twisting injury to the foot. Other causes also include trauma, overuse, and repetitive stress. It is also mistaken as a sprain.

What are the symptoms of Jones fracture?
Many times patients describe having symptoms that include:

• Sharp stabbing pain on the outside of the foot
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain while walking
• Immobility
• Tenderness to the touch
• Discoloration

Visible signs will appear after an injury has been sustained. If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately. You need to stop whatever you are doing and talk to your doctor. Your doctor will do a physical exam and will ask you questions regarding the activities that you are doing when you hurt your foot. He will then perform an x-ray to diagnose the fracture and to see the extent of your injury.

What are the treatments for Jones fracture?

• The first step is to rest and to prevent movement in the foot. Apply ice to the injured part as well.
• Immobilization in a cast. Patients are not allowed to put weight on the injured foot until it heals.
• You may be given anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and the swelling during the healing period.

Jones fracture will take 6 to 8 weeks to heal in a splint, cast, or walking boot. After this period of time, rehab will begin that will last from 2 to 3 weeks. Surgery is usually performed when the injury is severe. Implementations of screws, wires, bone plates, and pins are included in the surgery. Use crutches, walking boot, or splint at all times unless you are resting. Increase your intake of vitamin C and calcium.

To help prevent a Jones fracture

• Wear appropriate shoes for the activity.
• Using proper training techniques.
• Avoid running on uneven surfaces.

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people with foot fractures.   To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Achilles Tendonitis Hits Memphis Grizzlies Mike Conley - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

One of the most promising players of the Memphis Grizzlies has been battling the pain in his left foot. Mike Conley, a point guard of the Memphis Grizzlies missed a couple of games due to an Achilles Tendonitis. After evaluating his injury, the team doctors made a decision not to allow Conley to return to the game and just wait for him to recover.

The inflammation of Achilles’ tendon is referred to Achilles Tendonitis. It causes pain at the back of your leg near the area of the heel. Once the tendon of your heel become swollen and painful, there is a big risk that you have Achilles Tendonitis. Consult a podiatrist for any type of foot injury. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with chronic foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

The following are the signs and symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

• Difficulty of flexing your foot or pointing your toes
• There is pain above your heel and the back of your foot while stretching
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• A snapping or popping noise during the injury and
• Tenderness

Here are the possible treatments for Achilles Tendonitis

• The use of anti-inflammatory drugs for a limited period of time
• Reducing the physical activity
• Visiting a physical therapist
• Switching to a less strenuous sport
• Applying ice in the area where there is pain
• Elevate the injured foot to reduce the swelling
• The calf muscles should be stretched and strengthen
• Wear a brace or elastic bandage to prevent the movement of your injured foot
• Getting a steroid injection

If ever the conservative treatments are not effective, surgery or an operation is needed to repair the Achilles' tendon.

These activities will strain the Achilles tendon that will result to Achilles Tendonitis

• Wearing high heels shoes daily
• Exercising without having a warm up
• Your foot suddenly turns in or out
• You have a very tight calf muscles
• Wearing shoes that do not have proper support
• Running on concrete or hard surfaces
• Jumping
• Running too often

You can lower the risk of Achilles Tendonitis with the help of these strategies

• Reduce the heel size of your shoes to let your tendons stretch slowly and to increase
• the range of its motion
• Stretching your calf muscles every morning will help to improve your agility
• Choose and wear a shoe that provides arch support and proper cushioning
• Performing a new exercise routine will help intensify your physical activity
• Combining a low and high impact exercises will reduce stress on your tendons

Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success,
 we specialize in helping people with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Chicago Bears Receiver Marquess Wilson Gets Foot Injury - Long Island Foot and Ankle Group

Chicago Bears’ receiver Marquess Wilson previously missed practice after suffering from a foot injury. Marquess Wilson landed on injured reserve after he suffered a broken foot while practicing for a game. After an MRI, it was confirmed that Chicago Bear receiver suffered from a Lisfranc injury.

Injuries to athletes are not uncommon. But a large number these injuries are those affecting the foot. After all the foot is one of the most abused structures in the body. Consult a podiatrist for any signs of chronic foot pain. The doctors of Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people with chronic foot pain and other types of foot conditions. 

A Lisfranc injury is a kind of foot injury that can be very serious and requires surgery. This type of foot injury usually requires a year to recover. Lisfranc injuries are common in athletes and in persons involved in a violent accident. Lisfranc injury is a foot pain that is difficult to diagnose.

What are the signs and symptoms of a Lisfranc injury?

•  Swelling and pain over the mid-foot
• Bruising on the bottom of the mid-foot
• Inability to bear weight
• Tenderness to touch
• Displacement between the metatarsal and tarsal bones
• Foot pain when turning, walking or running
• Abnormal widening of the foot

 Lisfranc injury treatment

When there is a sprain, the patient is placed in a removable plastic cast to immobilize the foot for approximately eight weeks. Crutches are used to avoid putting weight on an injured foot. Ice therapy is very effective to relieve the pain. Apply ice packs for twenty minutes every two hours. Elevate the foot to reduce the pain and swelling. The use of anti-inflammatory medications is also necessary to reduce the pain and the swelling. 

Secure the fractured and dislocated bones with screws and pins fixation. The surgeon will determine the best procedure that is suited for every patient. Some injuries require emergency surgery. Physical therapy may be prescribed for the pain and the swelling subsided. 

How to prevent Lisfranc injury? 

Since Lisfranc injury is prevalent in football, the NFL has been prompted to look more into the ins and outs of this specific injury. The National Football League checked on how the injury occurs and how to best prevent it. They tried to see whether the shoes of the players are too lightweight or the cleats has a tight grip on the turf which can be dangerous to their players. 

Wearing a comfortable and suitable footwear will help prevent an athlete from Lisfranc injury especially in a game or in a training session. Proper exercises and training are also needed to lessen the possibility to have a Lisfranc injury.

 At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people suffering from chronic foot problems.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

What to do when you have Toe Cramps

Toe cramps can be an indication that the muscles in our toes have reached its limits. When this happens, rest and other conservative treatments can give you much needed relief from muscle spasms and pain. Although cases of toe cramps are not uncommon, this becomes a serious concern when it occurs regularly or does not go away with rest. When this happens, consult a podiatrist. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists specialize in helping people with foot disorders.

Possible causes of Toe Cramps

Buildup of lactic acid in the muscles caused by prolonged muscle activity

• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Diuretics and cholesterol lowering medications
• Tight fitting shoes
• Aging

What you should do?

Toe stretches

If you’re an active runner, perform toe stretches before the activity. It might also be a good idea to incorporate foot and toe muscle strengthening exercises before engaging in regular running activities. Toe stretching exercises can help you avoid toe cramps and bring much needed flexibility to the muscles.

• Toe raises
• Toe flex
• Toe curl
• Marble pickup

Hot or cold compress

Applying some heat on your toes can get the blood flowing into the toes again and helps the muscle relax. Use a heating pad or apply a warm towel over the area. You can also soak your foot in water for instant relief.

A cold compress helps soothe pain and reduce inflammation. Use a cold pack to gently massage your toes.

Recharge with electrolytes

We don’t only lose water when we sweat. Salt, calcium, potassium and other important minerals are lost when sweating. Toe cramps or muscle cramps in general can be an indication of low nutrient intake. Our toes need their daily dose of minerals too and being at the extremities may mean it’s last in line. And energy drink filled with electrolytes could help your toe muscles get back on track.

Get the right type of shoes

Shoes provide much needed support to the feet and toes. Getting the right type of shoes does not only mean getting running shoes but also getting shoes that perfectly fit. Shoes with small toe boxes place extra pressure on the toes which could get tired easily. If you find yourself suffering from chronic toe cramps look for shoes with wide toe boxes.

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Running Shoes and Blisters

Ill-fitting shoes. Protruding joints. A whole lot of foot activity. Whatever the cause, a lot of friction – and let’s just add in a few teaspoons of sweat while we’re at it – between your feet against a material often leading to blisters. Tiny and squishy, smooth and shiny; these water balloons are fun to touch.

However, when reality kicks in and you have to move on and keep running, these water balloons are not just annoying and painful; they also put you at a risk for infection. Visit a podiatrist for any sign of foot injury. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specialize in helping people suffering from sports related foot injuries.

The Culprit

Heat

• Heat as a result of friction is the most common cause for blister formation and is also the hardest to avoid. Your skin will try to make a barrier against heat by pooling in fluid to a particular area between the epidermis and the dermis.

Moisture

• Moisture can be in the form of sweat, or exposure to actual forms of water (puddles, rainwater, bodies of water – if you’re in a marathon). Moisture soaks your skin and makes it softer, leading to easier skin breakage. Just a tiny amount of friction, which cannot be avoided when you’re running, and you end up with a flap of epidermis detached from your dermis.

Blister, Blister, Go Away

There are a few quick remedies for blisters you can do at home as first aid.

• If the blister is not broken, it is best to keep the skin intact. The unbroken skin can act as a natural barrier against bacteria. Thoroughly clean the area, then cover the blister with moleskin or blister pads to help prevent rupturing and further friction.
• For ruptured (intentional or unintentional) blisters, wash the area and apply antimicrobial solutions and/or ointment. Cover the popped blister with sterile gauze or bandage if you will be exposed to the environment or public. When at home, leave the area uncovered so it dries out fast.
• If the blister becomes infected, see a podiatrist immediately

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success , we specialize in helping athletes with foot injuries.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Sports Foot Injuries

One of the major responsibilities of the feet is supporting our body weight. The feet are composed of load-bearing structures that are capable of withstanding the stress of running, jumping or most sports activities. But, it too has its limits and when we go beyond what is was designed for, foot injuries happen.

Sever’s Disease

This is a painful heel condition found in child athletes. Feet development occurs during our childhood years. And an injury may occur when these are subjected to repeated abuse from sports activities before it is fully developed. The heel growth plate is one of the last structures in the feet to mature. And child athletes are at high risk for developing heel injuries because of this.  

Athletes Foot

Anybody can have athlete’s foot but this is more common among athletes because of certain practices. Athletes often have to take showers in training rooms or public showers. An infection can occur when bare feet is exposed to wet surfaces. 

Sore Feet

A hard day of training often results to sore feet. While most athletes dismiss this as part of their profession, pain and soreness that don’t go away with medication and rest should be consulted with a podiatrist. The podiatrists at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are doctors who specializes in helping people suffering from sports related foot injuries.

Fractures

Fractures are commonly caused by breaks in load bearing bones in the feet. High risk areas include the heel, ankle, navicula and metatarsal bones. Stress on these foot structures are multiplied often to its breaking point through repeated high impact activities. This is why warm-ups and foot strengthening exercises should be done before an athlete progresses into more difficult activities. 

Ankle Sprains

Sports require explosive movements that demand strength and flexibility. A quick change in direction places huge stress on the ankles causing sprain. When it is overstretched beyond its limit, this is injured causing pain and inflammation.

Tingling Feet

That tingling sensation in your feet can be caused by poor circulation or nerve damage. While it might only be a cause of inconvenience it can already be a symptom of an underlying disease. This includes peripheral neuropathy or Raynaud’s disease.

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people with foot injuries.   To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.