Health Education Series with Dr. Card

Join Dr. Card at the Women's Health Institute this week!

Ouch, My Foot!
A Discussion on Plantar Fasciitis and General Foot Care
Dr. Keith Card, DPM
Tuesday, September 27, 5:30-6:30 pm

Women's Health Institute (a service of Carson Tahoe)
1470 Medical Parkway
For more information, call (775) 445-5168 or www.carsontahoewomen.com.

Come with questions.  Leave with answers.

The Dangers of Ignoring Reoccurring Ankle Sprains

I know that many people don't want to head to the doctor for ankle sprains.  Sprains can often be treated with rest, ice, and a simple ace bandage.  However, if you have had multiple ankle sprains, you may have a more serious problem.  Repeated ankle sprains and other ankle injuries can lead to ankle arthritis and should be treated aggressively.

 

Ankle arthritis differs from hip or knee arthritis in that it usually results from trauma rather than the everyday wear and tear associated with old age. It has been reported that arthritis after a single or multiple injuries is the leading cause for end stage ankle arthritis. Most people don’t realize that reoccurring ankle sprains can eventually lead to severe pain and difficulty walking.

In a recent study of people with end stage arthritis in their ankles, 87% resulted from a specific or repeated injury and less than 1% was attributed to general wear and tear type osteoarthritis. Another study showed that 18% of the patients suffering from end stage ankle arthritis have a history of chronic instability, which can result in repeated ankle sprains. 

If you have ankle pain or frequent sprains, there are non-surgical options available through new and advanced ankle bracing.  Several surgical options are available as well.  Don’t ignore recurrent ankle sprains!

What To Do For Your Morning Foot Pain

Have you been ignoring that nagging heel pain that has you hobbling all the way to the shower in the morning?

Most heel pain is the result of inflammation of a ligament called the plantar fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toe area. The inflammation of this ligament is called plantar fasciitis.  When the plantar fascia is strained beyond its normal limits, the soft tissue fibers of the fascia begin to tear.  This occurs especially where it attaches to the heel bone leading to inflammation, pain, and possibly the growth of a bone spur. (Spurs typically do NOT cause heel pain but rather are a sign of the inflammation.) 

Here are a few suggestions for your heel pain:

1. Stop going barefoot and throw away old or worn-out shoes.
2. Start applying an ice pack to the painful area after activities.
3. Do some stretching in the morning even before getting out of bed.  Most exercises that stretch the calf muscles are helpful.
4. Take a few days of rest from strenuous activities if possible.
5. Many foot cushions or arch supports sold in stores may be helpful but will not usually solve the cause of the pain.

 When foot discomfort occurs, early treatment usually results in the best chance for complete healing and a speedy return to your regular activities.    Call Dr. Card if these tips do not get you gliding painlessly into your morning routine.