Chronic Foot and Ankle Pain – EPAT®, an effective non-invasive treatment

Foot and ankle pain is not uncommon, especially in those of us runners.  Whether a long distance or short distance runner, you may find yourself limited by aches and pains in your feet.  Because ignoring these little aches and pains can lead to chronic problems, we have to recommend that you seek out an Austin podiatrist at first sign of discomfort. Corrections to your footwear or inserts can help correct whatever is causing the pain and non-invasive therapies can be applied.  A variety of options, including taping, padding, orthosis (inserts), oral anti-inflammatory therapy, or stretching are useful for many patients. In the next week or so, Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists will have yet another option for you, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy^®.

EPAT^® is an exciting new therapy that utilizes shock waves to stimulated recovery.  Technology like this was initially used to break down kidney stones to pass from the body normally eliminating the need for more invasive therapy.  In more recent years, this therapy has proven very effective for healing chronic muscle and tendon injuries.  Chronic injuries are often difficult to come back from due to the scar tissue that can form.  These scar tissues do not function with the efficiency of the normal tissues they replace. It can also make it difficult for your body to supply nutrients and healing factors for optimal healing further complicating the problem.  The sonic waves of the EPAT^® stimulate healing by breaking down the scar tissue.  A ‘wand’ is placed on the skin over the problem area and the pulses are amplified to the proper level to destroy scar tissues without hurting healthy tissues.  It often does not require many treatments before significant healing occurs.

Heel pain is one area where this therapy has ideal application.  You may think of plantar fasciitis when you hear someone talk about heel pain.  This is often a misnomer because this condition does not always exhibit the inflammation that occurs with an ‘-itis’.  Because this therapy is contraindicated in acute inflammatory conditions, it is crucial that the right cause be identified.  A proper diagnosis of the source and type of heel pain that is limiting you is best made by a specialist of the foot and ankle.   Make an appointment with your Austin podiatrist today and see if EPAT^® is right for you!

Heel Pain – A Runner’s Worst Enemy

Whether you are a seasoned runner who has upped their mileage, or is utilizing new footwear; or a newbee just began to run, heel pain can strike you down.  You don’t have to cover much distance before each heel strike makes you wince with pain.  A day worth of rest may calm it down, but it remains a constant nagging pain.  If this is happening to you, make a visit to Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists. 

There are a number of reasons the pain could be occurring from plantar fasciitis to stress fracture.  Each possible cause needs to be considered so that the proper treatment can be used.  There are a variety of modalities that can be used, such as extracorporeal pulse activation therapy or specialized shoe inserts. The sooner you can have the problem identified, the sooner you can get back to your running routine.

 Your foot mechanics are often the biggest controllable factor to any foot problems.   Everyone’s feet are different and not every brand of shoe will work for every person.  Running shoes typically have a good amount of support and control they provide the feet they cover.  That doesn’t mean each shoe is providing the best support to YOUR feet.  

The best way to do that is with a custom orthotic.  I’m not talking about the Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthosis kiosk at the store.  ‘Custom Fit’ is a marketing term that is a misnomer as these are not specific to your foot and your foot alone. These are actually just a generally manufactured padding that can quickly break down.  The custom orthotic that we make for you is very durable and will not break down with the forces placed on them when you run.  By measuring the curvature of your foot, a cast is made and the material is fitted to provide the right amount of support in the right areas.   A true custom orthotic is more unique than eye glasses and can help your run without experiencing heel pain.  Don’t continue to run in discomfort, have that heel pain fixed today!

Newton Terra Momentum – A better alternative to barefoot running

I’ve blogged before about approaching barefoot running with caution.  It has been almost a year since we talked about it last, but remember that this new ‘craze’ is based on findings that indigenous groups of other countries, who have lived their whole life without shoes, have a lower incidence of some foot pathologies.  The authors of these findings postulated this was due to stronger feet, that shoes weakened the muscles in your foot which led to problems.  To my knowledge, there remains to be a proper long term evidence based study comparing minimalist running to that of normal athletic shoes.  Even so, it is my opinion that minimalist shoes do have a place in the runner’s arsenal.

Shoes such as the Newton Terra Momentum® offer the best of both worlds.  Their lack of the complex support to the midfoot and forefoot, which can limit foot motion in traditional running shoes, make them ideal for the minimalist runner.  They offer the protection to your feet while giving some support and allowing maximal movement to your foot.  I may actually even recommend them to you depending on your foot structure. Remember that our office offers Gaitscan® technology to assess your foot structure and allow me to make recommendations.

It is important that I also remind you to never ‘over do it’.  With any type of new footwear, it is best to ‘break them in’ by wearing them for a few hours a day and slowly working up to a full day or couple days a week.  You shouldn’t run in these minimalist shoes every day, but rather use them occasionally for running or maybe on recovery days.  It never hurts to bring your shoes with you on your next visit to Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists for assessment by a professional.

Until next time, keep those feet happy and healthy, Austin!

Foot pain – Increased Foot Problems in January

Is it the cold weather, ice, or winter sports that cause a spike in foot problems in the month of January?  While individuals may be less likely to visit the doctor earlier in the year because they have yet to meet their insurance deductable, more people probably experience foot problems in January than any other month.  It is less likely due to any of the previously mentioned rational, but rather three words……New Year’s Resolution!

The start of a new year gives many of use the opportunity to try new things and put our self in position to live a healthier lifestyle.  How many of us have resolved to make this year the year to be more active, loss those extra pounds, or better control your diabetes? We at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists want everyone to stay healthy or improve their health through diet and exercise.  Unfortunately, too many of us don’t last through the aches and pain that can quickly develop in the foot.  Jumping right into a new vigorous exercise routine is an excellent way to develop foot pain.

This isn’t the first time we have talked about proper conditioning and easing into a new exercise routine, but it is well worth mentioning again.  As many of us could testify through personal experience, ‘an ounce of prevent, IS worth a pound of cure!’  The best way to prevent foot and ankle injury is to slowly work up to you goals.  In the case of walking or running, begin with smaller distances and add a little more with each subsequent routine allowing you ample rest between routines.  The same rational should go into wearing new footwear or orthotics.  By following the simple guide of working up to more strenuous exercise or distance, you can avoid becoming part of the large group of people who will develop foot pain in January.

Until next time, keep those feet happy and healthy, Austin!

Celebrity News – Zsa Zsa Gabor Battles to Save Leg

While you may have never seen a film or production she has acted in, chances are you recognize the name Zsa Zsa Gabor.  The Budapest born actress has made many headlines over the years with her extravagant lifestyle and happenings. News broke earlier this week that she was going to have a life saving limb amputation.  More recent articles note that doctors are trying strong antibiotic therapy first.  Her publicist reported that an unhealing, long-standing wound became quite larger over the holidays before she was admitted to the hospital.  Doctors worry that this infected wound could be life threatening.  While we wish her the best as she attempts to heal, these headlines give us here at AFAS an opportunity to discuss wound care, infection and amputation.

Amputation is the absolute last resort.  It is only when an infection has spread throughout a limb and becomes life threatening that doctors will utilize amputation to save your life.  There is well documented evidence that amputation of a limb decreases your lifespan.  This fact has decreased the number of amputations preformed in recent years and put more emphasis on treating the causes that lead to it.

When dealing with wounds, it is imperative that you follow your doctor’s instructions.  Hygiene, proper bandaging and bandage changing go a long way in keeping infection at bay.  In Zsa Zsa’s case, being restricted to a wheel chair and history of blood clots likely inhibited wound healing.  Proper blood flow is absolutely necessary to properly heal a wound.  As part of wound healing, Dr. Thomajan will assess your blood pressures in your legs and refer you to a vascular specialist if needed.  Good blood flow allows your body to deliver healing nutrients and immune system cells to fight off infection.  You may be prescribed antibiotics if an infection is identified.  It is important to take all of your prescription.  By closely following instructions to keep weight off the wound and proper wound hygiene, you can heal longstanding wounds and avoid amputation.  Make a visit to AFAS today if you have a wound that has been present for more than 2 weeks without any changes.

Until next time, keep those feet happy and healthy Austin!

Ektio’s New Shoe – Preventing Ankle Sprains

This month Ektio released their line of basketball shoes.  The claim is that their basketball shoes are the ‘first physician-designed athletic shoes that provide rock solid ankle support without inhibiting mobility.’  Their shoe, endorsed by former NBA New York Knicks player John Starks, will premier in the Amazon marketplace in January and is already found at some retailers.  The serious basketball shoe fanatic probably spends a lot on athletic shoes and may not flinch at the ~$200 price tag for either the Wraptor or Post-up styles, but others may be more hesitant.

We have discussed ankle injuries in the past.  While all joints are at increased risk of injury due to stress and movement, the ankle is probably the most prone.  It is one of the few joints that allows for movement in three directions.  Unfortunately, when playing certain sports, like basketball, some of these motions become exaggerated and can lead to injury.  This shoe is being marketed towards the athlete because of their increased incidence of ankle problems, but many of us who don’t play basketball can relate to ankle problems.  In my high school basketball days, I remember trying to lace my high tops just right to try and not hurt my ankle.  These shoes claim to make such worries and most ankle injuries a thing of the past.

The makers of this shoe have some high aspirations.  We all know ankle injuries can take time to heal and professional NBA players don’t want to be sidelined with injury.  We at AFAS haven’t tests these shoes ourselves and can’t comment on the ‘rock solid ankle support’, but only time will tell whether the company’s claims are true or not. Regardless, it is important to remember that with all new footwear make your change a gradual one.  Never start a new sport or activity without adequate preparation and conditioning. Failing to do so can make you prone to injury.  In the case of any ankle injury, implement the RICE principle and make a visit to see Dr. Thomajan. 

Until next time, keep those feet happy and healthy in the New Year, Austin!

Preventing foot injury – Holiday travel

With the final week leading up to the next two holiday weekends upon us, this may be our last chance to talk about staying safe during your travels.  The past few weeks we have discussed footwear and activities to avoid DVTs while you are journeying this holiday season. But, what are you to do if your footwear is no longer available, as has become custom at many airports? 

While we can hope that new practices put in place to keep us safe while traveling may let us keep our footwear on, it is a good idea to be prepared if indeed you are asked to remove them.  It is important to keep your feet protected from foreign bodies (splinters, sharps, etc.) and fungus.  Public places are ready for your feet to be assaulted by the molds and fungi that can cause ‘athletes feet’ and fungal toenails.  If you are wearing tennis shoes, as we suggested in earlier blogs, be sure to wear cotton socks.  Some are made with a thicker bottom and would be best suited for situations like this.  Make sure that they are comfortable in your shoes first, but wearing these types of socks will help to protect your feet if you do have to remove your shoes.  Because your socks can ‘pick-up’ dirt and grime from the floor, it’s also a good idea to pack an extra, clean pair of socks in your carry-on. You can then switch them before putting your shoes back on.

It is also a good idea to give yourself ample time to make your flight.  Attempting to rush through security checks can make you prone to injury.  Take the time to watch where you are stepping and avoid any of those foreign bodies.  If you do happen to step on anything, promptly make a visit to AFAS to have it examined and removed!  Travel safe this holiday.

Until next time, keep those feet happy and healthy this holiday Austin!