Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Rob Gronkowski may don a special cleat for the Superbowl on Sunday
Ah Superbowl....you can tell when Superbowl is right around the corner. All the talk about which dips and fattening appetizers are going to be passed, who is performing the halftime show, how much beer should be bought and this year probably one of the most talked about things.....are those Patriot fans going to be getting Gronked???? This is the year of the high ankle sprain! Ben Roethlisberger, Sam Bradford and Adrien Peterson are 3 of the 8 NFL players that have suffered this injury in 2011. Rob Gronkowski makes it 9 for the season. Click Superbowl to get the article so that you can make your guess on if Gronkowski will be playing or not!!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Roethlisberger Suffers High Ankle Sprain
Ben Roethlisberger and the high ankle sprain
Last week in the football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Ben Roethlisberger the quarterback for the Steelers was tackled in such a way that he suffered an injury to his ankle. Using slow motion analysis of video online, it can be seen that “Big Ben” was planting his left foot trying to escape tacklers when he was hit from behind and from the left essentially trapping his left foot on the ground with the inside of the foot against the ground. His left knee then hits the ground and creates a rotational base as he was hit from the right by another opponent. The top of the left shoe can be seen clearly as he falls on his left side effectively making the lower part of his foot and leg point 180 degrees from normal (or backwards).
Amazingly he walked off the field and returned and completed the game later. Reports of his injury over the past week include that he has a grade 1 high ankle sprain. He is in a walking cast boot and may compete against the 49ers on Monday night.
Big Ben’s injury differs from the usual ankle sprain because of the mechanism of injury. Normally ankle sprains are on the outside (lateral aspect) of the ankle and involve tearing of the lower ankle ligaments. Big Ben’s injury involves the ligaments that hold the leg bones together. The term ankle sprain can be used to indicate anything from a minor injury or an actual tearing of the ligaments.
From my analysis of the injury from one perspective of video on the internet it appears to me that it is amazing that the ankle was not dislocated at the time of injury and that it is likely that the ligament was ruptured or torn. In normal adults, ligament healing will usually take about three weeks and will need protection during this time. I would anticipate a significant amount of pain would be present if an individual were to try to weight bearing without significant support of the ankle before it is healed.
Big Ben is getting the best of care by getting an immediate X-ray and then an MRI. Many times normal ankle sprains will require both of these studies as well. Support and protection are requirement for normal healing of ankle sprains as well.
So, the take home point is:
1. Don’t attempt to walk off ankle sprains
2. Start Rest Ice Compression and Elevation
3. Get professional help and imaging
For more information see Gulfcoastfootcare.com
Last week in the football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Ben Roethlisberger the quarterback for the Steelers was tackled in such a way that he suffered an injury to his ankle. Using slow motion analysis of video online, it can be seen that “Big Ben” was planting his left foot trying to escape tacklers when he was hit from behind and from the left essentially trapping his left foot on the ground with the inside of the foot against the ground. His left knee then hits the ground and creates a rotational base as he was hit from the right by another opponent. The top of the left shoe can be seen clearly as he falls on his left side effectively making the lower part of his foot and leg point 180 degrees from normal (or backwards).
Amazingly he walked off the field and returned and completed the game later. Reports of his injury over the past week include that he has a grade 1 high ankle sprain. He is in a walking cast boot and may compete against the 49ers on Monday night.
Big Ben’s injury differs from the usual ankle sprain because of the mechanism of injury. Normally ankle sprains are on the outside (lateral aspect) of the ankle and involve tearing of the lower ankle ligaments. Big Ben’s injury involves the ligaments that hold the leg bones together. The term ankle sprain can be used to indicate anything from a minor injury or an actual tearing of the ligaments.
From my analysis of the injury from one perspective of video on the internet it appears to me that it is amazing that the ankle was not dislocated at the time of injury and that it is likely that the ligament was ruptured or torn. In normal adults, ligament healing will usually take about three weeks and will need protection during this time. I would anticipate a significant amount of pain would be present if an individual were to try to weight bearing without significant support of the ankle before it is healed.
Big Ben is getting the best of care by getting an immediate X-ray and then an MRI. Many times normal ankle sprains will require both of these studies as well. Support and protection are requirement for normal healing of ankle sprains as well.
So, the take home point is:
1. Don’t attempt to walk off ankle sprains
2. Start Rest Ice Compression and Elevation
3. Get professional help and imaging
For more information see Gulfcoastfootcare.com
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Ray Lewis may watch from the sidelines on Turkey Day
Ray Lewis missed playing against Cincinnati last week due to a toe injury. This is the first game he has watched from the sidelines since 2007. There is a less than 50 percent chance that he will play against the Bengals on Thanksgiving. He may be out up to 4 weeks.
Please visit our website if you would like to learn more about Sports Injuries.
Please visit our website if you would like to learn more about Sports Injuries.
November is Foot Health Awareness Month!!
November is foot health awareness month as it relates to issues that affect diabetes and foot health by
the US Department of health and human services. This department recognizes the need for diabetics
to be aware that foot health is an integral part of their medical care. Two separate studies have
indicated that amputations may be decreased and healthcare costs may be decreased by regular visits
to podiatrist’s office by diabetics. This is something that I have personally observed over the years.
If patients understand they are diabetic and they need special care for their feet, we can help them
remain ambulatory and decrease their risk for amputations and ulcers. In the past, when Medicare
did not cover the cost of special diabetic shoes for diabetics at risk, I personally witnessed many
unnecessary ulcerations and amputations because of ill-fitting shoes. As a result of the Medicare shoe
program for at risk diabetics, I have seen the number of ulcers drastically reduced over the past 10
years. For the ulcerations and infections that do happen, the new materials and treatments for wound
care have allowed us to heal diabetic ulcerations that were previously untreatable.
The most important point that I have for diabetics is that regular visits to a podiatrist’s office are an
investment in your future which can eliminate and prevent ulcerations and amputations. Even at the
very beginning of the progressive disease of diabetes, even when you feel nothing is wrong with you, a
visit to a podiatrist office can help make you aware of problems that you may not understand presently.
At that first visit, your feet can be examined and evaluated for foot deformities, circulatory problems
and neurological problem. Common problems as hammer toes and bunions can be evaluated and
treated conservatively with a variety of shoes and appliances. The mechanics of your walking will be
evaluated and the structural integrity of your feet can be reviewed. The range of motion of your lower
extremity can be evaluated. Many problems in these areas can be addressed with special supports and
exercises.
For diabetics, circulation, the amount of blood going into and leaving your feet, is a very important to
be evaluated. Using the latest technologically advanced noninvasive testing, the amount of blood flow
to and from the foot can measured and problem areas can be identified. This is important because
decreased blood flow can be associated with changes in healing, ulcerations and limb threatening issues.
Being able to identify and treat problems with circulation in diabetics can help prevent or treat many of
these problems.
Sometimes patients will come to office and say “I feel like I have a sock wadded up on the bottom of
my foot” or “I feel like my feet just don’t belong to me anymore.” These and other symptoms such
as numbness, tingling or other changes in sensation may be the beginning of the disease known as
neuropathy. Often this disease is associated with diabetes and is major cause of difficulties for patients.
Several times a year patients will come to the office with an infection in their feet from foreign bodies
that they didn’t realize they had stepped on because they could not feel it. At our office all patients are
screened for neuropathy with special attention placed on diabetics. It is important for diabetics to have
their neuropathy recognized early and have medical and accommodative treatment performed. This can
help prevent some of the more tragic complications of diabetes.
For more information please see our web site at www.gulfcoastfootcare.com or call out office at 239-
the US Department of health and human services. This department recognizes the need for diabetics
to be aware that foot health is an integral part of their medical care. Two separate studies have
indicated that amputations may be decreased and healthcare costs may be decreased by regular visits
to podiatrist’s office by diabetics. This is something that I have personally observed over the years.
If patients understand they are diabetic and they need special care for their feet, we can help them
remain ambulatory and decrease their risk for amputations and ulcers. In the past, when Medicare
did not cover the cost of special diabetic shoes for diabetics at risk, I personally witnessed many
unnecessary ulcerations and amputations because of ill-fitting shoes. As a result of the Medicare shoe
program for at risk diabetics, I have seen the number of ulcers drastically reduced over the past 10
years. For the ulcerations and infections that do happen, the new materials and treatments for wound
care have allowed us to heal diabetic ulcerations that were previously untreatable.
The most important point that I have for diabetics is that regular visits to a podiatrist’s office are an
investment in your future which can eliminate and prevent ulcerations and amputations. Even at the
very beginning of the progressive disease of diabetes, even when you feel nothing is wrong with you, a
visit to a podiatrist office can help make you aware of problems that you may not understand presently.
At that first visit, your feet can be examined and evaluated for foot deformities, circulatory problems
and neurological problem. Common problems as hammer toes and bunions can be evaluated and
treated conservatively with a variety of shoes and appliances. The mechanics of your walking will be
evaluated and the structural integrity of your feet can be reviewed. The range of motion of your lower
extremity can be evaluated. Many problems in these areas can be addressed with special supports and
exercises.
For diabetics, circulation, the amount of blood going into and leaving your feet, is a very important to
be evaluated. Using the latest technologically advanced noninvasive testing, the amount of blood flow
to and from the foot can measured and problem areas can be identified. This is important because
decreased blood flow can be associated with changes in healing, ulcerations and limb threatening issues.
Being able to identify and treat problems with circulation in diabetics can help prevent or treat many of
these problems.
Sometimes patients will come to office and say “I feel like I have a sock wadded up on the bottom of
my foot” or “I feel like my feet just don’t belong to me anymore.” These and other symptoms such
as numbness, tingling or other changes in sensation may be the beginning of the disease known as
neuropathy. Often this disease is associated with diabetes and is major cause of difficulties for patients.
Several times a year patients will come to the office with an infection in their feet from foreign bodies
that they didn’t realize they had stepped on because they could not feel it. At our office all patients are
screened for neuropathy with special attention placed on diabetics. It is important for diabetics to have
their neuropathy recognized early and have medical and accommodative treatment performed. This can
help prevent some of the more tragic complications of diabetes.
For more information please see our web site at www.gulfcoastfootcare.com or call out office at 239-
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Back to School Sports Injury Prevention Tips
By Dr. Dalia Krakowsky, Podiatrist, Marshfield Clinic Minocqua and Park Falls Centers
The fall time for our community’s children typically means back to books and homework. For many of them it also means back to fall sports. Many return to strenuous sports such as football, cross-country running, and basketball after a summer of relaxing. This can predispose them to injury. This can further be exacerbated by a child’s level of physical maturity and degree of athletic ability.
Proper training and conditioning can help prevent injury as well as help improve coordination and overall physical performance. There are several methods one can help avoid injury.
One of the most important ways to avoid sport related injuries in all activities is to properly warm up. Warming up helps to loosen muscles and prepare for an athletic activity. This includes proper stretching (but not overstretching), whether it be passive or dynamic as well as a light cardiovascular warm up.
Other ways to help avoid injuries is proper training prior to competition, which is typically sport specific and well managed by team coaches and trainers. Training typically includes cardiovascular fitness, strengthening and conditioning, stretching and improving flexibility, coordination and agility improvements as well as other sport specific modalities.
Despite proper warming up and training, a child still may unfortunately incur an injury during athletics. Injuries are commonly seen as a result of overuse, and are often seen as the sport season progresses. Common injuries include:
1.Ankle sprains: This can involve either a partial tear or stretching of ankle ligaments. Symptoms may include ankle pain, swelling and bruising. Treatment typically involves a period of rest, icing, and either protective weight-bearing with a boot or a period of non-weight-bearing. It may take several weeks and often months for complete healing to occur. Once symptoms improve it is important to restore balance, coordination and strength in order to help prevent recurrence.
1.Shin splints: This can occur due to improper training, increase in acceleration during athletics, or overtraining. It can also be seen in sports where running on an incline or with quick acceleration is performed. Symptoms typically include pain to the front of the leg with activity, alleviated with rest. Treatment predominantly includes rest, possible use of physical therapy modalities and anti-inflammatory measures. Prevention of recurrence typically includes slower progression through the specific sport, conditioning and possible use of orthotics.
1.Heel pain: This can be a result of inflammation of the plantar fascia (the ligament that attaches to the bottom of the heel bone), inflammation of the heel cord as it attaches to the back of the heel bone, or inflammation of the growth plate located at the back of the heel bone. Symptoms typically include pain and possible swelling. Treatment is catered to the level of discomfort, and can include icing, resting, use of heel cushions and orthotics.
1.Stress Fractures/Fractures: Fractures due to overuse are less commonly seen in younger people, as their bones are often more flexible. As a child matures, they are more predisposed to stress fractures due to overuse. Symptoms typically consist of pain and often associated swelling. There can be bruising as well. Often advanced imaging such as an MRI or a bone scan is needed to further evaluate a fracture if it is not easily seen on an X-ray. Treatment depends on level of injury and can involve rest, protective weight-bearing in a boot, non-weight-bearing in a cast or surgery to repair the injury.
If your child complains of pain, or has symptoms of unusual swelling, contact a health care provider to immediate care in order to prevent worsening of the situation. Early detection of a specific injury and early treatment means your child can most likely return to their sport or activity in a timely fashion.
The fall time for our community’s children typically means back to books and homework. For many of them it also means back to fall sports. Many return to strenuous sports such as football, cross-country running, and basketball after a summer of relaxing. This can predispose them to injury. This can further be exacerbated by a child’s level of physical maturity and degree of athletic ability.
Proper training and conditioning can help prevent injury as well as help improve coordination and overall physical performance. There are several methods one can help avoid injury.
One of the most important ways to avoid sport related injuries in all activities is to properly warm up. Warming up helps to loosen muscles and prepare for an athletic activity. This includes proper stretching (but not overstretching), whether it be passive or dynamic as well as a light cardiovascular warm up.
Other ways to help avoid injuries is proper training prior to competition, which is typically sport specific and well managed by team coaches and trainers. Training typically includes cardiovascular fitness, strengthening and conditioning, stretching and improving flexibility, coordination and agility improvements as well as other sport specific modalities.
Despite proper warming up and training, a child still may unfortunately incur an injury during athletics. Injuries are commonly seen as a result of overuse, and are often seen as the sport season progresses. Common injuries include:
1.Ankle sprains: This can involve either a partial tear or stretching of ankle ligaments. Symptoms may include ankle pain, swelling and bruising. Treatment typically involves a period of rest, icing, and either protective weight-bearing with a boot or a period of non-weight-bearing. It may take several weeks and often months for complete healing to occur. Once symptoms improve it is important to restore balance, coordination and strength in order to help prevent recurrence.
1.Shin splints: This can occur due to improper training, increase in acceleration during athletics, or overtraining. It can also be seen in sports where running on an incline or with quick acceleration is performed. Symptoms typically include pain to the front of the leg with activity, alleviated with rest. Treatment predominantly includes rest, possible use of physical therapy modalities and anti-inflammatory measures. Prevention of recurrence typically includes slower progression through the specific sport, conditioning and possible use of orthotics.
1.Heel pain: This can be a result of inflammation of the plantar fascia (the ligament that attaches to the bottom of the heel bone), inflammation of the heel cord as it attaches to the back of the heel bone, or inflammation of the growth plate located at the back of the heel bone. Symptoms typically include pain and possible swelling. Treatment is catered to the level of discomfort, and can include icing, resting, use of heel cushions and orthotics.
1.Stress Fractures/Fractures: Fractures due to overuse are less commonly seen in younger people, as their bones are often more flexible. As a child matures, they are more predisposed to stress fractures due to overuse. Symptoms typically consist of pain and often associated swelling. There can be bruising as well. Often advanced imaging such as an MRI or a bone scan is needed to further evaluate a fracture if it is not easily seen on an X-ray. Treatment depends on level of injury and can involve rest, protective weight-bearing in a boot, non-weight-bearing in a cast or surgery to repair the injury.
If your child complains of pain, or has symptoms of unusual swelling, contact a health care provider to immediate care in order to prevent worsening of the situation. Early detection of a specific injury and early treatment means your child can most likely return to their sport or activity in a timely fashion.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Check out these shoes!!!!
NBA All Star John Starks and founder of Ektio shoes talk about the new high-top basketball shoe that potentially can prevent ankle sprains.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Giants Prince Amukamara out indefinitely
Amukamara fractured his fifth metatarsal and will undergo surgery. It is his very first broken bone and surgery he has ever had! To read the whole article click here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)