Items filtered by date: July 2015
Cricket Champion Matt Prior Retires Early Due to Achilles tendon Injury
Matt Prior was forced to end his cricket career early due to a persistent Achilles tendon injury. Although Prior had operated on the injury, he had trouble rehabilitating the tendon and the intensity levels of training would just set him back. The injury had made playing as the Sussex wicketkeeper extremely difficult and painful. Prior is retiring at a very early age thirty-three, but has been thankful to be a part of one of the highest levels of cricket in England.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Eugene Hudyma of Hudyma Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Many Nail Disorders Begin as a Form of Fungal Nails
According to U.S. News and Health Report, approximately forty percent of all nail disorders end up being a case of fungal nails. Fungal infections tend to also be hereditary and tend to run in families. Unlike treatment for general foot fungus, however, treatment for toenail fungus tends to be more complicated. Oral medications are often relied on to eradicate toenail fungus. Many doctors encourage a topical product in conjunction with pills. If a patient is predisposed to fungus, he or she will most likely get it again in the future.
While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, consult with Dr. Eugene Hudyma of Hudyma Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your podiatric needs.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.
Antibiotics & Treatments
Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.
Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well
Alternative Treatments
There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetics Should Pay Attention to Hydration and Foot Health during Warmer Months
During the summer months, when the weather is warmer, diabetics face the issues of staying hydrated, maintaining blood sugar levels, and keeping feet healthy with proper foot care. Kidneys absorb less sugar when blood sugar levels rise, causing a faster loss in fluid. Diabetics need to maintain hydration since it dehydration can lead to a build-up of acid in the blood, a life-threatening condition. Additionally, feet need to be kept clean and dry no matter what shoe is worn. Socks need to be kept dry since sweaty socks can lead to ulcers and in some cases, severe infections.
Neuropathy is a common and pain condition for diabetic patients. If you have any concerns about your diabetic feet, contact Dr. Eugene Hudyma of Hudyma Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Bryce Dallas Howard of Jurassic World had to Strengthen Ankles to Run in High Heels
In the new Jurassic World movie, Bryce Dallas Howard was often seen running away from dinosaurs in high heels. Although it would seem strange to have a character not change into a more stable shoe to run around in, Howard believed it was a proper fit for the movie and trained her ankles accordingly for the role. With the help of UFC winner Pete Williams, she participated in balance and ankle exercises to help reduce any potential injuries of running around in high heels. “I remember about half-way through I thought to myself, ‘Man, my ankles are so strong,’” the actress stated.
Running in high heels can cause many problems for the feet and ankles. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Eugene Hudyma of Hudyma Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.