Saturday, May 31, 2008

Online resources for doctors and health professionals

At Chicago Podiatric Surgeons we not only provide services to patients that are in need, but we also constantly work on helping other medical practitioners to learn more about podiatry related disorders. Over the years we have combined quite a collection of specialized publications. One of them is Podiatry-At-A-Glance. It can be downloaded at our web site at:

http://chicagopodiatry.com/referring_podiatry.cfm.


When browsing through our web site, please don't miss our latest addition.
We now have a new online Appointment Registration form. Patients can conveniently request their preferred date and time of the appointment online. Please check it out at:

http://chicagopodiatry.com/appointment.cfm

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

A picture is worth a thousand words

Over the years Chicago Podiatric Surgeons has built up quite a collection of podiatry related pictures. For many of our future patients that's how they start doing something about the health of their feet, by comparing their own problems with professionally taken images.

Below is a list of some of the usefull resources that we provide. If you have any concerns about the health of your feet, whether its a small reoccuring pain or something more serious, remember, we are alwasy there to help.


Online podiatry images collection at Flickr.com:
http://flickr.com/photos/chicagopodiatry/

Before and after the surgery images:
http://www.chicagopodiatry.com/education_before.cfm

General podiatry information and images:
www.epodiatry.org

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Ankle Injuries

The ankle is the most commonly injured joint in sports. Ankle sprains represent about 85% of all ankle
injuries in the US. While an inversion ankle injury often involves injury to the lateral collateral ankle
ligaments, other structures in this area may also be injured. These associated injuries may not
be evident until weeks or months after the initial event, and may not present themselves until the patient
attempts to return to full activity but is unable to because of persistent pain. Typical associated injuries
include chronic lateral ankle instability, peroneal tendon damage, nerve injury, syndesmotic sprain or tear,
and intraarticular cartilage damage. Although the injury may initially seem minor, a thorough evaluation and aggressive, conservative therapy is important in improving the outcome.

ankle injuries


Symptoms

  • Patients often complain that the affected ankle feels “unstable” or “gives out” frequently

  • Patients typically feel unsteady when walking on uneven ground or sloped surfaces

  • Repeated inversion injuries will occur with the slightest provocation

  • Patients commonly report twisting or spraining ankles every few months with varying levels of severity

  • Persistent swelling to the anterolateral aspect of the ankle

  • Bracing or taping may not provide adequate stability


To learn more about this condition and to schedule a convenient appointment online please visit us at www.chicagopodiatry.com.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Hallux Limitus/Rigidus

Hallux Limitus is a term used to describe a first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) that has developeda painful limitation in motion secondary to an acquired arthritic condition. This limitation in motion is progressive and may lead to a condition termed Hallux Rigidus, in which there is an absence of motion. During normal gait the first MTPJ dorsiflexes 50-75 degrees, and requires stability of proximal bones and joints to function properly. Abnormalities such as pronation, trauma, neuromuscular disease, arthritic conditions, or variations in bone structure can interfere with normal first MTPJ function and lead to a decrease in motion.

Hallux Limitus


Symptoms

  • Joint pain and stiffness at the first MTPJ

  • The joint may feel like it "locks up" at a certain point due to articular cartilage damage

  • Pain on the top or bottom of the first metatarsal head

  • Difficulty with certain activities like running, squatting, or walking up an incline

  • Difficulty wearing shoes due to the excessive pressure on the body prominences

  • Swelling and erythema


To learn more about this condition and to schedule a convenient appointment please visit us at www.chicagopodiatry.com