Barefoot running, often touted by fans as more natural than wearing shoes, may actually be less metabolically efficient.
Read full article.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
6 Myths About Bunion Surgery
Myth #1: Bunion Surgery Is Excruciatingly Painful
Myth #2: Bunions Come Back Even After Surgery
Myth #3: Bunion Surgery = Cast and Crutches
Myth #4: You Have To Be Off Work
Myth #5: Don't Fix A Bunion Unless Painful
Myth #6: Healing After Bunion Surgery Results In Unsightly Scars
Read full article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-m-blitz/bunion-surgery_b_1349607.html
Myth #2: Bunions Come Back Even After Surgery
Myth #3: Bunion Surgery = Cast and Crutches
Myth #4: You Have To Be Off Work
Myth #5: Don't Fix A Bunion Unless Painful
Myth #6: Healing After Bunion Surgery Results In Unsightly Scars
Read full article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-m-blitz/bunion-surgery_b_1349607.html
Monday, September 19, 2011
6 tips to protect Chicago kids in fall sports
Back-to-school sports season linked to ankle injuries
If your children are playing sports this fall, pay attention to five tips that could protect them from serious ankle injuries.
Every fall, Chicago foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Thomas Carr notices an increase in ankle injuries among young athletes. Football, soccer and basketball are the sports most likely to lead to sprains, broken bones and other problems, he says.
Dr. Carr's top recommendation is for parents is to get ankle injuries treated right away.
"What seems like a sprain is not always a sprain; in addition to cartilage injuries, your son or daughter might have injured other bones in the foot without knowing it. Have a qualified doctor examine the injury," says Dr. Carr. "The sooner rehabilitation starts, the sooner we can prevent long-term problems like instability or arthritis, and the sooner your child can get back into competition."
Dr. Carr says parents should also follow these additional tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' Web site, FootHealthFacts.org:
- Have old sprains checked by a doctor before the season starts. A medical check-up can reveal whether your child's previously injured ankle might be vulnerable to sprains, and could possibly benefit from wearing a supportive ankle brace during competition.
- Buy the right shoe for the sport. Different sports require different shoe gear. Players shouldn't mix baseball cleats with football shoes.
- Children should start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down like a car tire and become uneven on the bottom, causing the ankle to tilt because the foot can't lie flat.
- Check playing fields for dips, divots and holes. Most sports-related ankle sprains are caused by jumping and running on uneven surfaces. That's why some surgeons recommend parents walk the field, especially when children compete in non-professional settings like public parks, for spots that could catch a player's foot and throw them to the ground. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.
- Encourage stretching and warm-up exercises. Calf stretches and light jogging before competition helps warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing the risk for ankle injuries.
Dr. Carr can be contacted at 312-337-9900 or at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
If your children are playing sports this fall, pay attention to five tips that could protect them from serious ankle injuries.
Every fall, Chicago foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Thomas Carr notices an increase in ankle injuries among young athletes. Football, soccer and basketball are the sports most likely to lead to sprains, broken bones and other problems, he says.
Dr. Carr's top recommendation is for parents is to get ankle injuries treated right away.
"What seems like a sprain is not always a sprain; in addition to cartilage injuries, your son or daughter might have injured other bones in the foot without knowing it. Have a qualified doctor examine the injury," says Dr. Carr. "The sooner rehabilitation starts, the sooner we can prevent long-term problems like instability or arthritis, and the sooner your child can get back into competition."
Dr. Carr says parents should also follow these additional tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' Web site, FootHealthFacts.org:
- Have old sprains checked by a doctor before the season starts. A medical check-up can reveal whether your child's previously injured ankle might be vulnerable to sprains, and could possibly benefit from wearing a supportive ankle brace during competition.
- Buy the right shoe for the sport. Different sports require different shoe gear. Players shouldn't mix baseball cleats with football shoes.
- Children should start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down like a car tire and become uneven on the bottom, causing the ankle to tilt because the foot can't lie flat.
- Check playing fields for dips, divots and holes. Most sports-related ankle sprains are caused by jumping and running on uneven surfaces. That's why some surgeons recommend parents walk the field, especially when children compete in non-professional settings like public parks, for spots that could catch a player's foot and throw them to the ground. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.
- Encourage stretching and warm-up exercises. Calf stretches and light jogging before competition helps warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing the risk for ankle injuries.
Dr. Carr can be contacted at 312-337-9900 or at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Women's feet hurt more in autumn
Autumn is a painful time of year for many women. As they transition from open-toed sandals to closed-in boots and shoes, foot and ankle Dr. Thomas Carr, says he notices more women seeking relief for painful bunions. Dr. Carr has his office in Chicago. He says this trend plays out in the examining rooms of many foot and ankle surgeons every autumn.
"Some of my female bunion patients are in agony," says Dr. Carr. "They describe a constant, throbbing pain, even when they take their shoes off."
While the changing weather brings more bunion patients into his office, Dr. Carr says some women inquire about surgery in the fall because they're less busy than in summer months. Many are also closer to meeting their insurance deductibles.
Dr. Carr emphasizes that surgery is a last-resort treatment for women with painful bunions.
"For many women, simple changes like wearing shoes with wider toe boxes can significantly reduce bunion pain," he says. "Custom shoe inserts, gel- or foam-filled padding and anti-inflammatory medications may also provide pain relief."
When the pain of a bunion interferes with a woman's daily activities, it's time to discuss surgical options, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Dr. Carr can be contacted at 312-337-9900 or you can also conveniently schedule an appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
"Some of my female bunion patients are in agony," says Dr. Carr. "They describe a constant, throbbing pain, even when they take their shoes off."
While the changing weather brings more bunion patients into his office, Dr. Carr says some women inquire about surgery in the fall because they're less busy than in summer months. Many are also closer to meeting their insurance deductibles.
Dr. Carr emphasizes that surgery is a last-resort treatment for women with painful bunions.
"For many women, simple changes like wearing shoes with wider toe boxes can significantly reduce bunion pain," he says. "Custom shoe inserts, gel- or foam-filled padding and anti-inflammatory medications may also provide pain relief."
When the pain of a bunion interferes with a woman's daily activities, it's time to discuss surgical options, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Dr. Carr can be contacted at 312-337-9900 or you can also conveniently schedule an appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Is Your Foot Fracture an Early Sign of Osteoporosis?
Local foot surgeon urges patients not to ignore foot pain
Unexplained foot fractures may be the first sign of osteoporosis, a bone thinning disease which affects over 28 million Americans and accounts for 1.5 million bone fractures a year.
According to Chicago foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Thomas Carr, osteoporosis is frequently referred to as the “silent crippler” since it often progresses without any symptoms or isn’t diagnosed until a person experiences pain from a bone fracture. Dr. Carr, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, explains that the porous nature of bones in people with osteoporosis makes them more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in the feet. “Because the bones are in a weakened state, normal weight-bearing actions like walking can cause the bones in the foot to break,” says Dr. Carr. “In fact, many patients visit their foot and ankle surgeon suffering from foot pain only to find out they actually have a stress fracture, without having experienced an injury.”
While osteoporosis is most commonly seen in women over age 50, younger people and men are also affected. Early symptoms can include increased pain with walking accompanied by redness and swelling on the top of the foot. “Oftentimes patients don’t seek treatment for their symptoms for weeks or even months, thinking the pain will pass,” says Dr. Carr. “The best advice is, don’t ignore foot pain of any type. Early intervention can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery.”
Foot and ankle surgeons are able to diagnose osteoporosis through bone densitometry tests, which measure calcium and mineral levels in the bones through low-dose radiation x-ray, or possibly through a routine x-ray. “This is why prevention and early intervention are key; women should make sure bone densitometry tests are part of their wellness examinations when indicated by their physicians,” Dr. Carr explains.
If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s important to protect your feet from stress fractures. Wear shoes that provide support and cushioning, such as athletic running shoes, to provide extra shock absorption and protection. Custom orthotics may also be recommended to protect the foot from pressure and provide shock absorption, particularly during exercise.
If you are suffering from foot pain or suspect you may have osteoporosis, call Dr. Carr’s office at 312-337-9900 for an evaluation or schedule your appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
Unexplained foot fractures may be the first sign of osteoporosis, a bone thinning disease which affects over 28 million Americans and accounts for 1.5 million bone fractures a year.
According to Chicago foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Thomas Carr, osteoporosis is frequently referred to as the “silent crippler” since it often progresses without any symptoms or isn’t diagnosed until a person experiences pain from a bone fracture. Dr. Carr, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, explains that the porous nature of bones in people with osteoporosis makes them more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in the feet. “Because the bones are in a weakened state, normal weight-bearing actions like walking can cause the bones in the foot to break,” says Dr. Carr. “In fact, many patients visit their foot and ankle surgeon suffering from foot pain only to find out they actually have a stress fracture, without having experienced an injury.”
While osteoporosis is most commonly seen in women over age 50, younger people and men are also affected. Early symptoms can include increased pain with walking accompanied by redness and swelling on the top of the foot. “Oftentimes patients don’t seek treatment for their symptoms for weeks or even months, thinking the pain will pass,” says Dr. Carr. “The best advice is, don’t ignore foot pain of any type. Early intervention can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery.”
Foot and ankle surgeons are able to diagnose osteoporosis through bone densitometry tests, which measure calcium and mineral levels in the bones through low-dose radiation x-ray, or possibly through a routine x-ray. “This is why prevention and early intervention are key; women should make sure bone densitometry tests are part of their wellness examinations when indicated by their physicians,” Dr. Carr explains.
If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s important to protect your feet from stress fractures. Wear shoes that provide support and cushioning, such as athletic running shoes, to provide extra shock absorption and protection. Custom orthotics may also be recommended to protect the foot from pressure and provide shock absorption, particularly during exercise.
If you are suffering from foot pain or suspect you may have osteoporosis, call Dr. Carr’s office at 312-337-9900 for an evaluation or schedule your appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Prevent your child from getting this painful foot problem
Parents can prevent a common childhood foot problem by following some simple recommendations, according to a Chicago foot and ankle surgeon.
Chicago foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Thomas Carr, says ingrown toenails are one of the most frequent conditions he treats in children. Many kids hide their ingrown toenails from their parents, even though the condition can cause significant pain. An ingrown nail can break the skin and lead to dangerous infections.
Dr. Carr blames tight shoes, tight socks and incorrect nail trimming for most cases. In others, the children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve. Dr. Carr shares the following tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short.
Make sure children's shoes fit. Shoe width is more important than length. Make sure that the widest part of the shoe matches the widest part of your child's foot.
If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, reduce the inflammation by soaking the child's foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold.
The only proper way to treat a child's ingrown toenail is with a minor surgical procedure at a doctor's office. Parents should never try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These dangerous "bathroom surgeries" carry a high risk for infection. Dr. Carr says he may prescribe antibiotics to children with infected ingrown toenails.
For more information on pediatric foot problems such as ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Carr at 312-337-9900 or conveniently schedule an appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
Chicago foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Thomas Carr, says ingrown toenails are one of the most frequent conditions he treats in children. Many kids hide their ingrown toenails from their parents, even though the condition can cause significant pain. An ingrown nail can break the skin and lead to dangerous infections.
Dr. Carr blames tight shoes, tight socks and incorrect nail trimming for most cases. In others, the children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve. Dr. Carr shares the following tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short.
Make sure children's shoes fit. Shoe width is more important than length. Make sure that the widest part of the shoe matches the widest part of your child's foot.
If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, reduce the inflammation by soaking the child's foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold.
The only proper way to treat a child's ingrown toenail is with a minor surgical procedure at a doctor's office. Parents should never try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These dangerous "bathroom surgeries" carry a high risk for infection. Dr. Carr says he may prescribe antibiotics to children with infected ingrown toenails.
For more information on pediatric foot problems such as ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Carr at 312-337-9900 or conveniently schedule an appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Five Signs Your Child May Have a Foot Problem
Foot and ankle problems in children often go unnoticed. Signs and symptoms can be subtle, and sometimes children can’t explain what’s wrong. But it’s important to protect growing feet and have problems checked out early.
Dr. Thomas Carr, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, offers five warning signs parents should watch for.
1. Your Kids Can’t Keep Up with Their Peers
If children lag behind in sports or backyard play, it may be because their feet or legs are tired. Fatigue is common when children have flat feet. The muscles in the feet and legs tire easily because the feet are not functioning as well as they should.
2. Children Voluntarily Withdraw from Activities they Usually Enjoy
If they are reluctant to participate, it may be due to heel pain - a problem often seen in children between the ages of 8 and 14. Repetitive stress from sports may cause muscle strain and inflammation of the growth plate, a weak area at the back of a child’s heel.
3. They Don’t Want to Show You Their Feet
Children may feel pain or notice a change in the appearance of their feet or nails but don’t tell their parents because they fear a trip to the doctor’s office. Dr. Carr encourages parents to make a habit of inspecting their child’s feet starting at a young age. Look for any changes such as calluses, growths, skin discoloration, or redness and swelling around the toenails.
4. Your Child Often Trips and Falls
Repeated clumsiness may be a sign of in-toeing, balance problems or neuromuscular conditions.
5. The Child Complains of Pain
It is never normal for a child to have foot pain. Injuries may seem minor, but if pain or swelling last more than a few days, have your child’s foot examined.
If you've noticed any of these signs in your children, call Dr. Carr's office for an assessment or conveniently schedule your appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
Dr. Thomas Carr, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, offers five warning signs parents should watch for.
1. Your Kids Can’t Keep Up with Their Peers
If children lag behind in sports or backyard play, it may be because their feet or legs are tired. Fatigue is common when children have flat feet. The muscles in the feet and legs tire easily because the feet are not functioning as well as they should.
2. Children Voluntarily Withdraw from Activities they Usually Enjoy
If they are reluctant to participate, it may be due to heel pain - a problem often seen in children between the ages of 8 and 14. Repetitive stress from sports may cause muscle strain and inflammation of the growth plate, a weak area at the back of a child’s heel.
3. They Don’t Want to Show You Their Feet
Children may feel pain or notice a change in the appearance of their feet or nails but don’t tell their parents because they fear a trip to the doctor’s office. Dr. Carr encourages parents to make a habit of inspecting their child’s feet starting at a young age. Look for any changes such as calluses, growths, skin discoloration, or redness and swelling around the toenails.
4. Your Child Often Trips and Falls
Repeated clumsiness may be a sign of in-toeing, balance problems or neuromuscular conditions.
5. The Child Complains of Pain
It is never normal for a child to have foot pain. Injuries may seem minor, but if pain or swelling last more than a few days, have your child’s foot examined.
If you've noticed any of these signs in your children, call Dr. Carr's office for an assessment or conveniently schedule your appointment online at www.chicagopodiatry.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)