Thursday, April 26, 2012

How Does Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Work?

Shock wave therapy was originally developed by Dornier MedTech to break up kidney stones in the body. The therapy was approved by the FDA in the early 1980s and today is the standard treatment of choice for urinary stones.
An important benefit of this therapy is that it's developed outside the body (extracorporeally), so many of the risks associated with surgery are eliminated. The shock waves actually stimulate or trigger your body's own repair mechanisms. Doctors around the world, especially in Europe, have successfully used this same shock wave treatment since the early 1990s.
The Dornier Epos Ultra is a new shock wave therapy system designed specifically for orthopedic use. The system consists of three main parts:
1. Shock wave therapy system- this system produces the actual shock waves (also known as pressure or sound waves), which travel through the therapy head's water-filled cushion. This cushion is placed against your foot during treatment.
2. Articulated arm- the therapy head is attached to the end of this arm-like device on the system. The arm is easily moved, so that the therapy head can be closely aligned to the area of your foot being treated.
3. Ultrasound imaging system- much like an X-ray, the ultrasound imaging system is used by some healthcare providers to actually see inside your foot. A live picture of your foot will show on a TV-like screen, so the doctor can pinpoint the treatment site and closely watch what's going on during your treatment. Your feedback is important too.
Next time: What happens during treatment?
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Heel Pain Stretch of the Week: Standing Calf Stretch

Place your hands on the wall. Putting your weight on one leg, extend the other leg behind your body, keeping both heels on the floor. Lean forward, bending the front leg, until you feel a gentle stretch in the calf of the rear leg. Reverse leg and repeat. Hold 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times for each leg.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, April 13, 2012

Can Pump Bump Cause Heel Pain?

Haglund's Deformity, also known as "pump bump" or "retrocalcaneal bursitis" is a painful enlargement of the back of the heel bone that becomes irritated by shoes. A small amount of heel pain cases can be caused by Haglund's Deformity.
It normally appears as a red, painful, swollen area in the back of the heel bone. Women tend to develop the condition more than men because of irritation from rigid heel counters of shoes rubbing up and down on the back of the heel bone.
Haglund's Deformity presents as a red, painful, and swollen area in the back of the heel bone (calcaneus). Patients may also develop pain upon motion of the ankle joint and after activity due to irritation of the Achilles tendon. The syndrome usually occurs in females in the 2nd to 3rd decade, due to the irritation of the rigid heel counter of the shoe rubbing up and down on the back of the heel bone.
A podiatric physician will attempt one of a few simple therapies. In the mild cases, padding of the area may be indicated. Your doctor may recommend alternative shoe styles, including open back shoes. Oral anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections may also help diminish the acute inflammation of the heel. Orthotics or arch supports may also be fabricated to prevent recurring symptoms. If conservative therapy fails, surgery will be utilized to correct this painful condition. Surgery consists of removal of the excess bone.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, April 6, 2012

Heel Pain in Children

Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel's growth plate. It typically affects children between the age of 8 and 14 years of age, because the heel bone (calcaneal) is not fully developed until at least age 14. Until then, new bone is forming at the growth plate (physis), a weak area located at the back of the heel. When there is too much repetitive stress on the growth plate, inflammation can develop.
Calcaneal apophysitis is also called Sever's Disease, although it is not a true "disease". It is the most common cause of heel pain in children, and can occur in one or both feet.
Heel pain in children differs from the most common type of heel pain experienced by adults. While heel pain in adults usually subsides after a period of walking, pediatric heel pain generally doesn't improve in this manner. In fact, walking typically makes the pain worse.
Overuse and stress on the heel bone through participation in sports is a major cause of calcaneal apophysitis. The heel's growth plate is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces, resulting in muscle strain and inflamed tissue. For this reason, children and adolescents involved in soccer, track, or basketball are especially vulnerable.
Other potential causes of Sever's Disease include obesity, a tight Achilles tendon, and biomechanical problems such as a flat foot or high arch.
Symptoms of Sever's Disease include:
  • Pain in the back or bottom of the heel.
  • Limping.
  • Walking on toes.
  • Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities or sports. 
  • Pain when the sides of the heels are squeezed.
To diagnose the cause of the child's heel pain and rule out other more serious conditions, the foot and ankle surgeon obtains a thorough medical history and asks questions about recent activities. The surgeon will also examine the child's foot and leg. X-rays are often used to evaluate the condition. Other advanced imaging studies and laboratory tests may also be ordered.
The surgeon may select one or more of the following options to treat Sever's Disease:
  • Reduce activity. The child needs to reduce or stop any activity that causes pain.
  • Support the heel. Temporary shoe inserts or custom orthotic devices may provide support for the heel. 
  • Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Physical therapy. Stretching or physical therapy modalities are sometimes used to promote healing of the inflamed issue.
  • Immobilization. In some severe cases of pediatric heel pain, a cast may be used to promote healing while keeping the foot and ankle totally immobile. 
Often heel pain in children returns after it has been treated because the heel bone is still growing. Recurrence of heel pain may be a sign of Sever's Disease, or it may indicate a different problem. If your child has a repeat bout of heel pain, be sure to make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon.
The chances of a child developing heel pain may be reduced by: 
  • Avoiding obesity.
  • Choosing well-constructed, supportive shoes that are appropriate for the child's activity. 
  • Avoiding or limiting wearing of cleated athletic shoes. 
  • Avoiding activity beyond a child's ability. 
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta