Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd started the third week of practice on the injury list again, with the same injury
designation.
Byrd has been battling plantar fasciitis for several weeks now, having been listed as doubtful before the first two games and later changed to inactive.
"Same thing Mario [Williams] had, it's called plantar fasciitis," Byrd said when his injury was revealed. "It's just a little foot condition. We'll see how it goes."
Byrd shouldn't be so flippant about plantar fasciitis being "a little foot condition". He apparently hasn't been keeping up with other athletes and their plantar fasciitis sagas. I'm sure Albert Pujols feels the plantar fasciitis he has been suffering from for seven years is just a little foot condition.
It has been tough for reporters to gauge Byrd's progress as the number of practices available to them has been limited. During practice the players stretch and then break up into positional groups and defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson leads his players in a light-intensity walk through. Last Wednesday Byrd was the scout team running back at one point.
Other than that, it is difficult to tell how much Byrd has participated in practice.
Bills head coach Doug Marrone said Wednesday that he believes Byrd is approaching a return to the field.
"I think every day there is progress," Marrone said. "It's just a matter of time now until when it gets to that point where he's going to be able to go out there. I think we're getting closer and closer."
"I need to be good to go before I step out there," Byrd told reporters. "Once my body allows me to be out there and be at 100 percent ready to play, I'll go."
Byrd has been to see foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina, the same doctor Williams visited at the start of training camp. Anderson confirmed the plantar fasciitis diagnosis and said it would be difficult to play through.
References: ESPN and ESPN.
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
What Is Overload Heel Pain Syndrome?
Plantar fasciitis is perhaps the most common cause of heel pain in our patients, but there are many other causes of heel pain. Overload Heel Pain Syndrome is one of many potential causes for your heel pain.
Overload Heel Pain Syndrome affects the padding directly under the heel due to irritation from day to day pressure from walking, standing, and other activities. If you think about it, your heels are really being overworked, not overloaded! Having an abnormally shaped heel bone and carrying too much weight can be causes of Overload Heel Pain Syndrome.
So, what are the differences between plantar fasciitis and Overload Heel Pain Syndrome? Those suffering with plantar fasciitis will usually complain of discomfort on the inside of the heel bone. Patients with Overload Heel Pain Syndrome will say that their heels hurt first thing in the morning when they wake or after rising from rest.
Treatment for Overload Heel Pain Syndrome is typically non-surgical and conservative. The goal is to take some of the weight off the heel bone, so padding, taping, or orthotics may be prescribed. These treatment methods redirect the forces away from the damaged tissue and protect the heel bone from further damage. Some podiatrists will use heat therapies like ultra sound or electrical stimulation to repair the damaged tissues.
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Overload Heel Pain Syndrome affects the padding directly under the heel due to irritation from day to day pressure from walking, standing, and other activities. If you think about it, your heels are really being overworked, not overloaded! Having an abnormally shaped heel bone and carrying too much weight can be causes of Overload Heel Pain Syndrome.
So, what are the differences between plantar fasciitis and Overload Heel Pain Syndrome? Those suffering with plantar fasciitis will usually complain of discomfort on the inside of the heel bone. Patients with Overload Heel Pain Syndrome will say that their heels hurt first thing in the morning when they wake or after rising from rest.
Treatment for Overload Heel Pain Syndrome is typically non-surgical and conservative. The goal is to take some of the weight off the heel bone, so padding, taping, or orthotics may be prescribed. These treatment methods redirect the forces away from the damaged tissue and protect the heel bone from further damage. Some podiatrists will use heat therapies like ultra sound or electrical stimulation to repair the damaged tissues.
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Plantar Fasciitis During Pregnancy
Congratulations! You are about to experience one of life's greatest joys and gifts: giving birth and becoming a parent.
Many women will experience weird and wild cravings, some will develop gestational diabetes, and many will experience changes in their feet and ankles. Typically women will experience swelling in their feet and ankles (has anyone seen Kim Kardashian's feet stuffed into too tight shoes since she's been pregnant?!), but plantar fasciitis is another common foot ailment pregnant women will develop.
As your pregnancy progresses, your center of balance will shift as you begin to gain weight. Your new center of balance will be over your knees and feet, which causes many women to over-pronate. When you over-pronate, you begin to experience symptoms of pain in the arch, heel, and ball of foot.
One of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis is pain at the fat pad on the bottom of your foot. This occurs because of the added weight you are now carrying and increased pressure on your feet. Your fat pad will become inflamed and you will likely feel pain in your heel.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can be easily treated with conservative treatment. Women who are pregnant and experiencing plantar fasciitis should stay off their feet as much as possible. Your plantar fascia is becoming aggravated because of that increased pressure when you are on your feet. Don't try to do a Kim Kardashian- if your shoes are feeling too tight or small, purchase a pair you can wear while you are pregnant. Your feet will thank you, we promise! Stretch and ice your feet often. We'll often hear from patients who've suffered with plantar fasciitis that this is what helps them the most. So stretch often and be consistent. Some patients may need custom orthotics, which we size in our offices. Orthotics will help keep your proper arch and give support in areas where you need it most.
Again, congrats!
References: Heel That Pain!
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Many women will experience weird and wild cravings, some will develop gestational diabetes, and many will experience changes in their feet and ankles. Typically women will experience swelling in their feet and ankles (has anyone seen Kim Kardashian's feet stuffed into too tight shoes since she's been pregnant?!), but plantar fasciitis is another common foot ailment pregnant women will develop.
As your pregnancy progresses, your center of balance will shift as you begin to gain weight. Your new center of balance will be over your knees and feet, which causes many women to over-pronate. When you over-pronate, you begin to experience symptoms of pain in the arch, heel, and ball of foot.
One of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis is pain at the fat pad on the bottom of your foot. This occurs because of the added weight you are now carrying and increased pressure on your feet. Your fat pad will become inflamed and you will likely feel pain in your heel.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can be easily treated with conservative treatment. Women who are pregnant and experiencing plantar fasciitis should stay off their feet as much as possible. Your plantar fascia is becoming aggravated because of that increased pressure when you are on your feet. Don't try to do a Kim Kardashian- if your shoes are feeling too tight or small, purchase a pair you can wear while you are pregnant. Your feet will thank you, we promise! Stretch and ice your feet often. We'll often hear from patients who've suffered with plantar fasciitis that this is what helps them the most. So stretch often and be consistent. Some patients may need custom orthotics, which we size in our offices. Orthotics will help keep your proper arch and give support in areas where you need it most.
Again, congrats!
References: Heel That Pain!
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Icing For Heel Pain
Icing is one of the most important aspects of your treatment plan given to you by your podiatrist. When you
ice your plantar fascia or heel, it reduces pain and swelling, which allows the ligament to heal faster. And who doesn't want to get better, faster?
So when we recommend icing, what do we mean? There are three different methods you can use when icing your plantar fasciitis. The most traditional method is to put cubes of ice in a Ziploc bag. You can even add a little water to allow the bag to contour to your foot.
Another method is to go in your freezer and pull out that bag of broccoli you've just been meaning to use. Well, you're going to use it now! The bag can be refrozen to be used again, but the food cannot be eaten. So pick a bag from your freezer that's been in there a while. Gel packs are another option and can be refrozen endless times.
Finally, the best option for icing your plantar fasciitis is to freeze water in paper or Styrofoam cups. When you are ready to ice, peel away the paper or Styrofoam and massage the ice over the affected area in a circular motion. As the ice melts, peel the paper away a little more.
Now when you're icing, you never want to have the ice directly on your foot, unless it's the third option. To prevent frostbite, place a hand towel or several paper towels between the affected area and your ice. If you get to the point when you experience pins and needles, remove the ice immediately. Your skin should warm up within 45 minutes and sensation should return, but if it doesn't, contact your podiatrist.
Icing is most effective when done within two hours of ending your activity. Ice as soon as you feel the strain on your plantar fascia, or after a long day of standing on your feet, exercising, or anything else that would cause swelling.
Keep the ice on for between 15-20 minutes. Any longer than 20 minutes can cause damage to the ligament. Wait 45 minutes for your skin to warm and normal sensation has returned. You can repeat icing as often as you feel it is beneficial, but remember to wait 45-60 minutes between icing.
Reference: Heel That Pain
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
So when we recommend icing, what do we mean? There are three different methods you can use when icing your plantar fasciitis. The most traditional method is to put cubes of ice in a Ziploc bag. You can even add a little water to allow the bag to contour to your foot.
Another method is to go in your freezer and pull out that bag of broccoli you've just been meaning to use. Well, you're going to use it now! The bag can be refrozen to be used again, but the food cannot be eaten. So pick a bag from your freezer that's been in there a while. Gel packs are another option and can be refrozen endless times.
Finally, the best option for icing your plantar fasciitis is to freeze water in paper or Styrofoam cups. When you are ready to ice, peel away the paper or Styrofoam and massage the ice over the affected area in a circular motion. As the ice melts, peel the paper away a little more.
Now when you're icing, you never want to have the ice directly on your foot, unless it's the third option. To prevent frostbite, place a hand towel or several paper towels between the affected area and your ice. If you get to the point when you experience pins and needles, remove the ice immediately. Your skin should warm up within 45 minutes and sensation should return, but if it doesn't, contact your podiatrist.
Icing is most effective when done within two hours of ending your activity. Ice as soon as you feel the strain on your plantar fascia, or after a long day of standing on your feet, exercising, or anything else that would cause swelling.
Keep the ice on for between 15-20 minutes. Any longer than 20 minutes can cause damage to the ligament. Wait 45 minutes for your skin to warm and normal sensation has returned. You can repeat icing as often as you feel it is beneficial, but remember to wait 45-60 minutes between icing.
Reference: Heel That Pain
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Red Sox's Napoli Gets Cortisone Shot For Plantar Fasciitis
Mike Napoli appeared in the Red Sox's lineup on Saturday for the first time in more than a week after
getting a cortisone shot in his foot to alleviate the pain from the plantar fasciitis he's been suffering from. Napoli had three hits, including a RBI single in the first inning.
"I got to play a couple of innings here and there the past week, and it felt alright," Napoli said. "The reason why I got the injection was because I was at a point where it was bothering me pretty good. I'm going to go into treatment for every day, like I've been, and try to take care of it as best as I possibly can.
"I'm just going to have to grind through it and play through some pain- which I have been already."
Los Angeles Anaheim star Albert Pujols recently called it quits for the season because of his ongoing plantar fasciitis, hoping it will have healed by spring training next year.
"Everyone is different," Napoli said. "Everyone can handle things differently. I don't know what was going on in his situation. Only time will tell. We'll see what happens. I'm going to try to stay out on the field and deal with it as much as possible."
"I don't feel it one bit hitting," the Red Sox first baseman said. "That has nothing to do with anything. Running is definitely the worst part of it- sometimes in the field, going to first base."
Like Pujols, Napoli's production has seen a slump as well. He's hitting a paltry .232 with a .339 on-base percentage and .338 slugging percentage since May 10, and he's struck out 112 times in the last 322 plate appearances. And his numbers are worse since the All-Star break: Napoli is hitting .189 with a .305 on-base percentage and .389 slugging percentage.
The team is hoping the cortisone shot and a week off his feet will help Napoli get back to normal.
"The foot issue has calmed down enough to feel like he's confident not only in the box but defensively," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "What we've seen is that when Mike has been compact with his swing at the plate, that's when he's driven balls. The swing hasn't gotten long. He's had a bit more swing and miss at those times."
Reference: Providence Journal
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
getting a cortisone shot in his foot to alleviate the pain from the plantar fasciitis he's been suffering from. Napoli had three hits, including a RBI single in the first inning.
"I got to play a couple of innings here and there the past week, and it felt alright," Napoli said. "The reason why I got the injection was because I was at a point where it was bothering me pretty good. I'm going to go into treatment for every day, like I've been, and try to take care of it as best as I possibly can.
"I'm just going to have to grind through it and play through some pain- which I have been already."
Los Angeles Anaheim star Albert Pujols recently called it quits for the season because of his ongoing plantar fasciitis, hoping it will have healed by spring training next year.
"Everyone is different," Napoli said. "Everyone can handle things differently. I don't know what was going on in his situation. Only time will tell. We'll see what happens. I'm going to try to stay out on the field and deal with it as much as possible."
"I don't feel it one bit hitting," the Red Sox first baseman said. "That has nothing to do with anything. Running is definitely the worst part of it- sometimes in the field, going to first base."
Like Pujols, Napoli's production has seen a slump as well. He's hitting a paltry .232 with a .339 on-base percentage and .338 slugging percentage since May 10, and he's struck out 112 times in the last 322 plate appearances. And his numbers are worse since the All-Star break: Napoli is hitting .189 with a .305 on-base percentage and .389 slugging percentage.
The team is hoping the cortisone shot and a week off his feet will help Napoli get back to normal.
"The foot issue has calmed down enough to feel like he's confident not only in the box but defensively," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "What we've seen is that when Mike has been compact with his swing at the plate, that's when he's driven balls. The swing hasn't gotten long. He's had a bit more swing and miss at those times."
Reference: Providence Journal
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
What Is Astym Therapy?
Astym treatment, or therapy, is a physical therapy treatment that eliminates and reduces scar tissue that may
be causing discomfort or pain. It regenerates healthy soft tissues like muscles, tendons.
This treatment is used for restoring movement and reducing pain from soft tissue injuries or dysfunction and is sometimes used when all other treatment options have failed. Astym therapy was designed to target the underlying causes of soft tissue problems, rather than just treat the symptoms.
Astym therapy has proven effective in many cases of plantar fasciitis. In diagnosis trials, 1,131 patients with plantar fasciitis were studied using the Astym therapy. 92% of patients showed marked improvement after the treatment, while 7.6% showed no improvement at all. .4% patients exhibited worse symptoms
The treatment is non-invasive, with no injections or incisions. The instruments used in the therapies are applied topically to locate unhealthy or diseased tissues and to transfer mild to moderate pressure to the underlying soft tissue structures. This treatment encourages tissue turnover, scar tissue resorption, and the regeneration of tendons, muscles, and other soft tissue structures.
Astym treatment is done twice weekly for four to five weeks, depending on the severity of your plantar fasciitis (roughly nine treatments), and is done in conjunction with physical therapy exercises like eccentric loading, stretching, and functional exercises. This option encourages patients to remain active, continue working, and athletes to continue training and playing while they receive treatment. The Astym treatment claims to make the tissues affected stronger and allows a patient's body to become used to greater stress without injury.
Astym therapy is used in physical therapy clinics, hospitals, and industrial rehabilitation centers. It is not a treatment option we provide for our patients in our six offices, however.
Reference: Astym.Com
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
This treatment is used for restoring movement and reducing pain from soft tissue injuries or dysfunction and is sometimes used when all other treatment options have failed. Astym therapy was designed to target the underlying causes of soft tissue problems, rather than just treat the symptoms.
Astym therapy has proven effective in many cases of plantar fasciitis. In diagnosis trials, 1,131 patients with plantar fasciitis were studied using the Astym therapy. 92% of patients showed marked improvement after the treatment, while 7.6% showed no improvement at all. .4% patients exhibited worse symptoms
The treatment is non-invasive, with no injections or incisions. The instruments used in the therapies are applied topically to locate unhealthy or diseased tissues and to transfer mild to moderate pressure to the underlying soft tissue structures. This treatment encourages tissue turnover, scar tissue resorption, and the regeneration of tendons, muscles, and other soft tissue structures.
Astym treatment is done twice weekly for four to five weeks, depending on the severity of your plantar fasciitis (roughly nine treatments), and is done in conjunction with physical therapy exercises like eccentric loading, stretching, and functional exercises. This option encourages patients to remain active, continue working, and athletes to continue training and playing while they receive treatment. The Astym treatment claims to make the tissues affected stronger and allows a patient's body to become used to greater stress without injury.
Astym therapy is used in physical therapy clinics, hospitals, and industrial rehabilitation centers. It is not a treatment option we provide for our patients in our six offices, however.
Reference: Astym.Com
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Jerry Seinfeld Has No Jokes About Heel Pain
This past April comedian Jerry Seinfeld visited the New York College of Podiatric Medicine to thank
APMA member Dr. Joseph D'Amico for ending his 30 year struggle with heel pain. Can you imagine spending 30 years of your life suffering with something as debilitating as heel pain?
Dr. D'Amico performed a biomechanical exam along with a computer-assisted gait analysis to treat Seinfeld's long-term heel pain. Dr. D'Amico is the former chair of the orthopedics department at the school and a longtime instructor and succeeded in determining the biomechanical problems of Seinfeld's feet where other medical professionals had failed.
Seinfeld recalled how difficult it was for him to watch reruns of Seinfeld because of how much pain he was in during the filming of the show. With regards to the show, Seinfeld commented, "I have a hard time watching reruns because I see the shoes on my feet and remember how painful that experience was."
Seinfeld was so appreciative of the medical care he received from Dr. D'Amico he made a donation to the Gait Laboratory of Biomechanical Research at NYCPM as well as a donation to fully fund the Richard O. Schuster Memorial biomechanics seminar.
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Dr. D'Amico performed a biomechanical exam along with a computer-assisted gait analysis to treat Seinfeld's long-term heel pain. Dr. D'Amico is the former chair of the orthopedics department at the school and a longtime instructor and succeeded in determining the biomechanical problems of Seinfeld's feet where other medical professionals had failed.
Seinfeld recalled how difficult it was for him to watch reruns of Seinfeld because of how much pain he was in during the filming of the show. With regards to the show, Seinfeld commented, "I have a hard time watching reruns because I see the shoes on my feet and remember how painful that experience was."
Seinfeld was so appreciative of the medical care he received from Dr. D'Amico he made a donation to the Gait Laboratory of Biomechanical Research at NYCPM as well as a donation to fully fund the Richard O. Schuster Memorial biomechanics seminar.
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)