The Super Bowl is just a few days away.  Much of the media's attention this week has been on Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and his ankle.  He sustained a high ankle sprain during the AFC championship game a few weeks ago.  A high ankle sprain is an injury to the syndesmotic ligament which connects the tibia and fibula in the lower leg.  This type of injury usually occurs with an outward twisting of the foot and leg.

This type of injury can be difficult to heal.  The degree of injury will determine the course of treatment to allow for optimal healing.  Some high ankle sprains are treated with 6 weeks of immobilization in a cast.  Other times this type of sprain requires surgery to place a screw between the tibia and fibula to hold the bones in proper position, allowing the ligament to heal.  An additional surgery may be needed to remove the screw after the ligament has healed due to the risk of the screw breaking when the patient begins walking again.

There has been quite a bit of speculation about the severity of Gronkowski's high ankle sprain.  We will all find out how much this injury has affected him on Sunday.

Have you seen the advertisements cautioning people about the risks of PAD or peripheral artery disease?  Have you wondered if you may be affected by it?  There is a simple way to find out more about PAD and if you may be at risk.  Woodbury Foot Care Centre has the latest state of the art technology to evaluate you for PAD through our Padnet testing. 

Your chances of having PAD are increased by the following risk factors:

• smoking or a history of smoking
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• heart disease or heart attack

Symptoms of PAD can include pain in the legs at rest,  pain in the legs or feet with walking that is improved by rest, or discoloration of legs or feet.  Some people may exhibit no symptoms of PAD, but can still be affected by this disease.  During a visit to our office you will be evaluated and asked a few questions about your medical history and possible symptoms.  A Padnet test is a non-invasive exam that can be completed in approximately 30 minutes.  The test is reviewed by a vascular doctor and results are received quickly.  The information gained through this exam can provide valuable information to determine if further treatment is necessary.  Early detection is key when treating this disease and limiting the risk of complications.  Contact Woodbury Foot Care Centre to schedule your exam today!

Most people would agree that walking is a great form of exercise.  If offers many benefits, especially to those with diabetes, by helping to keep blood sugar low, prevent weight gain and decrease the risk of cardiovascualr disease.  Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy while walking.

• Walk with a partner.  This helps to keep walking a regular part of your routine.
• Ensure you have proper fitting shoes.  Prevention of blisters will help keep you walking and painfree.
• Wearing socks is important.  Socks decrease the chance of developing blisters too.  Walking socks can have light padding in the heel and ball of the foot.  Socks also help wick away moisture, keeping your feet dry.
• Check your blood sugar before heading out for a walk.  If your blood sugar is low you may choose to delay your exercise and have a snack.  Check your blood sugar again before starting any exercise.
• Start your walking program slowly.  Walk at a comfortable pace so you don't become too tired.  Add a little more to your routine each week. 
• Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program to make sure there are no restrictions on your activity level.
• Have fun!  The best way to maintain an exercise program is to enjoy it.

Summer is going by so quickly!  Soon it will be time for kids to return to school.  As they start asking for new things to start the school year, like backpacks and clothes, don't neglect their feet.  Kids' feet grow quickly and can change size every few months.  Always have their feet measured when buying shoes to ensure the proper fit  in width and length.  Look for shoes with a wide toe box and supportive sole, preferably one with traction to decrease risk of slipping.  Shoes made of breatheable material such as leather or canvas can help wick away perspiration and decrease foot odor.  A shoe should be snug, but not too tight that it causes blisters.  Avoid narrow or pointed shoes as these do not match the natural shape of our feet.  Just because a shoe is stylish does not mean it's good for your feet!

Children can develop many of the same foot problems as adults, including bunions, hammertoes and flatfeet.  Good shoes can be the first step towards minimizing foot pain.  Taking good care of your feet early may reduce the risk of future problems.  If a child complains of pain in their feet or does not want to participate in activities because their feet hurt, it is best to schedule a podiatric evaluation.  The staff of Woodbury Foot Care will address these symptoms and try to return them quickly to sports and activites. 

During the summer there is greater temptation to go barefoot, but this also exposes your feet to greater risk of injury.  Walking barefoot increases the chance of developing plantar warts, fungus or other infection.  It's also very important to wear a closed, protective shoe while gardening or doing yardwork.  This will help guard your feet aginst splinters or being punctured by sharp branches.

When spending time outdoors remember to apply sunscreeen to your feet too.  Feet and ankles need protection from the sun, and don't forget to reapply after swimming!  Inspect your feet regularly and watch for blisters.  Sandals can cause blisters because they rub against the bare skin of your feet.  Using moleskin to pad areas of friction can help prevent this too.

Following these easy tips can help keep your feet feeling good throughout the summer.  If you do encounter foot pain or injury, contact Woodbury Foot Care for an evaluation.

Dr. Wisniewski