Monday, October 24, 2022

Football related injuries


I played five sports in my adolescence and my two children are youth athletes. They have participated in football, track, cross country running, cheer and dance. The definitely keep me busy with their activities.

We are currently in football season and I see many injuries, with the most common being ankle sprains. 

The most common causes on an ankle sprain for a football player occur from running, jumping or falling. Other injuries may come from a direct tackle. 

Prompt, accurate treatment and rehabilitation for a sprained ankle is paramount in order to avoid repeated ankle sprains and long-term pain, such as arthritis.

At Roka Foot and Ankle, and as a prior youth football Team Physician, I take your youth athletes' injuries very seriously 

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Severs Apophysitis

Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever's Disease)

What Is Calcaneal Apophysitis?
Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate.
Who does it affect?
Usually children between the ages of 8 and 14 years old
Why? The heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until around age 14. Until 14, new bone is forming at the growth plate of the heel. This area is weak so when there is too much repetitive stress on the growth plate, inflammation can develop.
This is often seen in children who participate in sports. They typically complain that walking makes the pain worse.

Other possible causes of Sever's Apophysitis include obesity, a tight Achilles tendon, and biomechanical conditions such as flatfoot or a high-arched foot.

If you suspect that your child may be affected, schedule an appointment at Integrative Foot and Ankle Centers of Washington.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Vascular Exams

On a regular basis in our practice, myself, and the other 2 physicians encounter lower extremity vascular insufficiency (problems with the circulation).
We see people with chronic swelling of the legs/and or feet, wounds of the legs and feet, discoloration and ulcerations.
Another problem can be absent pulses on the feet (yes, you can feel your pulses in your feet and ankles:))
In our offices we have a machine that can evalute your vascular system to see if there are any problems such as blockages, decreased blood flow or even of there is no blood flow.
This test can be done in the office for most people and is relatively painless.
We also work very closely with vascular physicians who can help if there is any problem with your vascular system in your legs.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Dry cracked feet

Heel fissures also known as dry cracked feet are common. They seem to before more prevalent in winter months.
Skin on the bottom outer edge of the heel becomes hard, dry and flaky which can lead to deep cracks which can be very painful, bleed or become infected.

Causes are usually related to living in a dry climate (although I see this regularly here in Seattle), opened heeled shoes and wearing sandals.
These fissures can cause serious problems in any patient but can be even more problematic for patients with Diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Common treatments are keeping the feet moisurized up to twice daily, gentle use of a pumice stone and to wear well cushioned, closed heeled shoes.

If this condion continues to persist for you, please call our office for further treatment options.

Monday, January 4, 2016

Diabetic Neuropathy


Millions of Americans suffer from lower extremity neuropathy. The most common type of neuropathy seen in the office is Diabetic Neuropathy which is also called Peripheral Neuropathy.

Diabetic Neuropathy can lead to loss of ability to feel pain, heat and cold. This loss of sensation may lead to minor cuts, scrapes, bruises or wounds that the patient is unaware of.
Neuropathy may also lead to conditions such as bunions, hammer toes and Charcot Foot.

The most important first line of prevention of Diabetic Neuropathy is to control the Diabetes. Maintaining normal blood pressure and to keep blood sugars at normal levels.

In addition to managing Diabetes and blood pressure it is important to also
-Have regular physical examinations
-Have regular blood tests
-Exercise regularly
-Limit alcohol intake
-Stop smoking

Monday, June 22, 2015

Frozen shoes experiment

I decided to test the theory of freezing shoes to decrease pain associated with wearing heels.
Although I know that ice has the ability to act as a pain relive by blocking pain receptors, I was a bit skeptical that affects of the cold would be long term.
I started by picking out a pair of heels. I double wrapped them in store shopping bags (these go on my feet, I don't want them touching my food. Ewww). I put the in the freezer and ran some errands.
I took the shoes out of the freezer after 12 hrs of freezing.
They felt slippery and a bit slimy initially. They weren't too cold.
I was able to wear them for about 23 minutes before I started to feel pain in the balls of my feet.
During that 32 minutes I was walking back & forth on a hardwood floor while baking a cake with my daughter.

My 2 cents, definitely not worth risking damage to leather by freezing shoes. Invest in a great pair of dress shoe orthotics or a dress shoe accommodation for pad. The results of those are long lasting and more beneficial in my opinion.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Diabetic Foot Exam

As the population is advancing in age and Diabetes has become more prevelent, a vast amount of patients are presenting to my office for a Diabetic Foot Exam.

The purpose of the exam is to keep a patient's feet healthy and to keep the patient active for as long as possible.

The exam begins by evaluating the lower extremity skin texture, tone and coloration.

The pulses are evaluated to help determine if adequate blood flow is getting down to the feet.

The superficial nerves are evaluated as some Diabetic patients describe feelings of stinging, burning or throbbing pain, tingling or even a loss of sensation.

A thorough examination of the toenails, interspace of the toes and plantar feet is performed.

I also discuss diet, exercise and smoking cessation as applicable with my patients.

Stop by any of our 4 convenient Greater Seattle locations.
Let Integrative Foot and Ankle Centers take excellent care of your Diabetic Foot needs.