Head to Toe Physical Therapy!

The Who,

The Who, What, Why, When, and Where of Physical Therapy

Who are Physical Therapists (PTs): PTs are movement experts, they help people to move forward from pain, injury, and illness.

What do Physical Therapists do: PTs help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients with injuries or disease. They also restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health.

Why Physical Therapy: Physical therapy treatment usually results in faster recovery, is cost effective, can prevent more costly treatment later, reduces costs associated with lost time from work, and helps return you to the life you had before your injury or illness.

When do I need a Physical Therapist: The following list contains some of the most common reasons to see a PT:

·        Ankle/Foot problems (such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis)

·        Back and neck pain (such as arthritis, torn meniscus, or general knee pain)

·        Knee problems (such as arthritis, torn meniscus, or general knee pain)

·        Shoulder, elbow, and wrist conditions (such as a torn rotator cuff, tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome)

·        Sprains and muscle strains

·        Fractures (such as hip, ankle, or wrist)

·        Post-surgical rehabilitation (such as bunionectomies or knee arthoscopies)

·        Stroke Rehabilitation

·        Problems with walking or losing balance

Where can I get Physical Therapy:

Head to Toe Physical Therapy

John Craigo, P.T.

Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc.

Colonial Plaza Shopping Center

7537 Mentor Ave. Suite #311

Mentor, OH 44060

440-946-5858

www.DrRobertRosenstein.com

Burrrrrr.....Chilblains!

Dr. Rosenstein,

       I recently was shovelling the drive-way for a long period of time and I wasn't wearing the best boots. When I came in to warm my feet up I noticed that my feet were very red and itchy. Could this be Chilblains?

Chilblains is a painful reaction of the blood vessels in the skin when exposed to cold temperatures. The cold exposure damages capillary beds in the skin, which can cause redness, itching, blisters and inflammation. When they are warmed too quickly, your blood vessels expand in the response to the heat. As a result, your blood vessels become inflamed , which causes chilblains.

Chilblains is usually the result of an abnormal reaction of the body to cold. It tends to develop on skin that is exposed to cold and is then warmed too quickly. It can occur after, for example, warming hands directly in front of a heater or fire. The cooling and rapid heating can cause small blood vessels under the skin to expand more quickly than your blood vessels can handle. It results in a blockage and blood leaking into nearby tissues. It is unclear why this occure in certain people.

The signs and symptoms of Chilblains:

• Burning sensation on the skin
• Changes in skin color from red to dark blue, accompanied by pain
• Inflammation of the skin
• Possible blistering
• Possible ulceration
• Small, itchy red areas on the skin
• Swelling

How to prevent Chilblains:

• Avoid or limit exposure to cold. Dress Warm!
• Cover all exposed skin when going outside in cold weather
• If skin is exposed to cold, be sure to warm gradually
• Improve blood flow by using alternating hot and cold footbaths
• Keep active. This helps improve circulation.
• Make sure damp winter shoes are dry before wearing them. Do not put on cold, humid shoes.
• Moisturize feet regularly. This stops them from drying out and the skin from cracking.

Of course if your not sure then you should see your Podiatrist. For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podaitrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website:
http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

And Remember........."When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"

Are the Holidays Hurting Your Feet Mr.Claus?

Dr. Rosenstein,

      Since I have been doing all my holiday shopping my feet have been very sore! Do you have any tips to soothe the pain because I still have alot of shopping to do!


The holidays can be very rough on our feet especially since we jump from store to store and are more focused on gifts rather than our feet. Lots of holiday shopping means lots and lots more walking and in some cases to the good deals even running!

Surveys conducted by the APMA show that the number one way women soothe their soles during the holiday madness is by moisturizing their feet. Stretching and massaging the feet are also on the list of favorite foot fixes.  

But here are some good tips that should get you through the mall-madness season.

Point your Toes- Avoid toe cramping by raising, pointing and curling your toes for five seconds each and repeat 10 times. You won't even break a sweat!

Massage your feet-Women like it because it works! Release tension, increase circulation and rejuvenate the skin after a long day on your feet. Get out the lotion and rub those toes!

Elevate Your Legs- Reduce swelling by lying down and lifting legs above your heart.

Rotate Your Ankles- Relax your feet by rotating your ankles, cupping your heel and turning each ankle slowly five times. This loosens the ankle joints.

Wear Smart Shoes- This means you ladies! Leave those high heels at home! If you know you will be on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes with arch support and a padded sole.

Of course if serious pain continues you should contact your podiatrists. If you need more infromation or would like to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at (440)-946-5858 or visit our website: http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

And Remeber......."When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"

That pesky, burning, and itching Athlete's Foot!

Dr. Rosenstein,

     My feet have been icthing and burning latley. I also have a red rash between my toes that is very painful. I think it may be athletes foot. What is athlete's foot and how is it caused?

Athlete's foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.

The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the infection was common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term "athlete's foot" became popular.

Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may mimic athlete's foot.

The signs of athlete's foot, singly or combined, are dry skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads.

Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete's foot may persist for long periods. Consequently, the infection may be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.

It is not easy to prevent athlete's foot because it is usually contracted in dressing rooms, showers, and swimming pool locker rooms where bare feet come in contact with the fungus. However, you can do much to prevent infection by practicing good foot hygiene. Daily washing of the feet with soap and water; drying carefully, especially between the toes; and changing shoes and hose regularly to decrease moisture, help prevent the fungus from infecting the feet. Also helpful is daily use of a quality foot powder.

Tips :

Avoid walking barefoot; use shower shoes.  Reduce perspiration by using talcum powder. Wear light and airy shoes. Wear socks that keep your feet dry, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily

If you need more information or would like to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or check out our website www.DrRobertRosenstein.com

Severe's Disease

Dr. Rosenstein,

     My child’s foot keeps hurting constantly after they attend gym class. What are your thoughts on why this may be happening?

You should examine your child’s feet to see if they have a lesion noted.  If not think about Severe’s disease – this is damage to the growth plate in your child’s heel bone.  This is caused by your child having a growth spurt before their muscles are ready for the pulling.  The Achilles tendon pulls in an upward directions and the plantar fasciitis pulls longitudinally.

Your child will have pain after exercises or playing sports.  Many years ago, Podiatrists thought this was a stress fracture to the growth plate, but have since learned this is an infarction to the growth plate. 

By stretching and orthotics the majority of symptoms will be resolved.  Your child will have to wear orthotics and be checked till their growth plate in their heel is completely closed.  This will allow your child to continue participating in sports.

As always it is recommended to see your podiatrists. For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website:

www.DrRobertRosenstein.com

And remember...."When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"

Hammertoes!

Dr. Rosenstein,
    
    I think I may have a hammertoe, what exactly is a hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a contracture(or bending)of the toe at the first joint of the digit, called the proximal interphalangeal joint. This bending causes the toe to appear like an upside-down V when looked at from the side. Any toe can be involved, but the condition usually affects the second through fifth toes, known as the lesser digits. Hammertoes are more common in females than males.

There are two different types:

Flexible Hammertoes:
These are less serious because they can be diagnosed and treated while still in the developmental stage. They are called flexible hammertoes because they are still moveable at the joint.

Rigid Hammertoes:

This variety is more developed and more serious than the flexible condition. Rigid hammertoes can be seen in patients with severe arthritis, for example, or in patients who wait too long to seek professional treatment. The tendons in a rigid hammertoe have become tight, and the joint misaligned and immobile, making surgery the usual course of treatment.

The Symptoms of Hammertoes:

• Pain upon pressure at the top of the bent toe from footwear.
• The formation of corns on the top of the joint.
• Redness and swelling at the joint contracture.
• Restricted or painful motion of the toe joint.
• Pain in the ball of the foot at the base of the affected toe.

A hammertoe is formed due an abnormal balance of the muscles in the toes. This abnormal balance causes increased pressures on the tendons and joints of the toe, leading to its contracture. Heredity and trauma can also lead to the formation of a hammertoe. Arthritis is another factor, because the balance around the toe in people with arthritis is so disrupted that a hammertoe may develop. Wearing shoes that are too tight and cause the toes to squeeze can also be a cause for a hammertoe to form.

If you need more information or would like to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website: http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

And Remember........."When Your Feet Hurt, You Hurt All Over!"

Fractures with Dislocations can be Really Bad, but what about stress fractures?

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot and/or ankle most commonly caused by unusual or repeated stress rather than by a single hard impact. Bones are living, changing structures, absorbing and rebuilding cells constantly.  When too much stress occurs for the bones to rebuild themselves sufficiently, a weakened stress point can occur.

Fatigue often is part of the cause – muscles that are over-tired are less able to absorb the shock of impact when the foot hits the ground and the stress is transferred to the bones.  This can occur in athletes who train too hard or try to do too much or even in non-athletes who do more than usual or often do too little and have bones that have become weak. 

Symptoms of stress fractures may include:

-  pain that comes on gradually and worsens with walking or running but improves with rest

-  tenderness or swelling on the top or outside of the foot or ankle with no previous trauma

 An interview and examination with your podiatrist is warranted for diagnosis - X-rays may not always show stress fractures until more healing takes place.

 In the weight bearing bones of the foot and ankle, healing may be delayed by continuing to put weight on that limb.  Rest and a cast or walking boot are often used for 4 to 8 weeks followed by rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles of the leg and ankle.

Strengthening  muscles and bones by gradually increasing activity levels, avoiding sudden bursts of exercise, wearing proper supportive footwear, and eating a good diet are all ways to help prevent stress fractures.

By,

John Craigo, PT

For more information or to make an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website:

http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

And remeber..."When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"