Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. It can cause pain and stiffness in any joint in the body, and is common in the small joints of the foot and ankle. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis, many of which affect the foot and ankle. All types can make it difficult to walk and perform activities you enjoy.

 

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatment options available to slow the progress of the disease and relieve symptoms. With proper treatment, many people with arthritis are able to manage their pain, remain active, and lead fulfilling lives.

 

Symptoms: 

The symptoms of arthritis vary depending on which joint is affected. In many cases, an arthritic joint will be painful and inflamed. Generally, the pain develops gradually over time, although sudden onset is also possible. There can be other symptoms, as well, including:

 

* Pain with motion

* Pain that flares up with vigorous activity

* Tenderness when pressure is applied to the joint

* Joint swelling, warmth, and redness

* Increased pain and swelling in the morning, or after sitting or resting

* Difficulty in walking due to any of the above symptoms

 

Treatment:

 

Nonsurgical Treatment -

Initial treatment of arthritis of the foot and ankle is usually nonsurgical. Your doctor may recommend a range of treatment options.

 

* Physical therapy

* Assistive devices (such as wearing a brace or using a cane)

* Medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

 

Surgical Treatment -

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your pain causes disability and is not relieved with nonsurgical treatment. The type of surgery will depend on the type and location of the arthritis and the impact of the disease on your joints. In some cases, your doctor may recommend more than one type of surgery.

 

* Arthroscopic debridement

* Arthrodesis (fusion)

* Total ankle replacement (arthroplasty)

 

In most cases, surgery relieves the pain of arthritis and makes it easier to perform daily activities. Full recovery can take from 4 to 9 months, depending on the severity of your condition before surgery and the complexity of your procedure.

 

If you you are experiencing arthritis of your foot or ankle, contact TOCA to schedule an appointment with one of our expert orthopedic physicians.

 

#Recovery. #Results. #Relief.

 

602-277-6211

www.tocamd.com

Backpack Safety!

When you move your child's backpack after he or she drops it at the door, does it feel like it contains 40 pounds of rocks? Maybe you've noticed your child struggling to put it on, bending forward while carrying it, or complaining of tingling or numbness.

If you've been concerned about the effects that extra weight might have on your child's still-growing body, your instincts are correct.

Backpacks that are too heavy can cause a lot of problems for kids, like back and shoulder pain, and poor posture.

Did you know that according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, injuries from heavy backpacks result in more than 7,000 emergency room visits per year.  Sprains, strains, and “overuse” injuries were among the top complaints.

When selecting a backpack, look for:

- An ergonomic design
- The correct size: never wider or longer than your child's torso and never hanging more than 4 inches below the waist
- Padded back and shoulder straps
- Hip and chest belts to help transfer some of the weight to the hips and torso
- Multiple compartments to better distribute the weight
- Compression straps on the sides or bottom to stabilize the contents
- Reflective material

Backpack Safety Tips: 

– Your backpack should weigh only 15% – 20% of your total weight
– Use both shoulder straps to keep the weight of the backpack better distributed
– Tighten the straps to keep the load closer to the back
– Organize items and pack heavier things low and towards the center
– Remove items if the backpack is too heavy and only carry items necessary for the day
– Lift properly by bending at the knees when picking up a backpack

Remember: A roomy backpack may seem like a good idea, but the more space there is to fill, the more likely your child will fill it. Make sure your child uses both straps when carrying the backpack. Using one strap shifts the weight to one side and causes muscle pain and posture problems.

Help your child determine what is absolutely necessary to carry. If it's not essential, leave it at home.

#Results.Recovery.Relief. 

602-277-6211

www.tocamd.com

What Is a Bunion?

What Is a Bunion?
Buions are a common problem that most people experience as an unnatural, bony hump that forms at the base of the big toe where it attaches to the foot. Often, the big toe deviates toward the other toes. When this occurs, the base of the big toe pushes outward on the first metatarsal bone -- which is the bone directly behind the big toe -- forming a bunion. If this happens on the little toe and fifth metatarsal, it's called a bunionette.

Because a bunion occurs at a joint, where the toe bends in normal walking, your entire body weight rests on the bunion at each step. Bunions can be extremely painful. They're also vulnerable to excess pressure and friction from shoes and can lead to the development of calluses.

What Causes Bunions?

Foot problems typically develop in early adulthood and get worse as the foot spreads with aging. For many people, bunions run in the family. They may be just one of several problems due to weak or poor foot structure. Bunions sometimes develop with arthritis. In people with leg length discrepancies, bunions usually form in the longer leg.

Women are especially prone to developing bunions. Years of wearing tight, poorly fitting shoes -- especially high-heeled, pointed shoes -- can bring on bunions. Such shoes gradually push the foot bones into an unnatural shape.

How are bunions treated? 

Bunion treatment should always start with changing footwear to relieve symptoms and to prevent the bunion from progressing. Shoes with a wide toe-box, minimal slope, and good arch support can help relieve the bunion pain. Some people find that ice application and anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve the inflammation around the bunion.

To reduce tension on the inner part of the joint of a bunion, stretching exercises are sometimes prescribed. Depending on the structure of the foot and severity of the bunion, custom insole orthotics can slow the progression of the bunion and address underlying biomechanical causes.

Inflammation of the joint at the base of the big toe can often be relieved by a local injection of cortisone.

Bunion Treatment: When to Consider Bunion Surgery

Bunions can cause pain and difficulty wearing certain shoes. When simple treatments don't relieve your symptoms, surgery may be considered for treatment of the bunion. What are the signs that surgery may be the right treatment for your bunion?

In general, surgery is recommended only when pain from the bunion prevents a patient from wearing normal shoes.

There is a common misconception that surgical treatments for a bunion are better and quicker than non-surgical treatments. Unfortunately, patients who rush into surgery may have unrealistic expectations, and may be unsatisfied with surgery.

Patients considering bunion surgery should understand the following about surgical treatments of bunions:

Bunion Surgery Is Not Cosmetic Surgery:
Bunions may not be pretty, but cosmetic deformity is not a good reason to perform surgery. There are too many potential complications to perform a bunion surgery simply for cosmetic reasons.

Patients Must Have Realistic Expectations:
Bunion surgery can be helpful at relieving pain, but patients should not expect to have "normal" feet after surgery. In one study, a leading researcher on foot problems such as bunions, found that 1/3 of his patients could not wear the type of shoe they desired prior to surgery.

Surgery can be an excellent treatment option for patients with problems from their bunions. That said, patients must understand this is a procedure that has potential complications and a lengthy rehabilitation.

The patients who tend to be unsatisfied with bunion surgery are those patients who are having surgery done to allow them to have normal looking feet or allow them to wear slim shoes. If that sounds like your motivation, think long and hard about surgery.

#RECOVERY.RESULTS.RELIEF.

602-277-6211

www.TOCAMD.com

Text Neck: Is Smartphone Use Causing Your Neck Pain?

Text Neck: Is Smartphone Use Causing Your Neck Pain?

Virtually unheard of two years ago, “text neck” is a repetitive strain injury that’s becoming more common as more people hunch over smartphones. Aggravating muscle pain in the neck and shoulders, and sometimes lower back, is occurring even in teens and adolescents.

How can using a smartphone or other mobile device cause so much hurt? It’s all in how you look at it. Literally. Looking down, dropping your head forward, changes the natural curvature of your neck. Over time, that misalignment can strain muscles and cause wear and tear on the structures of the neck.

Three things happen when you drop your head:

1. Your neck moves forward.
2. Your shoulders round forward or lift up toward your ears.
3. Your neck and shoulder muscles spasm (contract).

The hours that modern society spends in a flexed position continues to increase, with watching TV, computer use, driving and texting. We eat bent forward, drive in a flexed position, watch TV or movies in a cushioned chair that we sink into -
all pushing our spine into a flexed position. How often are we doing something in which we actually look up?

What can be done to correct these problems?

The great news is that many cases can be alleviated. A physical therapist can help. Correction involves changing the root cause of the symptoms, such as postural correction, chair change or changing driving position. This may also include stretching the chest and front of the neck, and strengthening of the upper back. Cervical traction may also help with disk-related symptoms. Soft tissue mobilization and stretches may help tight muscles relax. lt does take a lot of work to change long-term habits.

Three tricks to nix text neck

To nix text neck, improve your posture:

1. Straighten up. Learn proper posture and neck alignment by peeking at your profile in a mirror. If you’re standing correctly, you should be able to draw a vertical line from your ear to your shoulder.

2. Arch back. If your posture isn't perfect, try doing shoulder extensions. Arch your neck and upper back backward, pulling your shoulders into alignment under your ears. This simple stretch can alleviate stress and muscle pain.

3. Look forward. Rather than tilting your chin down to read your mobile device, raise the device to eye level. The same goes for your desktop computer. Your monitor screen should be at eye level so your head isn't perpetually dropping and causing muscle strain.

#RECOVERY.RESULTS.RELIEF.

602-277-6211

www.TOCAMD.com

Wednesday Workout Tips!

Wednesday Workout Tips:

1. Be Consistent.
2. Follow an Effective Exercise Routine: The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently surveyed 1,000 ACE-certified personal trainers about the best techniques to get fit. Their top three suggestions:
1. Strength training - Even 20 minutes a day twice a week will help tone the entire body
2. Interval training.
3. Increased cardio/aerobic exercise.
3. Set Realistic Goals: Don't strive for perfection or an improbable goal that can't be met, focus instead on increasing healthy behaviors
4. Use the Buddy System: Find a friend or relative whom you like and trust who also wants to establish a healthier lifestyle
5. Make Your Plan Fit Your Life: Too busy to get to the gym? If you've got floor space, try simple floor exercises to target areas such as the hips and buttocks, legs and thighs, and chest and arms (like push-ups, squats, and lunges). Aim for 10-12 repetitions of each exercise, adding more reps and intensity as you build strength.
6. Be Happy: Be sure to pick an activity you actually enjoy doing, And choose something that is convenient. Rock climbing may be a great workout, but if you live in a city, it's not something you'll be doing every day.
7. Watch the Clock: Your body clock, that is. Try to work out at the time you have the most energy. If you're a morning person, schedule your fitness activities early in the day; if you perk up as the day goes along, plan your activities in the afternoon or evening.
8. Call In the Pros: Especially if you're first getting started. By getting a professional assessment, you can determine your weakest links and focus on them. This will improve your overall fitness balance.
9. Get Inspired: Fitness is a state of mind. One trick to get and stay motivated is to read blogs or web sites that show him how others have been successful, ask "Who inspires you?"
10. Be Patient: Finally, remember that even if you follow all these tips, there will be ups and downs, setbacks and victories. Hang in there, and you'll see solid results

#RESULTS.RECOVERY.RELIEF.

(The Orthopedic Clinic Association)

602-277-6211

www.TOCAMD.com

Wishing you all a Happy Veterans Day!

Wishing you all a Happy Veterans Day! Thank you to all those in service, those who have served and to all of the families for your dedication and sacrifice.

In 1949, Dr. William Bishop and Dr. Alvin Swenson were orthopedic surgeons returning from service in World War II. Their mission was to provide the very best orthopedic care to the growing Phoenix community and the many Veterans returning from war with significant orthopedic injuries. That year they founded the Orthopedic Clinic (TOCA), the first medical practice specializing in orthopedic surgery in Arizona. Today, The Orthopedic Clinic (TOCA) has grown to 19 physicians with five locations across the Valley.

TOCA
602-277-6211
www.tocamd.com

Halloween Safety!

Kids love Halloween. What’s not to love? Treats, tricks, goofy costumes, spooky costumes, even adults can get caught up in the fun of this holiday. With all the fun, kids can easily get carried away and forget some basic safety rules. That can lead to trips, falls, bumps and bruises, even sprains or fractures can put a stop to the Halloween fun.The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has compiled a comprehensive list of Halloween tips to keep your children safe this year.

Costumes:

Costumes should fit properly. Costumes that are too long may cause kids to trip and fall, so trim or hem them as necessary.
Bright-colored costumes make it easier for children to be seen at dusk or in the dark. Add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags to provide additional visibility.

Wear sturdy, comfortable, slip-resistant shoes to avoid falls.
Masks can obstruct a child’s vision and should be avoided, along with hats that fall down over a child’s eyes. Child-friendly makeup is a good option.

Look for flame-resistant costumes and accessories.

Trick-or-Treating:

Children younger than age 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Parents of older children should plan a safe trick-or-treating route together, and set specific times for children to check-in and return home.

Older children trick-or-treating without parents should be reminded to always stay together.

Walk on sidewalks and never cut across yards or driveways.

Cross streets at designated crosswalks and obey all traffic signals.
Both children and parents should carry flashlights to see and be seen.

Approach houses that are well lit. Remind children to never enter a home to obtain a treat.

Be aware of neighborhood dogs when trick-or-treating. Remember that these pets can pose a threat when you approach their home.
Carry a cell phone while trick-or-treating in case of an emergency.
Be sure to throw away any unwrapped or spoiled treats.

Many thanks to the American Academy for Orthopaedic Surgeons for compiling such a great list to promote safety this Halloween.

TOCA602-277-6211www.tocamd.com 

Honoring World Cancer Day!

Today is World Cancer Day! On this day we celebrate all of those who have won the battle, support those fighting this disease, remember those who lost the fight, and we vow to continue the fight against Cancer so that someday we can celebrate "Cancer-Free World Day"!


TOCA
602-277-6211
www.tocamd.com

TOCA is proud to support SIGN!

TOCA is proud to support SIGN! 

SIGN (http://signfracturecare.org/) provides orthopedic care in the developing world through education, mentorship and most importantly by providing free implants. These impacts have been designed to be placed without the need for electricity or X-ray, making them the only intramedullary implant currently designed for austere conditions. They actually manufacture and ship these implants to over 250 hospitals in 50+ countries.

Most people don't realize that 2/3 of the world has no access to orthopedic care and in the developing world road traffic accidents are a bigger problem than TB, AIDS and Malaria combined.

This is a tremendous organization and a brief history is told by the founder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq3uagZjZio

TOCA
602-277-6211
www.tocamd.com