Metatarsal fractures

How many times have you heard a person say they have broken their foot? Have you ever wondered what exactly that means? In the normal foot there are 26 different bones. So when a person says they have a broken foot there are many options as to which bone it could be. In this blog we’ll be discussing the fractures that can happen to the bones of the midfoot known as the metatarsals.

In the news lately, Ben Roethlisberger was reported as having a fracture on the 5^th metatarsal. The 5^th metatarsal is located on the outside portion of the foot. If a patient had a metatarsal fraction and went to see a podiatrist, the podiatrist would first determine the severity and type of the fracture. The 5^th metatarsal is a common place for stress fractures to occur. If the patient has a stress fracture, they will complain of aching in the outside portion of the foot. This type of fracture can result from repeated use such as athletics, work, or other hobbies. Your podiatrist can treat this condition and resolve the associated daily discomfort.

Another type of fracture that a patient may experience on the 5^th metatarsal is known as a Jones fracture. In this type of fracture, the bone is broken just past the head and neck portion as seen in this radiograph. This type of fracture is more painful than other types due to the pulling of the muscles and tendons on the broken bones. As for treatment, your podiatrist will need to determine the age, activity level, and needs of the patient when treating this situation. Treatments may be surgical, non- surgical, weight bearing, or non- weight bearing.  Metatarsal fractures can affect many different types of people: pro athletes, runners, or people who are doing repetitive movements every day. If you are suffering from foot pain, or other problems dealing with the feet Dr. Pandya can be reached at his office by dialing (518) 273-0053 or on the web at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Healing your foot pain with blood therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a relatively new technique that is being used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. PRP promotes and stimulates a more complete revascularization due to connective tissue. This in turn produces a gradient through which the epithelial cells can migrate and start the healing process.

So how does the therapy work? In our blood, we have red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Doctors will take a small amount, about 30 ml, and put it in a centrifuge. The blood is then spun until the different parts of the blood are separated out. The doctor will then remove the platelets that have risen to the top and inject them into the injury site. Once the platelets are injected, they release growth factors that aid in the healing of injured tissues. PRP therapy has been receiving some news in the media lately due to its use in professional sports. If you watched the 2008 US Open held at Torrey Pines, you would have seen Tiger Woods limping around the golf course with a badly-injured knee. After that tournament, Tiger underwent PRP therapy to help with the healing process of his surgically-repaired knee. The use of PRP therapy is also seen in other sports as well. For example, Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu allegedly received PRP therapy before last year’s Super Bowl.   

PRP therapy isn’t just for the professional athlete. Many patients are receiving PRP therapy for torn tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Lately in the press, PRP therapy and HGH have been confused. HGH is considered to be a performance- enhancing substance, which PRP is not. PRP therapy isn’t to be confused with Human Growth Hormone (HGH).  PRP therapy is a newer technique that can greatly aid in the healing and recovery of injuries.

If you are suffering from foot pain associated with an injury, Dr. Pandya can help and may possibly be able to use this therapy.  If you would like to visit his webpage, he can be found on the Internet at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Big Bump on My foot

What is that bump on the side of your foot? How many times have you been out in public and seen a person with a big toe that points inward toward the other toes? Have you ever wondered what that is or what the cause of something like that could be? In our feet, there are joints where the bones come together. In a normal foot without a bunion, the bones fit together nicely with smooth cartliage in between the bones. In a person with a bunion, that “bump” on the side of the foot, the bones no longer line up correctly, and the cartliage is no longer smooth. The most common location for a bunion is at the base of the big toe. You may have heard your podiatrist, Dr. Pandya, refer to this joint as the metatarsalphalageal joint. Who is at risk to develop a bunion? Generally, those who have a family history of bunions will have the greatest risk of developing a bunion. Also, patients with flat feet, excessively flexible tendons and ligaments, or abnormal bone structure may also have an increased risk of a bunion.                                                  

            So what can you do to relieve bunion pain? In reality, there are some good options that your podiatrist, Dr. Pandya, can offer to alleviate bunion pain. conservatively, bunions can be treated with a change in shoes. If a change in shoes isn’t really an option for the patient, orthotics can be prescribed to correct the biomechanical deformity. Rest, ice, and medication are also good ideas; however, these options really just treat the symptoms of the bunion instead of the underlying problem, which is the bone deformity.

Your podiatrist, Dr. Pandya, can operate on your bunion to correct it and alleviate the everyday pain associated with it. Bunions are a growing epidemic due to the busy lifestyle and poor shoe choices that many Americans face everyday. If you are suffering from a bunion, or any type of foot pain, your local podiatrist, Dr. Pandya, will be able to assess the problem and find a solution to best suit you. If you are struggling with bunion pain, you can get in contact with Dr. Pandya and his practice at (518)-273-0053, or you can reach his webpage at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.