Category: C

Can I drive after my cortisone injection?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Frequently asked questions, Medicines, Rheumatology

Whilst there is not consensus and advice will vary between practitioners, It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after a cortisone injection in the foot before driving or operating heavy machinery. This is because the injection site may be sore and there may be some temporary numbness or weakness in the foot, which can affect your ability to control the pedals.

Additionally, cortisone is a steroid medication that can cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision, which can also impair your ability to drive safely. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about driving after your cortisone injection with your doctor, who can provide you with specific guidance based on your individual situation.

Can I drive after breaking my foot?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Fractures, Frequently asked questions

It depends on the severity of the foot fracture and the specific instructions given by your doctor. In general, it is not recommended to drive immediately after breaking your foot because of the pain, swelling, and reduced mobility that may affect your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

If you have a cast, splint, or boot on your foot, it may also make it difficult to press the pedals properly. You should follow your doctor’s instructions regarding weight-bearing restrictions, activity level, and pain management, and wait until your foot has healed before attempting to drive.

In most cases, it is safe to resume driving once you can comfortably and safely operate the pedals, have adequate control over the vehicle, and are no longer taking medications that impair your ability to drive. Your doctor can provide you with specific guidance on when it is safe for you to drive again based on the nature of your fracture and your individual recovery timeline.

Can I drive after foot surgery?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Frequently asked questions, Surgical

It depends on the type of foot surgery you had and the specific instructions provided by your surgeon. In general, it is not recommended to drive immediately after foot surgery because of the risk of pain, swelling, and impaired mobility that can affect your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, including any restrictions on weight-bearing or movement, and to allow time for your foot to heal properly. You should also avoid driving while taking any pain medications that can cause drowsiness or affect your reaction time.

Before you resume driving after foot surgery, you should discuss your recovery progress with your surgeon and ask for their advice on when it is safe to return to driving. They may recommend a gradual return to normal activities, including driving, based on the specific nature of your surgery and your individual recovery timeline.

Callus

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Dermatology & nail pathology

A callus is a thickened area of skin on the foot that is the result of repeated pressure or friction. Calluses usually develop on the sole of the foot, but they can also occur on the toes or other areas of the foot. They are a common and often harmless condition, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or pain.

Here are some tips to prevent and treat foot calluses:

  1. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with plenty of room for your toes to move around.
  2. Use cushioned insoles or pads to reduce pressure on your feet.
  3. Keep your feet clean and moisturised, but avoid soaking them for long periods of time.
  4. Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove dead skin from calluses.
  5. If you have diabetes or circulation problems, or if your calluses are painful or infected, see a healthcare professional for treatment.
  6. In severe cases, a podiatrist may need to shave or trim the callus, prescribe a medicated cream, or recommend custom orthotics to redistribute pressure on your foot.

Remember, calluses are a natural response to pressure and are not usually a cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or any other symptoms related to your foot callus, seek medical attention.

Calf pain

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Lower leg

Calf pain can be related to the feet in several ways. Here are some of the most common foot-related causes of calf pain:

  1. Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the bottom of the foot, particularly in the heel. This pain can sometimes radiate up to the calf muscle, causing discomfort.
  2. Achilles tendinitis: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. When this tendon becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and stiffness in the calf muscle.
  3. Flat feet: Having flat feet can cause overpronation, or excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running. This can put extra stress on the calf muscle, leading to pain and discomfort.
  4. Nerve compression: Nerves that travel through the calf can become compressed or pinched, causing pain in the calf muscle. This can sometimes be related to foot or ankle problems, such as a bone spur or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  5. Blood clots: Blood clots in the leg can cause calf pain, and this can sometimes be related to foot or ankle problems. For example, an injury or surgery to the foot or ankle can increase the risk of developing a blood clot.

If you are experiencing calf pain, it is important to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, or medication.

Calcaneal fracture (heel fracture)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Fractures, H, Hindfoot

A calcaneal fracture is a break in the heel bone, also known as the calcaneus. This type of fracture is typically caused by a high-energy injury, such as a fall from a height or a car accident. It can also occur as a result of repetitive stress, particularly in athletes who engage in high-impact activities like running and jumping.

Symptoms of a calcaneal fracture include:

  1. Severe pain in the heel, particularly when bearing weight
  2. Swelling and bruising around the heel
  3. Inability to walk or put weight on the affected foot
  4. Tenderness when touching the heel
  5. Deformity or flattening of the heel

Treatment for a calcaneal fracture depends on the severity of the injury. In some cases, nonsurgical treatment, such as immobilisation in a cast or boot, may be sufficient to allow the bone to heal. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be required to realign and stabilise the bone.

Recovery from a calcaneal fracture can be a lengthy process, often taking several months for the bone to fully heal. During this time, physical therapy may be necessary to help regain strength and mobility in the affected foot. It is also important to avoid weight-bearing activities until the bone has fully healed, to prevent re-injury or complications.

Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Hindfoot, Paediatrics, S

Calcaneal apophysitis, also known as Sever’s disease, is a common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents. It is an overuse injury that occurs when there is inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon attaches. It typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 15, particularly those who are involved in sports that involve running and jumping.

Symptoms of calcaneal apophysitis include:

  1. Pain in the heel, particularly with activity
  2. Swelling and tenderness in the heel
  3. Difficulty walking or running
  4. Stiffness in the heel upon waking up in the morning

Treatment for calcaneal apophysitis typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a heel cup or other supportive device may be recommended to help cushion the heel and reduce stress on the growth plate.

It is important for children and adolescents with calcaneal apophysitis to avoid activities that aggravate the condition until the symptoms have completely resolved. In most cases, symptoms will resolve within a few weeks to a few months with proper treatment and rest. However, if left untreated, calcaneal apophysitis can lead to chronic heel pain and other complications.