Category: S

Shockwave therapy

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Other, S

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment for foot pain that uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing and relieve pain. The sound waves are directed to the affected area using a specialised device, stimulating blood flow and increasing the body’s natural healing response.

Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a variety of foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs. It is often used as a last resort after more conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, and physical therapy, have been unsuccessful.

The procedure is usually performed in a healthcare professional’s office and typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.

After the treatment, patients may experience some temporary soreness, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. Most people are able to resume normal activities within a few days of the procedure.

The effectiveness of shockwave therapy for foot pain varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient. Some patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms after one treatment, while others require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.

It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of shockwave therapy with your healthcare professional before undergoing the procedure. Not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment, and it may not be covered by insurance in all cases.

Shin splints

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Lower leg, S

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common injury that occurs when the muscles and tendons surrounding the shinbone become inflamed. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive stress, such as running or jumping on hard surfaces.

Symptoms of shin splints include pain, tenderness, and swelling along the inner edge of the shinbone. The pain may be mild at first but can become more severe with continued activity.

To prevent shin splints, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activities, wear proper footwear that provides adequate cushioning and support, and avoid running or jumping on hard surfaces. Additionally, stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower leg muscles can help prevent shin splints.

If you do develop shin splints, the best treatment is rest. Avoid the activities that caused the injury and allow your legs time to heal. Ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can also help reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can also be used to manage pain.

Once the pain and swelling have subsided, it is important to gradually return to your activities to avoid re-injuring the area. Wearing proper footwear and using orthotics or inserts can also help prevent future episodes of shin splints. If the pain persists despite these measures, it is important to see a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

Sesamoid injuries

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Forefoot, S

The sesamoid bones are small bones located under the big toe joint in the foot. They play an important role in weight-bearing and movement of the foot. Sesamoid injuries are a common condition that occurs when the sesamoid bones become injured or inflamed.

There are two types of sesamoid injuries:

Sesamoiditis: This is a condition in which the sesamoid bones become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive stress. Symptoms of sesamoiditis include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area.
Sesamoid Fracture: This is a type of injury that occurs when one or both of the sesamoid bones in the foot are fractured. Symptoms of a sesamoid fracture include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

To prevent sesamoid injuries, it is important to wear proper footwear that provides adequate cushioning and support, especially if you engage in activities that involve repetitive stress on the foot. In addition, avoid activities that put excessive pressure on the foot, such as jumping and running on hard surfaces.

If you suspect you have a sesamoid injury, it is important to seek medical attention. Treatment for sesamoid injuries may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Septic arthritis

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Steve - Infections, Rheumatology, S

Septic arthritis in the foot is a serious condition in which a joint in the foot becomes infected with bacteria. The infection can cause pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. If left untreated, septic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and even spread to other parts of the body.

Septic arthritis in the foot is usually caused by bacteria that enter the joint through a wound or cut in the skin. People with a weakened immune system, such as those with diabetes or HIV, are at an increased risk of developing septic arthritis.

Treatment for septic arthritis in the foot typically involves a combination of antibiotics and drainage of the infected joint. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or repair joint damage. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect you have septic arthritis in the foot.

Prevention is key when it comes to septic arthritis in the foot. You can reduce your risk of developing this condition by practicing good foot hygiene, avoiding sharing shoes or socks with others, and properly cleaning and caring for any cuts or wounds on your feet. Additionally, people with a weakened immune system should take extra precautions to protect their feet, such as wearing protective footwear and regularly inspecting their feet for signs of infection.

Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Steve - 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:

Pain in the heel, particularly with activity
Swelling and tenderness in the heel
Difficulty walking or running
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.