Topical Anti-inflammatories

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Sarah Viselli

Topical anti-inflammatories

Many patients experience muscle injuries, especially those runners and athletes during the summer. These injuries can be acute due to increased activities or chronic repetitive incorrect technique. There are many ways to treat these injuries, which are commonly related to inflammation in the injured site.

Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed medication for musculoskeletal injuries. They are useful for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Oral/systemic NSAIDs do have adverse side effects, specifically to the heart and stomach. There have been many newer topical NSAIDs brought to the market to treat the injuries. Topical NSAIDs are used to treat the area locally and produce high enough concentrations without the high systemic levels typically associated with common side effects.

There are side effects associated with topical NSAIDs, with the most common adverse reaction a skin reaction occurring in 1 to 2 percent of patients. This can present as redness, itching and irritation. There is evidence that supports that topical NSAIDs are effective and safe for sports injuries.

If you are unable to take oral NSAIDs, but have had issues with recurrent sports injuries, topical NSAIDs may be a treatment option for you. Let us a Worthington Foot & Ankle help!

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis/Dysfunction

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Sarah Viselli

Recently, I have seen quite a few patients with pain to this inside of their ankle and heel. Heel pain is just not always just identified on the inside of the heel or arch. It can also occur along the inside of the ankle along the tendon known as the Posterior Tibial Tendon. This tendon helps to support the arch. At times, this tendon can become inflamed, swollen and painful. This is known as Posterior Tibial Tendonitis.

Overuse of the tendon causes dysfunction of the tendon, leading to inflammation and the pain. Symptoms are usually seen after activities such as running, hiking, or climbing. Patients often complain of pain along the inside of their ankle coursing towards their arch. The area is not only painful, but can be found to be swollen as well.

Patients may relate having flatter arches, and this is due to the tendon not functioning to help support the foot correctly.

Treatment can be conservative as well as surgical. Conservatively, patients can try orthotics, bracing and immobilization, physical therapy and medications such as anti-inflammatories. Surgery is often indicated when conservative attempts have failed. Surgical procedures often include repair of the tendon.

If you have had chronic pain radiating to your arch from your ankle, you may not have the common plantar fasciitis, it may be due to dysfunction of your tendon. The podiatrists at Worthington Foot & Ankle can help diagnose and treat you correctly!

Sever’s Disease/Children’s Heel Pain

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Sarah Viselli

Sever’s Disease/Children’s Heel Pain

With the fall sports season approaching, many kiddos are going through conditioning or finishing up their summer seasons and can notice heel pain. There are several causes of heel pain in young athletes with the most common being Sever’s Disease or calcaneal apophysitis.

Inflammation of the growth plate of the heel bone can cause discomfort to the heel, mild swelling and difficulty walking. The condition usually presents itself between the ages of 8 and 14 with a higher incidence in boys than girls. Sever’s Disease is being diagnosed more frequently in girls due to their participating in an increased amount of sports such as soccer, basketball and softball.

There are many factors that can cause an athlete to have calcaneal inflammation. The majority of patients will present with a tight heel cord or a flatfoot. Treatment should focus helping the biomechanical changes the child is undergoing during maturity.

Rest and anti-inflammatories often help with pain. Daily icing to the affected heel can help with the initial phase of treatment. Once the initial inflammation is addressed, treatment should focus on increasing the strength and improving the biomechanical factors that have contributed to the calcaneal inflammation. Often children respond well to heel lifts in their shoes to offload the Achilles tendon and/or orthotics to control the excess motion of the foot.

If you child has heel pain while participating in sports, do not hesitate to contact us at Worthington Foot & Ankle. We can help get your child back to the field.