X-rays help determine whether a bone has been fractured or damaged by conditions such as an infection, arthritis, or other disease.
Other reasons for conventional X-rays on your feet are to:
● Evaluate changes in the bones from infections, arthritis, or other bone disease.
● Assess whether a child's bones are growing normally.
● Locate foreign objects (such as pieces of glass or metal) in a wound.
● Determine whether bones are properly set after treating a fracture.
Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, are advised against having X-rays because the radiaiton may harm the unborn child.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Diagnostic Procedures: Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a very effective tool for diagnosing a wide variety of foot and ankle problems, particularly soft tissue problems. Ultrasound uses sound waves on the body in a way much like radar uses sound waves. The waves hit a targeted area and are bounced back to a recording device, which produces an image. Ultrasound is a completely safe, noninvasive, and painless diagnostic procedure.
Common problems for which ultrasound may be prescribed include:
● Bursitis.
● Heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
● Injuries of the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage.
● Morton's neuroma.
● Presence of foreign bodies.
● Soft tissue masses.
● Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
● Tendonitis or tears in a tendon.
Common problems for which ultrasound may be prescribed include:
● Bursitis.
● Heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
● Injuries of the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage.
● Morton's neuroma.
● Presence of foreign bodies.
● Soft tissue masses.
● Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
● Tendonitis or tears in a tendon.
Diagnostic Procedures: Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
Computed tomography (CT) examination (also known as a CAT scan) is used in podiatry to help diagnose and treat foot or ankle problems. A CT is a kind of X-ray device that takes cross sectional images of a part of the body, giving the physician a three-dimensional image. CT scans are often superior to conventional X-rays because they can more accurately pinpoint a suspected problem. Common foot problems a CT exam can help diagnose include: arthritis, deformities, flat feet, foreign bodies, fractures, infection, and tumors.
Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, are advised against having a CT exam or any X-ray examination because the radiaiton may harm the unborn child.
Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, are advised against having a CT exam or any X-ray examination because the radiaiton may harm the unborn child.
Diagnostic Testing: MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sophisticated diagnostic equipment used to diagnose an array of health problems or conditions, including:
● Arthritis.
● Fractures.
● Infections.
● Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.
● Tumors.
MRI's use no radiation like conventional X-rays or CT scans. They employ large magnet and radio waves to produce three-dimensional images. MRIs are very good at portraying soft tissues and bones in your feet and ankles.
People with the following conditions may not be good candidates for a MRI:
● Conditions that requires a heart pacemaker.
● Artificial heart valves.
● Electronic inner ear implants.
● Electronic stimulators.
● Implanted pumps.
● Metal fragments in eyes.
● Surgical clips in the head (particularly aneurysm clips).
● Individuals with dental fillings or bridges, a replacement hip or knee, or tubal ligation clips are generally safe to have a MRI.
In most cases, a full exam of the foot and ankle via MRI lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
● Arthritis.
● Fractures.
● Infections.
● Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.
● Tumors.
MRI's use no radiation like conventional X-rays or CT scans. They employ large magnet and radio waves to produce three-dimensional images. MRIs are very good at portraying soft tissues and bones in your feet and ankles.
People with the following conditions may not be good candidates for a MRI:
● Conditions that requires a heart pacemaker.
● Artificial heart valves.
● Electronic inner ear implants.
● Electronic stimulators.
● Implanted pumps.
● Metal fragments in eyes.
● Surgical clips in the head (particularly aneurysm clips).
● Individuals with dental fillings or bridges, a replacement hip or knee, or tubal ligation clips are generally safe to have a MRI.
In most cases, a full exam of the foot and ankle via MRI lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Pregnant and noticing changes in your feet?
Pregnant women need to observe good foot health to prevent pain and discomfort. Since the body undergoes changes and acquires a new weight-bearing stance, women should wear shoes with broad-based heels that provide support and absorb shock. Additional body weight also calls for more support, to prevent foot "breakdown."
The expectant mother often experiences more than ordinary swelling of her feet and ankles, which can aggravate existing foot conditions and promote inflammation or irritation. Pregnancy also triggers the release of hormones that enhance loose ligaments, which can contribute to foot strain. To help overcome these problems, allow time each day to stay off your feet. Elevate the feet and legs when you are sitting to help prevent and reduce swelling. Don't sit for long periods of time. If problems do develop, please contact our office.
The expectant mother often experiences more than ordinary swelling of her feet and ankles, which can aggravate existing foot conditions and promote inflammation or irritation. Pregnancy also triggers the release of hormones that enhance loose ligaments, which can contribute to foot strain. To help overcome these problems, allow time each day to stay off your feet. Elevate the feet and legs when you are sitting to help prevent and reduce swelling. Don't sit for long periods of time. If problems do develop, please contact our office.
Fungal Nails
Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete's foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for fungal nails.
After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, you can take steps to prevent the infection from coming back.
Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.
Other tips:
● Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
● Don't share shoes or socks with others.
● Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
● Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
● Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
● Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.
Prevention
Follow basic foot care guidelines and you more than likely can head off most common foot fungus problems.
After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, you can take steps to prevent the infection from coming back.
Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.
Other tips:
● Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
● Don't share shoes or socks with others.
● Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
● Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
● Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
● Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.
Prevention
Follow basic foot care guidelines and you more than likely can head off most common foot fungus problems.
Athlete's Foot
A chronic infection caused by various types of fungus, Athlete's foot is often spread in places where people go barefoot such as public showers or swimming pools. The condition ranges from mild scaling and itching to painful inflammation and blisters. It usually starts between the toes or on the arch and may spread to the bottom and sides of the foot.
General treatments
Depending on the type of infection you have, various kinds of medication may be used in treating your fungal problem. Successful treatment usually involves a combination of medication and self-care.
If your condition is not serious, over-the-counter and prescription powders, lotions, or ointments can often help treat scaling, itching, and inflammation. Consult us before taking any medication. Foot soaks may help dry excessive perspiration, but you should contact our office first. If your Athlete's foot does not improve, we may prescribe stronger medication.
General treatments
Depending on the type of infection you have, various kinds of medication may be used in treating your fungal problem. Successful treatment usually involves a combination of medication and self-care.
If your condition is not serious, over-the-counter and prescription powders, lotions, or ointments can often help treat scaling, itching, and inflammation. Consult us before taking any medication. Foot soaks may help dry excessive perspiration, but you should contact our office first. If your Athlete's foot does not improve, we may prescribe stronger medication.
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