#nonweightbearing

[cosmicmote]

Still Life of a Boat with Legs in Flowers and Mountains

I had been pondering how words are imitations or

substitutes for experience, relations with them;

it occurs more to me today that language is a screen, a veil

that is worn and displayed, and that it is not just the written

word or the spoken, the birds have their hungers and

needs as do the bees, the wolves, and now my cat hollers.

I may let him in and grab a donut my self,

to consume around the hole if it's not too sweet,

the emptiness that centers it all, we explore

to come through

and follow with a quote, where I had left off and initially I picked up this book for her writings on fractal poetry as I used to work with fractal art quite a bit, and generative art created using fractal software but writing is a part of this too of course

17. A volatile folding word, screen encases dual meanings within one another. Screen implodes and so allows its opposite to exist. While the noun screen connotes an outer, visible layer, the verb to screen means "to hide." Yet to screen a movie is to show it, rather than obscure it. Screens are petitions that conceal; but they also collapse into portability, revealing all. As walls go, they're flimsy -- temporary, nonweightbearing. When a screen is a sieve, it's both porous and impermeable: allowing and preventing passage. A screen can be necessary or ornamental; solid or pierced. The opposing definitions of screen remind me of stellar pairs, binary stars in close proximity to one another orbiting about a common center of mass. Astronomers have noted a feature common to all binaries: The closer the two members lie to one another, the more rapidly they swing about in their orbits. So screen oscillates under consideration. ~ Alice Fulton - Feeling as a Foreign Language: The Good Strangeness of Poetry

the painting I started last night and finished this afternoon using corel painter and g'mic

graphic and words ©spacetree 2024

[orthopedicsurgeon2]

The following is a generalized outline for rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction. The protocol may be modified if additional procedures, such as meniscus repair or microfracture, were performed. Phase I: 1 – 14 days Goals:

Protect graft and graft fixation with use of brace and specific exercises.

Control inflammation and swelling.

Early range of motion (ROM) with emphasis on full extension, patella mobilizations and flexion.

Brace: Post op brace worn locked in extension for ambulation. May unlock for ROM exercises.

Weight bearing status: Weightbearing as tolerated with crutches and brace locked in extension. If meniscal repair or microfracture, nonweightbearing for 4 weeks.

Exercises

ROM exercises:

Passive extension – sit in a chair and place your heel on the edge of a stool or chair; relax thigh muscles and let the knee sag under its own weight until maximum extension is achieved.

Heel props – place rolled up towel under the heel and allow leg to relax

Flexion – limit to 90 degrees

Passive flexion – sit on chair/edge of bed and let knee bend under gravity; may use the other leg to support and control

flexion Heel slides – Use your good leg to pull the involved heel toward the buttocks, flexing the knee. Hold for 5 seconds; straighten the leg 2 sliding the heel downward and hold for 5 seconds.

Quadriceps sets in full extension

Ankle ROM

Phase II: Weeks 3 – 6 Goals:

Restore normal gait with stair climbing

Maintain full extension, progress toward full flexion range of motion

Protect graft and graft fixation

Increase hip, quadriceps, hamstring and calf strength

Increase proprioception

Brace: May wean out of brace when you demonstrate good quadriceps control

Weightbearing status: Weightbearing as tolerated, wean off crutches

Exercises Continue as above, maintaining full extension and progressing to 125 degrees Begin closed kinetic chain exercises Stationary bicycling, stairmaster: slow, progressing to low resistance Hamstring curls Hip abduction, adduction, extension, side lifting, heel raises At 4‐ 6 weeks, wall squats

Phase III: Weeks 6 – 12 Goals:

Full active range of motion

Increase strength

Exercises Stationary bicycling, stairmaster, elliptical: increases resistance Treadmill walking Swimming, water conditioning: flutter kick only Balance and proprioceptive training Closed chain quad strengthening: no knee flexion greater than 90 degrees with leg press

Phase IV: Months 3 – 6 Goals:

Improve strength, endurance and proprioception Begin agility training Exercises

May start jogging program, forward/straight running only

Continue and progress strengthening

Progress to running program at 5 months

Begin agility training at 5 months

Side steps

Cross overs

Figure 8 running o Shuttle running o One leg and two leg jumping o Cutting o Acceleration / deceleration / sprints / agility ladder drills

Initiate sport‐specific drills as appropriate

Phase V: 6 months post‐op Goals:

Maintain strength, endurance and proprioception

Safe return to sport Exercises

Gradual return to sports participation

Maintenance program for strength, endurance

Return to sports criteria: Full range of motion No swelling Good stability on ligament testing Full strength compared to other leg Completed sport‐specific functional progression Running and jumping without pain or limp

[grateful-melancholic]

I've been laying in bed for three hours. Nerve pain causing leg spasms followed up by just pain in general, I can't get comfortable, I hate sleeping on my back, and I am just a very unhappy camper right now. Anxiety is making my head spin about when my injury happened, all the what-ifs that are coming up for me starting my new job, having to do travel to Seattle, and the future when I am able to go back to Derby and how anxious it makes me. Just a spinning pile of Terrah right now... Took my baby aspirin and pain pills, hopefully I can get some rest. * * * * * * * * * * * #brokenbone #brokenankle #derbyinjury #anxiety #nervepain #musclespasms #fractureboot #nonweightbearing #nwb #twoandahalfweekspostop #postop #bimalleolarfracture #orif #rightankleorif #pain #whatifs #derbyproblems #rollerderby #rollerskater #derbylife https://www.instagram.com/p/B4sPq_uH9vP/?igshid=1aqhirmcopajd

[doberbutts]

Having suddenly been nonweightbearing on my right leg for three months last year, I am so much less tolerant of access restrictions nowadays. I'm so happy that the house I'm buying has so few stairs, that my bedroom is across the hall from the bathroom, that my job will be mostly seated and thus will take a lot of pressure off my bad knee, that Sushi is 🤏 this close to being done with her training.

I have been some manner of chronically ill or physically disabled my entire life but I never fully realized how unfriendly the world is to people who can't walk until I, too, couldn't walk.

[littletonfootandankleclinic]

Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic

Good morning and happy Thursday Colorado! We at Littleton foot and Ankle Clinic are gearing up for a rainy weekend and hope everyone stays safe!  Remember to wear the proper shoes if you go outdoors to keep those feet safe! Today we are discussing Talar Dome Lesion: 

What Is a Talar Dome Lesion?  

The ankle joint is composed of the bottom of the tibia (shin) bone and the top of the talus (ankle) bone. The top of the talus is dome-shaped and is completely covered with cartilage—a tough, rubbery tissue that enables the ankle to move smoothly. A talar dome lesion is an injury to the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus within the ankle joint. It is also called an osteochondral defect (OCD) or osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). “Osteo” means bone and “chondral” refers to cartilage.

Talar dome lesions are usually caused by an injury, such as an ankle sprain. If the cartilage does not heal properly following the injury, it softens and begins to break off. Sometimes a broken piece of the damaged cartilage and bone will float in the ankle.

Signs & Symptoms

Unless the injury is extensive, it may take months, a year or even longer for symptoms to develop. The signs and symptoms of a talar dome lesion may include:

Chronic pain deep in the ankle—typically worse when bearing weight on the foot (especially during sports) and less when resting

An occasional clicking or catching feeling in the ankle when walking

A sensation of the ankle locking or giving out

Episodes of swelling of the ankle—occurring when bearing weight and subsiding when at rest

Diagnosis

A talar dome lesion can be difficult to diagnose because the precise site of the pain can be hard to pinpoint. To diagnose this injury, the foot and ankle surgeon will question the patient about recent or previous injury and will examine the foot and ankle, moving the ankle joint to help determine if there is pain, clicking or limited motion within that joint.

Sometimes the surgeon will inject the joint with an anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) to see if the pain goes away for a while, indicating that the pain is coming from inside the joint. X-rays are taken, and often an MRI or other advanced imaging tests are ordered to further evaluate the lesion and extent of the injury.

Nonsurgical Treatment Approaches

Treatment depends on the severity of the talar dome lesion. If the lesion is stable (without loose pieces of cartilage or bone), one or more of the following nonsurgical treatment options may be considered:

Immobilization. Depending on the type of injury, the leg may be placed in a cast or cast boot to protect the talus. During this period of immobilization, nonweightbearing range-of-motion exercises may be recommended.

Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy. Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises are beneficial once the lesion is adequately healed. Physical therapy may also include techniques to reduce pain and swelling.

Ankle brace. Wearing an ankle brace may help protect the patient from reinjury if the ankle is unstable.

When Is Surgery Needed?

If nonsurgical treatment fails to relieve the symptoms of talar dome lesions, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may involve removal of the loose bone and cartilage fragments within the joint and establishing an environment for healing. A variety of surgical techniques is available to accomplish this. The surgeon will select the best procedure based on the specific case.

Complications of Talar Dome Lesions

Depending on the amount of damage to the cartilage in the ankle joint, arthritis may develop in the joint, resulting in chronic pain, swelling and limited joint motion. Treatment for these complications is best directed by a foot and ankle surgeon and may include one or more of the following:

Nonsteroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

Physical therapy

Bracing

Surgical intervention

As always, if you are experiencing any symptoms or anything of concern, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call! We would be more than happy to help! If you are from outside of Colorado, please give your PCP or local Podiatrist a call. If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Also, if you need us to check out you for an ankle fracture, bunions, custom orthotics, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, or any foot and ankle pain give us a call at (303) 933-5048 or visit our website at https://www.littletonfootandankleclinic.com At Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic, we treat your feet.

#LittletonFootandAnkleClinic #Podiatrist #FootDoctor #Littleton #Denver #LittletonPodiatrist  #DenverPodiatrist  #LittletonFootDoctor #DenverFootDoctor

[beanerbrujx]

Bro I totally forgot how much being bedbond sucks

Even when I got my femur rod removed, I still had basic function of the limb and could put some (only some) weight on it to walk around

Rn I'm completely nonweightbearing and it blowsssss

[peaceloveandpatchouli]

What motivates me on this beautiful Monday morning......MEDITATION! Without it I would lose my mind especially as I am healing from surgery. Each time I find myself drifting towards "whoa is me", I grab my eye pillow, close my eyes and remind myself that this is temporary. What is motivating you today????? . . . . #mondaymotivation #mondaymorning #meditation #grounded #grateful #temporarysituation #eyepillow #relaxrefocusregroup #postop #tornglute #nonweightbearing #surgeryrecovery #phaseone #25moredays #onthemend #goingstircrazy #wellbeing #healthandwellness #innerpeace #inherinnerpeace #positivevibes #goodvibes #attitudeofgratitude #newjersey #mylife

[jennsyling-blog]

Base of fifth metatarsal and fibula fracture - Day 6

6 days ago, I had slipped on a large and smooth screw, fell flat on my hands and elbows with a twisted left ankle that was basically under my calf in a weird position...and then a bloody and scraped right knee. (Didn’t want to go with the worst thing last. Haha)

I yelled and cried in the middle of the street in front of my house (thankgoodness I didn’t get very far) and got up on a painful and swollen ankle, scared out of my mind, and sobbed as I plopped down onto the couch and cried, and cried when I went into the house after multiple steps on stairs.

All I could think about was that I knew I had severely fucked up my ankle as it swelled to the size of a baseball -

This was an hour after I fell.

I took pictures because in my mind, I was like, “this is actually kinda funny! I’ll look back at this and think this was the worst of it!” (For some reason I thought I just sprained it or bruised it and it wasn’t a big deal because I’ve fallen before and all I got was a bruise on my foot!

But by the second hour, after I sobbed on the phone to my mom and asked her to come home to take care of me...I know, I’m such a freakin baby. But I knew that deep down, it was more then just a twisted ankle and that I had to do something about it.

After I got off the phone with my mom, I made an appointment with her orthopedics surgeon because a lightbulb lit up in my head that I didn’t have to go to the ER, I could just go to the place that already knows who I am (I’ve gone there a lot with my mom for her appointments) and they specialize in my type of injury.

I take the Uber with my mom who came home and agreed that I should go see the doctor and when we get there, I’m worried the whole time about putting pressure on my foot..but I get through it and I get an X-ray with a technician who doesn’t get my jokes or answer me when I try to lighten up the tension and joking that everything looked right in my x Ray.

She sends me to the room where my mom is holding my left shoe and we sit there for ten long minutes before my doctor comes in.

One of the most uninformative doctor in my life, shows up with an iPad and tells me that I’ve broken my foot/ankle in two places. The base of the fifth metatarsal (middle left side of the foot) and the fibula (ankle). I was so shocked that I told my mom in Chinese and my mouth was just hanging Open as he tried to tell me what was going on.

What in the actually fuck?! How in the world?!

Tells me that I have to breaks to the bone and that I have to be NONWEIGHTBEARING (caps because I’ve learned to hate this word) for at least six weeks. I’m upset and pissed when he tells me I have to be in a big old cast for at lease that amount of time. I was in shock that the only thing I ask him is “I can drive right?!” And he says yes but that’s about it.

I go into the room where I get a cast and no one thinks to get me crutches so I can not pressure the foot and distress it even further... -.-

The one lady who assisted the doctors was an amateur who took like five minutes to cut a piece of cloth that would wrap around my leg and the doctor was annoyed with her. So unprofessional...

He took over to cut one piece of cloth and helped me wrap the plaster around a bunch of cotton that was stuck onto the piece of cloth that he cut out.

He left the room and I was left alone with an incompetent trainee who made no effort to help me at all. She asked me if I knew how to walk on crutches, and I said yes because of an old injury and she shoved me the crutches and left. She was supposed to help me adjust to them but her ass left in a hurry and was no help. My mom was just holding my shoe so we asked her if we could get any sort of bag but she just stood there and shook her head without even looking for us. WHAT A BEEZY.

We left for me to sit on the chair out in the hall becuse we had to make another appointment in two weeks(basically one week from now as it happened one week ago) and another Chinese lady was sitting with me on the same bench and kept asking me why I had a cast.

“How did you get a cast?”

“She hurt her foot.” My mom says.

“Why?”

“She fell.”

“How?”

This woman was so freakin nosy, and we were done by then, so we left.

I slipped like three times and landed on my bad leg as I tried to adjust to the crutches. We sat there as I called an Uber and I laughed about it with my mom, knowing that I was going to cry when I got home.

And as luck seems to not my on my side, the damn Uber stops like a half a block (it was a long ass block) and I hobbled towards the car as unsympathetic people are no way for me as I walked. I was not used to non weight bearing so I leant the back of my leg to the seat and just sat there...

And then, the incompetent lady from the office called me and told me that she gave me the wrong medicine!!! Asked if I could go back but I couldn’t cuz my ass was already halfway home. Like how could you give me the wrong prescription?! So I have to wait until next week to take the right pain medication!

Today is day 6 and it is 10:30pm and I have to sleep soon. A more detailed day to day of the last six days will follow tomorrow! (Assuming that people will read this.)

It’s going to be my one week anniversary in an like twelve hours and yes, I am counting the hours and minutes of when I will be free.

More of this tomorrow!

[nico-eyes-have-it]

So about a week and a half ago, when I was 12 weeks+1day, I fell down my sisters steps. Baby was fine, but I broke my second metatarsal in my left foot into a couple of bits extending to the joint with the cuneiform bones. (That would be some of the tiny bones in the foot.) They call it a Lisfranc fracture, though my doctor pronounced it “Liz Frank,” and had a likelihood of requiring surgery. Thankfully, the fracture is only very minimally displaced. Unfortunately because of the Lisfranc area being where all the cool tendons are that make a foot operate like, well, a normative human foot, it’s still a serious injury. And I’m pregnant and the doctor wanted to avoid surgery. So I have a non-weight baring cast until a bit before thanksgiving, and then a non-weight baring boot until probably January. At least I’ll be down to the boot before my 20 week fetal anatomy ultrasound approximately the first week of December? In the meantime have my casted foot and leg and still deeply bruised foot/toe area. (And yes this means my stubborn butt drove first to Columbus and then to Chicago and back with a broken foot.) #lisfranc #cast #lisfrancinjury #lisfrancfracture #nonweightbearing https://ift.tt/2Jd9Mev

[ptworkpearls]

Patient is a 95 year old with a fractured clavicle and fracture humerus. Ortho ordered NWB and sling at all times.

Patient has been mobilizing with nursing with a walker. Sling is nowhere to be found. I ask nursing where the sling is. 

Nurse: "Well she couldn't use the sling and the walker."

Me: ...

Nurse: "I mean, she's 95. It would be really hard for her to walk without a walker."

Me: ... Seriously ...

Nursing assistant: "I can't get her back to bed alone without a walker"

Me: Oh. my. god.

[littletonfootandankleclinic]

Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic

Good morning and happy Monday Colorado! It’s a very sunny and beautiful start to this work week! The staff at Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic hope everyone had a great weekend and Easter Sunday! We also hope everyone has a chance to get outside today and enjoy that warm weather before the storms tomorrow! Today we are discussing Talar Dome Lesion: 

What Is a Talar Dome Lesion?  

The ankle joint is composed of the bottom of the tibia (shin) bone and the top of the talus (ankle) bone. The top of the talus is dome-shaped and is completely covered with cartilage—a tough, rubbery tissue that enables the ankle to move smoothly. A talar dome lesion is an injury to the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus within the ankle joint. It is also called an osteochondral defect (OCD) or osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). “Osteo” means bone and “chondral” refers to cartilage.

Talar dome lesions are usually caused by an injury, such as an ankle sprain. If the cartilage does not heal properly following the injury, it softens and begins to break off. Sometimes a broken piece of the damaged cartilage and bone will float in the ankle.

Signs & Symptoms

Unless the injury is extensive, it may take months, a year or even longer for symptoms to develop. The signs and symptoms of a talar dome lesion may include:

Chronic pain deep in the ankle—typically worse when bearing weight on the foot (especially during sports) and less when resting

An occasional clicking or catching feeling in the ankle when walking

A sensation of the ankle locking or giving out

Episodes of swelling of the ankle—occurring when bearing weight and subsiding when at rest

Diagnosis

A talar dome lesion can be difficult to diagnose because the precise site of the pain can be hard to pinpoint. To diagnose this injury, the foot and ankle surgeon will question the patient about recent or previous injury and will examine the foot and ankle, moving the ankle joint to help determine if there is pain, clicking or limited motion within that joint.

Sometimes the surgeon will inject the joint with an anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) to see if the pain goes away for a while, indicating that the pain is coming from inside the joint. X-rays are taken, and often an MRI or other advanced imaging tests are ordered to further evaluate the lesion and extent of the injury.

Nonsurgical Treatment Approaches

Treatment depends on the severity of the talar dome lesion. If the lesion is stable (without loose pieces of cartilage or bone), one or more of the following nonsurgical treatment options may be considered:

Immobilization. Depending on the type of injury, the leg may be placed in a cast or cast boot to protect the talus. During this period of immobilization, nonweightbearing range-of-motion exercises may be recommended.

Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy. Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises are beneficial once the lesion is adequately healed. Physical therapy may also include techniques to reduce pain and swelling.

Ankle brace. Wearing an ankle brace may help protect the patient from reinjury if the ankle is unstable.

When Is Surgery Needed?

If nonsurgical treatment fails to relieve the symptoms of talar dome lesions, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may involve removal of the loose bone and cartilage fragments within the joint and establishing an environment for healing. A variety of surgical techniques is available to accomplish this. The surgeon will select the best procedure based on the specific case.

Complications of Talar Dome Lesions

Depending on the amount of damage to the cartilage in the ankle joint, arthritis may develop in the joint, resulting in chronic pain, swelling and limited joint motion. Treatment for these complications is best directed by a foot and ankle surgeon and may include one or more of the following:

Nonsteroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

Physical therapy

Bracing

Surgical intervention

As always, if you are experiencing any symptoms or anything of concern, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call! We would be more than happy to help! If you are from outside of Colorado, please give your PCP or local Podiatrist a call. If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Also, if you need us to check out you for an ankle fracture, bunions, custom orthotics, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, or any foot and ankle pain give us a call at (303) 933-5048 or visit our website at https://www.littletonfootandankleclinic.com At Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic, we treat your feet.

#LittletonFootandAnkleClinic #Podiatrist #FootDoctor #Littleton #Denver #LittletonPodiatrist #PodiatristLittleton #DenverPodiatrist #PodiatristDenver #LittletonFootDoctor #DenverFootDoctor

[littletonfootandankleclinic]

Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic

Good morning and happy Wednesday Colorado! We’ve made it to the middle of the week! We’re looking at a couple more hot days and then some thunderstorms to finish up our July here! We at Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer so far! Today we are discussing Talar Dome Lesions: 

What Is a Talar Dome Lesion?  

The ankle joint is composed of the bottom of the tibia (shin) bone and the top of the talus (ankle) bone. The top of the talus is dome-shaped and is completely covered with cartilage—a tough, rubbery tissue that enables the ankle to move smoothly. A talar dome lesion is an injury to the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus within the ankle joint. It is also called an osteochondral defect (OCD) or osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). “Osteo” means bone and “chondral” refers to cartilage.

Talar dome lesions are usually caused by an injury, such as an ankle sprain. If the cartilage does not heal properly following the injury, it softens and begins to break off. Sometimes a broken piece of the damaged cartilage and bone will float in the ankle.

Signs & Symptoms

Unless the injury is extensive, it may take months, a year or even longer for symptoms to develop. The signs and symptoms of a talar dome lesion may include:

Chronic pain deep in the ankle—typically worse when bearing weight on the foot (especially during sports) and less when resting

An occasional clicking or catching feeling in the ankle when walking

A sensation of the ankle locking or giving out

Episodes of swelling of the ankle—occurring when bearing weight and subsiding when at rest

Diagnosis

A talar dome lesion can be difficult to diagnose because the precise site of the pain can be hard to pinpoint. To diagnose this injury, the foot and ankle surgeon will question the patient about recent or previous injury and will examine the foot and ankle, moving the ankle joint to help determine if there is pain, clicking or limited motion within that joint.

Sometimes the surgeon will inject the joint with an anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) to see if the pain goes away for a while, indicating that the pain is coming from inside the joint. X-rays are taken, and often an MRI or other advanced imaging tests are ordered to further evaluate the lesion and extent of the injury.

Nonsurgical Treatment Approaches

Treatment depends on the severity of the talar dome lesion. If the lesion is stable (without loose pieces of cartilage or bone), one or more of the following nonsurgical treatment options may be considered:

Immobilization. Depending on the type of injury, the leg may be placed in a cast or cast boot to protect the talus. During this period of immobilization, nonweightbearing range-of-motion exercises may be recommended.

Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy. Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises are beneficial once the lesion is adequately healed. Physical therapy may also include techniques to reduce pain and swelling.

Ankle brace. Wearing an ankle brace may help protect the patient from reinjury if the ankle is unstable.

When Is Surgery Needed?

If nonsurgical treatment fails to relieve the symptoms of talar dome lesions, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may involve removal of the loose bone and cartilage fragments within the joint and establishing an environment for healing. A variety of surgical techniques is available to accomplish this. The surgeon will select the best procedure based on the specific case.

Complications of Talar Dome Lesions

Depending on the amount of damage to the cartilage in the ankle joint, arthritis may develop in the joint, resulting in chronic pain, swelling and limited joint motion. Treatment for these complications is best directed by a foot and ankle surgeon and may include one or more of the following:

Nonsteroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

Physical therapy

Bracing

Surgical intervention

As always, if you are experiencing any symptoms or anything of concern, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call! We would be more than happy to help! If you are from outside of Colorado, please give your PCP or local Podiatrist a call. If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Also, if you need us to check out you for an ankle fracture, bunions, custom orthotics, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, or any foot and ankle pain give us a call at (303) 933-5048 or visit our website at https://www.littletonfootandankleclinic.com At Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic, we treat your feet.

#LittletonFootandAnkleClinic #Podiatrist #FootDoctor #Littleton #Denver #LittletonPodiatrist  #DenverPodiatrist  #LittletonFootDoctor #DenverFootDoctor

[littletonfootandankleclinic]

Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic

It’s the beginning of a beautiful week Colorado, and we at Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! Today we are discussing: Charcot Foot.

What Is Charcot Foot?  

Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking, the foot eventually changes shape. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an abnormal shape, such as a rocker-bottom appearance.

Charcot foot is a serious condition that can lead to severe deformity, disability and even amputation. Because of its seriousness, it is important that patients living with diabetes—a disease often associated with neuropathy—take preventive measures and seek immediate care if signs or symptoms appear.

Causes

Charcot foot develops as a result of neuropathy, which decreases sensation and the ability to feel temperature, pain or trauma. Because of diminished sensation, the patient may continue to walk—making the injury worse. People with neuropathy (especially those who have had it for a long time) are at risk for developing Charcot foot. In addition, neuropathic patients with a tight Achilles tendon have been shown to have a tendency to develop Charcot foot.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Charcot foot may include:

Warmth to the touch (the affected foot feels warmer than the other)

Redness in the foot

Swelling in the area

Pain or soreness

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of Charcot foot is extremely important for successful treatment. To arrive at a diagnosis, the surgeon will examine the foot and ankle and ask about events that may have occurred prior to the symptoms. X-rays and other imaging studies and tests may be ordered. Once treatment begins, x-rays are taken periodically to aid in evaluating the status of the condition.

Nonsurgical Treatment

It is extremely important to follow the surgeon’s treatment plan for Charcot foot. Failure to do so can lead to the loss of a toe, foot, leg or life.

Nonsurgical treatment for Charcot foot consists of:

Immobilization. Because the foot and ankle are so fragile during the early stage of Charcot, they must be protected so the weakened bones can repair themselves. Complete nonweightbearing is necessary to keep the foot from further collapsing. The patient will not be able to walk on the affected foot until the surgeon determines it is safe to do so. During this period, the patient may be fitted with a cast, removable boot or brace and may be required to use crutches or a wheelchair. It may take the bones several months to heal, although it can take considerably longer in some patients.

Custom shoes and bracing. Shoes with special inserts may be needed after the bones have healed to enable the patient to return to daily activities—as well as help prevent recurrence of Charcot foot, development of ulcers and possibly amputation. In cases with significant deformity, bracing is also required.

Activity modification. A modification in activity level may be needed to avoid repetitive trauma to both feet. A patient with Charcot in one foot is more likely to develop it in the other foot, so measures must be taken to protect both feet.

When Is Surgery Needed?

In some cases, the Charcot deformity may become severe enough that surgery is necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the proper timing as well as the appropriate procedure for the individual case.

Preventive Care

The patient can play a vital role in preventing Charcot foot and its complications by following these measures:

Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help reduce the progression of nerve damage in the feet.

Get regular checkups from a foot and ankle surgeon.

Check both feet every day—and see a surgeon immediately if you notice signs of Charcot foot.

Be careful to avoid injury, such as bumping the foot or overdoing an exercise program.

Follow the surgeon’s instructions for long-term treatment to prevent recurrences, ulcers and amputation.

As always, if you are experiencing any symptoms or anything of concern, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call! We would be more than happy to help! If you are from outside of Colorado, please give your PCP or local Podiatrist a call. If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Also, if you need us to check out you for an ankle fracture, bunions, custom orthotics, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, or any foot and ankle pain give us a call at (303) 933-5048 or visit our website at https://www.littletonfootandankleclinic.comAt Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic, we treat your feet. #LittletonFootandAnkleClinic #Podiatrist #FootDoctor #Littleton #Denver #LittletonPodiatrist #PodiatristLittleton #DenverPodiatrist #PodiatristDenver

[littletonfootandankleclinic]

Littleton Foot And Ankle Clinic

Good morning everyone! We at Littleton Foot And Ankle Clinic are excited for the holiday weekend! Hoping everyone has a safe and very fun 3 days. Today we are discussing Charcot Foot.

What Is Charcot Foot?  Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking, the foot eventually changes shape. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an abnormal shape, such as a rocker-bottom appearance.Charcot foot is a serious condition that can lead to severe deformity, disability and even amputation. Because of its seriousness, it is important that patients living with diabetes—a disease often associated with neuropathy—take preventive measures and seek immediate care if signs or symptoms appear.

CausesCharcot foot develops as a result of neuropathy, which decreases sensation and the ability to feel temperature, pain or trauma. Because of diminished sensation, the patient may continue to walk—making the injury worse. People with neuropathy (especially those who have had it for a long time) are at risk for developing Charcot foot. In addition, neuropathic patients with a tight Achilles tendon have been shown to have a tendency to develop Charcot foot.SymptomsThe symptoms of Charcot foot may include:Warmth to the touch (the affected foot feels warmer than the other)Redness in the footSwelling in the areaPain or soreness

DiagnosisEarly diagnosis of Charcot foot is extremely important for successful treatment. To arrive at a diagnosis, the surgeon will examine the foot and ankle and ask about events that may have occurred prior to the symptoms. X-rays and other imaging studies and tests may be ordered. Once treatment begins, x-rays are taken periodically to aid in evaluating the status of the condition.Nonsurgical TreatmentIt is extremely important to follow the surgeon’s treatment plan for Charcot foot. Failure to do so can lead to the loss of a toe, foot, leg or life.Nonsurgical treatment for Charcot foot consists of:Immobilization. Because the foot and ankle are so fragile during the early stage of Charcot, they must be protected so the weakened bones can repair themselves. Complete nonweightbearing is necessary to keep the foot from further collapsing. The patient will not be able to walk on the affected foot until the surgeon determines it is safe to do so. During this period, the patient may be fitted with a cast, removable boot or brace and may be required to use crutches or a wheelchair. It may take the bones several months to heal, although it can take considerably longer in some patients.Custom shoes and bracing. Shoes with special inserts may be needed after the bones have healed to enable the patient to return to daily activities—as well as help prevent recurrence of Charcot foot, development of ulcers and possibly amputation. In cases with significant deformity, bracing is also required.Activity modification. A modification in activity level may be needed to avoid repetitive trauma to both feet. A patient with Charcot in one foot is more likely to develop it in the other foot, so measures must be taken to protect both feet.

When Is Surgery Needed?In some cases, the Charcot deformity may become severe enough that surgery is necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the proper timing as well as the appropriate procedure for the individual case.Preventive CareThe patient can play a vital role in preventing Charcot foot and its complications by following these measures:Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help reduce the progression of nerve damage in the feet.Get regular checkups from a foot and ankle surgeon.Check both feet every day—and see a surgeon immediately if you notice signs of Charcot foot.Be careful to avoid injury, such as bumping the foot or overdoing an exercise program.Follow the surgeon’s instructions for long-term treatment to prevent recurrences, ulcers and amputation.

If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Also, if you need us to check out you for an ankle fracture, bunions, custom orthotics, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, or any foot and ankle pain give us a call at (303) 933-5048 or visit our website at https://www.littletonfootandankleclinic.comAt Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic, we treat your feet.#LittletonFootandAnkleClinic #Podiatrist #FootDoctor #Littleton #Denver #LittletonPodiatrist #PodiatristLittleton #DenverPodiatrist #PodiatristDenver

[littletonfootandankleclinic]

Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic

Happy Monday everyone! It's a beautiful sunny start of the week here at Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic and we hope everyone has an amazing week ahead! Today we are discussing Talar Dome Lesions; if you are experiencing any of the following please give our office a call to get you scheduled! What Is a Talar Dome Lesion?   Diagram of Talar Dome LesionThe ankle joint is composed of the bottom of the tibia (shin) bone and the top of the talus (ankle) bone. The top of the talus is dome-shaped and is completely covered with cartilage—a tough, rubbery tissue that enables the ankle to move smoothly. A talar dome lesion is an injury to the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus within the ankle joint. It is also called an osteochondral defect (OCD) or osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). “Osteo” means bone and “chondral” refers to cartilage. Talar dome lesions are usually caused by an injury, such as an ankle sprain. If the cartilage does not heal properly following the injury, it softens and begins to break off. Sometimes a broken piece of the damaged cartilage and bone will float in the ankle. Signs & SymptomsUnless the injury is extensive, it may take months, a year or even longer for symptoms to develop. The signs and symptoms of a talar dome lesion may include: Chronic pain deep in the ankle—typically worse when bearing weight on the foot (especially during sports) and less when restingAn occasional clicking or catching feeling in the ankle when walkingA sensation of the ankle locking or giving outEpisodes of swelling of the ankle—occurring when bearing weight and subsiding when at rest DiagnosisA talar dome lesion can be difficult to diagnose because the precise site of the pain can be hard to pinpoint. To diagnose this injury, the foot and ankle surgeon will question the patient about recent or previous injury and will examine the foot and ankle, moving the ankle joint to help determine if there is pain, clicking or limited motion within that joint. Sometimes the surgeon will inject the joint with an anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) to see if the pain goes away for a while, indicating that the pain is coming from inside the joint. X-rays are taken, and often an MRI or other advanced imaging tests are ordered to further evaluate the lesion and extent of the injury. Nonsurgical Treatment ApproachesTreatment depends on the severity of the talar dome lesion. If the lesion is stable (without loose pieces of cartilage or bone), one or more of the following nonsurgical treatment options may be considered: Immobilization. Depending on the type of injury, the leg may be placed in a cast or cast boot to protect the talus. During this period of immobilization, nonweightbearing range-of-motion exercises may be recommended.Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation.Physical therapy. Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises are beneficial once the lesion is adequately healed. Physical therapy may also include techniques to reduce pain and swelling.Ankle brace. Wearing an ankle brace may help protect the patient from reinjury if the ankle is unstable. When Is Surgery Needed?If nonsurgical treatment fails to relieve the symptoms of talar dome lesions, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may involve removal of the loose bone and cartilage fragments within the joint and establishing an environment for healing. A variety of surgical techniques is available to accomplish this. The surgeon will select the best procedure based on the specific case. Complications of Talar Dome LesionsDepending on the amount of damage to the cartilage in the ankle joint, arthritis may develop in the joint, resulting in chronic pain, swelling and limited joint motion. Treatment for these complications is best directed by a foot and ankle surgeon and may include one or more of the following: Nonsteroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory medicationsPhysical therapyBracingSurgical intervention If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Also, if you need us to check out you for an ankle fracture, bunions, custom orthotics, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, or any foot and ankle pain give us a call at (303) 933-5048 or visit our website at https://www.littletonfootandankleclinic.com At Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic, we treat your feet. #LittletonFootandAnkleClinic #Podiatrist #FootDoctor #Littleton #Denver #LittletonPodiatrist #PodiatristLittleton #DenverPodiatrist #PodiatristDenver

[littletonfootandankleclinic]

Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic : Crutches

It's finally Friday at Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic and we're excited for the weekend.  Remember, we are trying hard to get you in, but we are enforcing social distancing and we are limiting the number of people in the clinic significantly.  This is not only so you and your family can stay safe, but so our other patients and the clinic staff can stay safe as well.  We are also strongly enforcing mask use.  You must wear a mask when you come in.  

Today we're talking about Crutch Use.  Sizing crutches is extremely important.  Even if you have already been fitted for crutches, make sure your crutch pads and handgrips are set at the proper distance, as follows:

Crutch pad distance from armpits: The crutch pads (tops of crutches) should be 1½" to 2" (about two finger widths) below the armpits, with the shoulders relaxed. Handgrip: Place it so your elbow is slightly bent—enough so you can fully extend your elbow when you take a step. Crutch length (top to bottom): The total crutch length should equal the distance from your armpit to about 6" in front of a shoe.

Begin in the Tripod Position The tripod position is the position in which you stand when using crutches. It is also the position in which you begin walking. To get into the tripod position, place the crutch tips about 4" to 6" to the side and in front of each foot. Stand on your good foot (the one that is weightbearing).

Walking with Crutches (Nonweightbearing)

If your foot and ankle surgeon has told you to avoid all weightbearing, you will need sufficient upper-body strength to support all your weight with just your arms and shoulders.

Begin in the tripod position, remembering to keep all your weight on your good (weightbearing) foot. Advance both crutches and the affected foot/leg. Move the good weightbearing foot/leg forward (beyond the crutches). Advance both crutches and then the affected foot/leg. Repeat Steps 3 and 4.

Managing Chairs with Crutches To get into and out of a chair safely:

Make sure the chair is stable and will not roll or slide. It must have arms and back support. Stand with the backs of your legs touching the front of the seat. Place both crutches in one hand, grasping them by the handgrips. Hold on to the crutches (on one side) and the chair arm (on the other side) for balance and stability while lowering yourself to a seated position or raising yourself from the chair to stand up.

Managing Stairs without Crutches The safest way to go up and down stairs is to use your seat, not your crutches.

To go up stairs: Seat yourself on a low step. Move your crutches upstairs by one of these methods: If distance and reach allow, place the crutches at the top of the staircase. If this is not possible, place crutches as far up the stairs as you can, and then move them to the top as you progress up the stairs. In the seated position, reach behind you with both arms. Use your arms and weightbearing foot/leg to lift yourself up one step. Repeat this process one step at a time. (Remember to move the crutches to the top of the staircase if you have not already done so.)

To go down stairs: Seat yourself on the top step. Move your crutches downstairs by sliding them to the lowest possible point on the stairway. Then continue to move them down as you progress down the stairs. In the seated position, reach behind you with both arms. Use your arms and weightbearing foot/leg to lift yourself down one step. Repeat this process one step at a time. (Remember to move the crutches to the bottom of the staircase if you have not already done so.)

IMPORTANT! Follow These Rules for Safety and Comfort Don’t look down. Look straight ahead as you normally do when you walk. Don’t use crutches if you feel dizzy or drowsy. Don’t walk on slippery surfaces. Avoid snowy, icy or rainy conditions. Don’t put any weight on the affected foot if your doctor has so advised. Do make sure your crutches have rubber tips. Do wear well-fitting, low-heel shoes (or shoe). Do position the crutch hand grips correctly (see “Sizing Your Crutches”). Do keep the crutch pads 1½" to 2" below your armpits. Do call your foot and ankle surgeon if you have any questions or difficulties.

If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Also, if you need us to check out you for an ankle fracture, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, or any foot and ankle pain give us a call at (303) 933-5048 or visit our website at https://www.littletonfootandankleclinic.com/

At Littleton Foot and Ankle Clinic, we treat your feet

#LittletonFootandAnkleClinic #Podiatrist #FootDoctor #Littleton #Denver #LittletonPodiatrist #PodiatristLittleton #DenverPodiatrist #PodiatristDenver