Watch your Step for a
Trouble-Free Summer

Eric F. Caporusso, DPM
Chippewa Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Eau Claire

Its summer and people are venturing outside. With an increase in walking, running, and bicycling, and a decrease in the structure and support of summer shoes (sandals), there is also an increase in foot and ankle pain and injury.

Non-supportive shoes, such as sandals or flip-flops, or walking barefoot may cause stress to the arch and generalized arch or heel pain. To decrease the chance of developing foot pain, supportive shoes, supportive shoe inserts (orthotics), or even supportive sandals may help. Walking barefoot increases the chance of stepping on a foreign body (glass, splinters, etc.). If this occurs, contact your health care provider for removal of the object, and possible antibiotics if an infection occurs. If you remove the foreign body yourself, be alert for signs of infection including: redness, pain, swelling, drainage, and/or warmth. Walkers, runners, and cyclists should wear supportive shoes when exercising. Too little, or too much arch support can create foot imbalances leading to foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain and/or arthritis. Frequently these imbalances can be easily corrected with a custom shoe insert.

Overuse injuries like tendonitis are also common. Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon, characterized by pain and swelling, aggravated by activity and alleviated by rest. Ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, rest and bracing are often beneficial in correcting the problem. Tendons can tear if they are weakened by overuse. A common example is the Achilles tendon. If an Achilles tendon rupture is suspected, seek medical attention immediately, as surgery may be required to repair the injury.

Foot and ankle problems are some of the most commonly seen injuries in Emergency Rooms. Broken toes can occur any time a toe is ÒstubbedÓ and are associated with bruising, pain and occasionally a crooked appearance. If this happens, seek medical attention to evaluate the fracture and to splint the affected toes. Midfoot sprains or fractures are characterized by swelling, bruising and an inability to bear weight. These, too, should be evaluated by your health care provider. Ankle sprains can be quite painful, but can usually be managed with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). If there is significant bruising and a complete inability to bear weight, seek medical attention, as you may have torn the ankle ligaments or have fractured or broken your ankle. You may require bracing, casting, physical therapy, or surgery to correct the problem.

Foot and ankle pain and injury are very common during the summer months, but most problems can be easily managed, if identified and treated in a timely manner. When in doubt regarding a foot or ankle condition, ask your health care provider. He or she will be able to answer your questions or steer you in the right direction.

For more information, call Dr. Eric Caporusso, Chippewa Valley Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, Eau Claire » 715.832.1400 or visit www.cvosm.com