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It’s that time of year again, kids are putting down the fortnite and getting back on the field and in gym class. We see a lot of kids and teens during this time with new onset of heel pain. It can be one or both of the heels that are involved. The patient will usually say that the pain is worse while playing sports or during gym class. Daily activity isn’t so bad but it can hurt if they go on extended walks like at the mall. There is usually no injury that they can remember. In almost all cases, this is called Sever’s disease or Calcaneal Apophysitis. Most do not call it Sever’s anymore because it is not a true disease. It is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone due to an imbalance of the muscles and ligaments in the leg and foot. This is a very common problem that we see and treatment is usually very simple but it must be addressed. Do not wait and, “see if it gets better”, because it will usually not and it will linger. This is especially troublesome for athletes because it can persist all season long and severely limit their potential on the field or court. At Advanced Foot and Ankle we have experience treating this and many other foot/ankle condition. Please call us at 972-542-2155 to be evaluated so you child can take a step in the right direction.
Have a Wonderful Day,
Dr. Witt
- A thinner, narrower orthotic that can fit easier into dress shoes, cleats, ice skates, golf shoes, etc.
- Kids always have their orthotics in their athletic shoes.
- Convenience of not having to constantly switch your orthotics between shoes.
- Call our office at 972-542-2155, press 0.
- Mention the email you received.
- Our staff will take it from there.
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What is MicroVas Therapy?
MicroVas therapy is the most advanced form of ionic impulse therapy on the market today. Unlike other forms of electrical stimulation which penetrate only a fraction of an inch and have both positive and negative electrodes on the same surface, MicroVas therapy treatments pass completely through the limb or body area under treatment. The emitter pads are always 180 degrees from each other and are usually placed in multiples to treat an entire limb or body area. The emitter pads reverse polarity prior to each impulse resulting in an alternating directional pulse. This provides unrivaled tissue penetration especially in the extremities.
How Does MicroVas Therapy Work?
By using a digital current source to stimulate neuromuscular contractions that drive the venous muscle pumps, MicroVas therapy improves blood flow and tissue oxygenation, which in turn helps stimulate angiogenesis (a healing and rebuilding mechanism) within the body. MicroVas stimulates nerves, muscles and all 3 branches of circulation (arterial, venous & lymphatic).
How Long has MicroVas therapy been around?
The technology was developed between 1988 – 1989 by US military laboratories to treat hypothermia in Navy Seals. As its use expanded, the health benefits of MicroVas therapy became applicable to an ever expanding list of indications.
How does MicroVas Therapy help the Human Body?
1. Increased Circulation: Micro vascular therapy immediately and dramatically increases blood flow which perfuses the capillary beds and elevates tissue oxygenation, aids in fibroblast proliferation and collagen formation, up regulates platelet derived growth factors and boosts transcapillary exchange of nutrients.
2. Involuntary Exercise: Retrains and rebuilds muscle, aids in restoring flexion, range of motion and strength. Elevates metabolism and production of local metabolites.
3. Lymphatic Drainage: Boosts lymphatic drainage from 10- fold to 30-fold, which relieves swelling and inflammation, decompresses nerves in constricted spaces and boosts the body's immune responses.
4. Pain Management: Palliative effects of MicroVas therapy include the blocking of neurological transmission of pain signals and stimulation of endorphins
What type of conditions does MicroVas Therapy help with?
* Healing of fractures of the foot and ankle
* Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of the foot and ankle
* Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
* Charcot Arthropathy
* Rheumatoid Arthritis
* Osteoarthritis
* Edema
* Achilles Tendonitis
* Plantar fasciitis
* Neuropathy
* Sprain of foot or ankle
* Chronic Pain in the foot and ankle
What are the contraindications of MicroVas Therapy?
1. Implanted cardiac pacemaker
2. Implanted cardiac defibrillator
3. Recent unstable or untreated stroke
4. History of melanoma
5. Active bleeding disorders
6. Deep venous thrombosis
7. Currently pregnant
How is MicroVas Therapy Administered?
Each MicroVas treatment lasts 45 minutes and is administered twice weekly in 4 week intervals. After each 4 week interval, the Doctor will evaluate your response to therapy.
What is Neuropathy?
There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, the most common being: diabetes, alcoholism, radiation and chemical treatment for cancer. The most common cause that is seen by Dr. Silvers, Dr. Lloyd and Dr. Witt at Advanced Foot and Ankle in McKinney and Prosper, Texas is Diabetic Peripheral neuropathy which is caused by the gradual destruction of the nerves in the feet due to high glucose levels. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Center our providers use a combination of treatments for their patients. One of these treatments is MicroVas, which is a unit that stimulates microcirculation and blood flow to the nerve which allows the nerves to regenerate. The patient needs to be aware that improvement will be gradual and may take several months, although some patients do feel a difference quickly. The treatments duration is 45 minutes and is recommended 3 times a week initially. The patient essentially just sits and relaxes while the unit is attached to the patient’s leg and gradually increased in intensity to their level of tolerance. This therapy in combination with Neur-Rx, a vitamin especially designed for diabetic neuropathy is very effective. The Microvas encourages blood flow to the nerve and the Neur-Rx nourishes the nerve and encourages re-growth. At times, our providers may recommend an epidermal nerve density test to measure the amount of nerve fibers in the skin and to obtain a baseline prior to initiating treatment. Another skin biopsy can be obtained to monitor the efficacy of treatment and evaluate for new nerve growth and the density of the nerve re-growth. MicroVas is usually covered with private insurances; however, Medicare does not pay for this treatment as they consider it “experimental” Therefore, payment plans are offered for these
Just about everyone has stubbed their toe at some point which has caused swelling and bruising. After this happens, there are two responses we see in our office: 1) The patient will come in right away because they want to know if something is broken or 2) The patient comes in several weeks later and the toe is still painful. These people don’t come in right away because they say, “there is nothing to do for a broken toe”. Well, that’s not true. The majority of toe fractures just need rest and immobilization for a few weeks. There are fractures however that extend into the small joints of the toes. These fractures are the type that linger, especially when you don’t seek treatment. If the fracture doesn’t heal properly, than you may have chronic pain because the joint is no longer aligned and you can develop post traumatic arthritis which will require surgery to repair. Many of these cases can be avoided by coming to our office and having one of our doctors evaluate you and take X-rays to prevent long term complications. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Silvers, Dr. Lloyd and Dr. Witt have seen and treated all types of injuries to the foot and ankle. If you have a question about this or any other issue with your feet and ankles, please call us at 972-542-2155.
Warmer weather has arrived and as this article was written, thousands of hikers have already hit the trail. Hiking, especially long distance hiking, is a sure way to test your feet and overall foot health. A pain-free foot is key to transporting you from one camp to the next.
Dr. Eric Silvers of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center states “During a long distance hike, it is likely that a foot problem will arise and it is imperative to recognize a foot problem and treat it before it becomes the reason to throw you off the trail.”
Blisters- Caused from friction, moisture, ill fitting shoes and fungus, can lead to pain and infection and an altered gait. “Your skin is the largest organ in your body,” states Dr. Eric Silvers . “Its main purpose it so separate the outside from the inside of your body.” When compromised, infection, pain and even death can be the end result if an aggressive bacteria such as MRSA or e coli enters the blister and is not treated. Proper foot care and attention is especially important on multi day hiking trips when medical care is not easily accessible. It is important to tend to blisters immediately. First, clean the blister, release the fluid with a sterile needle or small pocket knife. Covering the blistered area with Mole Skin or Leukotape is effective after applying a very thin coat of triple antibiotic ointment or betadine/provodine ointment. Close monitoring of the skin around the blister is important so that an infection does not develop. If you notice increased pain, redness and drainage, it is best to get off the trail and seek medical attention for possible antibiotics and dressings. It is also best to re assess your shoegear if friction from the shoe is causing the blister.
Foreign bodies can also result when walking barefoot around camp. It is important to always wear some type of shoe when you are up and about. If you notice a foreign body that cannot be removed at camp with tweezers, it is important to seek medical attention before continuing with your hike as the chance of infection is high.
Various forms of tendonitis are common during hiking. The Achilles tendon along the back of the ankle and heel area is prone to becoming inflamed. Causes of Achilles tendonitis are frequent uphill climbs and also shoegear that may rub on the tendon. If you notice, pain and swelling of the Achilles tendon due to activity, it is best to add a heel lift for a few days, take an anti inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen and take a rest day or two. Do not attempt to push through the pain from Achilles Tendonitis as it will not improve with continued activity. If the problem persists, a walking boot and immobilization will be required. Other forms of tendonitis such as peroneal, posterior tibial and anterior tibial tendonitis are common especially when you are walking through rocky terrain. If you are prone to ankle sprains, it is highly encouraged that you wear an ankle brace during your activities.
Foot stress fractures can develop during a hike. If you have not slowly introduced your body to hiking conditions, you may be prone to stress fractures. Signs and symptoms of metatarsal stress fractures include, swelling, pain and at times redness along the top of the mid arch area. Heel stress fracture symptoms are consistent with progressive heel pain during activity, swelling at times and pain with side to side compression of the heel. If you suspect that you may have a stress fracture, seek medical attention as soon as you can get off trail. Do not risk developing a displaced fracture by fighting through the pain.
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the more common foot problems that can present itself during a long hike. Symptoms are arch and heel pain that is present after rest and after long periods of standing and walking. The plantar fascia can also become strained. A strained plantar fascia will feel like burning and stretching in the area of the foot arch. “It is recommended to be evaluated for custom molded foot orthotics if you have had any issues with arch and/or heel pain”, states Dr. Silvers.
Insect bites to the foot from ants, ticks, spiders and mosquitoes can be avoided with Gaiters. If you do suffer an insect bite, it is important to monitor the bite for any signs of infection.
Advanced Foot and Ankle center is a full service podiatry practice with emphasis on sports medicine.
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