Foot and Ankle in Houston

Footwear with heels of more than 3 cm exposes the feet to bunions, chronic pain and sprains; The feet are the fetish of many men. Not surprisingly, Leonardo Da Vinci baptized them as the "divine proportion." But they are also the part of the body that most bones (26), tendons and ligaments have, because they fulfill the important function of supporting the weight of the body and serve as a propulsive platform to walk.

However, these complex structures almost never receive the care they deserve. Especially on the part of the women, who daily and for most of the day are subjected to torture with steep heels up to ten centimeters, which although provisionally give a few inches of stature and a more elegant appearance, are not at all Safe or healthy.

Experts say that while heels are taller than 3cm (cone, needle, bell, square, banana or hourglass), they are harmful because they can cause deformities, injuries and chronic pain. This is because the feet are not designed to support the position imposed by the heels, since "its structure is assimilated to a tripod conformed by the heel, the first and fifth fingers, in which when giving the passage, the greater Part of the weight is given at the level of the first finger (fat), but when wearing heels the opposite occurs, the load moves towards the anterior part more at the level of the fourth and fifth fingers (the smallest). That is to say, that the person finishes supporting inadequately and does not take off the foot properly of the ground during the march.

The time the foot can withstand these mismatches is uncertain. But what is certain is the type of damage that can be caused. Know the three most common problems.

1. JUANETES O HALLUS VALGUS:

It is defined as a deformity of the medial part of the first finger (fat) with outward deviation. "Although in its genesis is involved a congenital component that predisposes to suffer them even without wearing high shoes, they are usually produced by the overload that the heels and pointed shoes generate in the structures of the front of the foot like the ligaments, tendons and When that force exceeds that which the tissues are able to bear, the damage occurs. "

It is such evidence that bunions are more common in women (80%) and rarely present in men (20%), who never or rarely wear heels.

The worst thing is that with the bunions, the pain and fatigue come from the pressure of the footwear, and the gait mechanism is altered towards the lack of alignment of the big toe with the rest of the foot. In addition, there may be fractures and stress deformities, without the need for trauma.

Patients who do not experience pain can be managed with orthopedics, that is, with bunion correctors placed between the first and second finger, which align the first finger to correct the deviation. Sometimes they attach themselves to the second and third toe or also to the whole part in front of the foot.

But when the deviation is greater than 15% and causes pain, it is necessary to operate them. For this there are more than a hundred surgical techniques, but what is basically done is to smooth the deviation and make cuts in the bone to move it to its normal axis. After surgery, the patient should remain with a bandage for 5 weeks and perform therapies to regain mobility.

2. METATARSALGIA:

Also known as "painful gait", it is a chronic pain that occurs in the anterior part of the sole of the foot, at the level of the joints of the second and third finger. Heels are also guilty of this evil because they cause the first (fat) finger not to receive enough load, producing an excess pressure in the second and third that generates calluses, which should not be removed, since they are a Natural defense mechanism.

The treatment is made with orthopedic insoles, which are made in silicone and are provided with a prominence that raises the bones of the second and third finger so that not all the weight is discharged on them. They should be used for a minimum of 2 months and until the pain disappears and if no results are obtained, cut the metatarsals in the operating room.

3. STRUCTURES:

Heels also predispose to an injury or tearing of the ligaments and tendons which is known as an ankle sprain. This is because the heels remove the heel support and leave the user walking steep, thus losing balance and foot can easily twist.

Depending on the severity of the sprain, this is how it is treated. In Grade 1, the most common and mild, and in which there is no rupture of tendons and ligaments, but a stretching, rest is indicated, immobilization for 5 days with bandage, removal of foot support, use of ankle brace And physiotherapy for 3 weeks.

But in grade 2, where there is about 50% rupture of the ligaments and tendons, as well as in grade 3, in which these fibers break completely, the handling is more careful. Immobilization with plaster should be done for two to three weeks without support of the foot and decrease mobility. Rehabilitation therapies are also indicated for a minimum of one month, which may vary depending on the patient's progress.

Therapies include laser, ultrasound, electro stimulation, cold and heat and hydrotherapy, as well as proprioception exercises, on the job training and, finally, muscle strengthening, otherwise they can be re-injured very easily. Patients should wait at least a month to re use heels.

_{Source: Salud, Física, Mental y Espiritual}

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

Foot and Ankle in Houston.

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