Skip to main content

YOUR FEET … Engineering or Art?

Leonardo da Vinci was quoted as saying “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art”. He wasn’t kidding around considering a human foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Because the foot is so intricate, there are so many things that can go awry; a break or fracture in any area can have an effect in another area of the body. In every case, an injury as serious as a fracture will mean the inability to bear any weight. This can be quite painful, offset balance, increase pressure on the opposite leg and joints, and even affect overall mood due to lack of exercise that may ensue. If not addressed quickly, a collapsed bone, severed ligament, or permanent deformity may develop.

In the case of breaks or fractures, foot treatment can be as straightforward as a cast or brace if treated quickly. A digital x-ray will indicate how to proceed. When an MRI is indicated, our office has a digital extremity MRI which means just the foot and ankle are inserted into the machine … no confining tube for your body! If the break is serious or ignored, surgery may be an option to offset the shift in the foot/ankle structure. Stress fractures may require protective footgear for a period of time.

Swelling is a sure sign that medical attention is in order, but it doesn’t always indicate a compromised bone. Swelling of the foot and ankle could be a result of an injury, but may also be caused by a medication, diet, pregnancy, or blood clot. Determining the source of swelling requires a medical diagnosis.

Some of the more common foot conditions we see at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates:

Our team of physicians at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates handles many types of extremity, joint, and back injuries. While all injuries are to be taken seriously, damage to the foot and ankle musculoskeletal system should be carefully monitored, as these injuries may cause challenges in other parts of the body. If you’ve had an accident and are seeking treatment, contact us today at 941-951-2663 to make an appointment. We have four locations and offer same day appointments when necessary. You may also make an appointment directly through our website at www.SOA.md Just click on the button at the home page to request an appointment.

Please like our Facebook page HERE and Follow Us on Twitter HERE.

Sources: www.SOA.md and WebMD

You Might Also Enjoy...

How Soon Can I Run After an ACL Injury?

Sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, and fast changes of direction raise the risk of damage to a ligament that stretches diagonally across the middle of the knee. Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament can sideline you for months.

The Link Between Neck Pain and Headaches

Is your neck pain causing your headache? Or is it your headache causing problems in your neck? There’s no easy answer since it could be either of these, or it might also be two separate issues.
 3 Ways PRP Therapy Can Help Relieve Shoulder Pain

 3 Ways PRP Therapy Can Help Relieve Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body and one of the most complex. The bones, muscles, and other support tissues give these joints amazing mobility and strength, though they can often prove difficult to treat when things go wrong.
 Eat This Not That: Pain Management Edition

Eat This Not That: Pain Management Edition

When you suffer from chronic pain, everything you can do to help ease pain is welcome. This can even extend to the foods you eat. Consider this your Eat This, Not That, Pain Management Edition

Your Ultimate Guide to Rehabbing a Strained Muscle

Muscle strains range from minor overstretching to partial or full tearing of tissue. Your rehab period depends on the extent of your injury. Here’s what you can expect for the most common strained muscle injuries.
3 Ways to Keep Your Kid's Cast Clean

3 Ways to Keep Your Kid's Cast Clean

Casts are a necessary treatment device when your child has a broken bone or other condition that requires immobilization of a body part to aid healing. Kids being kids, it’s sometimes a challenge to keep the cast clean.