Arthritis
Arthritis is a common, yet painful disease that causes joint inflammation in the body. Though it can affect any joint, many people have arthritis of the foot and ankle, where tiny joints are responsible for supporting the body’s weight and absorbing shock. Arthritis causes the joints to swell and become inflamed, leading to severe pain. Often, a person with advanced stages of arthritis will experience sensations of bone rubbing on bone as the cartilage deteriorates and results in bone spurs. Did you know… there are more than 100 types of arthritis? Many of them can affect the joints of the foot and ankle, causing pain and stiffness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 52 million adults – 1 in 5 – have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis in the U.S. Of them, many suffer from debilitating foot and ankle pain that makes even the simplest everyday tasks like walking or exercising much more complicated. Frequently Asked Questions What causes foot and ankle arthritis? A person can develop foot and ankle arthritis as a result of many different causes or ‘triggers’. For example, osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage surrounding a joint slowly wears […]
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Tendonitis
The tendons are special tissues that connect the bones to the muscles. When tendons are put under repetitive stress or suffer a direct injury, they may become inflamed or begin to break down. This can lead to pain and limited mobility in the affected area. Tendonitis can affect nearly any tendon in the body, including the knees, elbow, hips and shoulder. Did you know… the most common risk factor for tendonitis is age? Though the condition can affect anyone, tendonitis is most often found in men and women over the age of 40, as well as athletes who participate in activities like skiing, golfing, tennis or baseball. Some occupations and hobbies, such as gardening, painting and styling hair may also increase the risk factor for developing tendonitis. Frequently Asked Questions What are the symptoms of tendonitis? You may have tendonitis if you experience sudden and severe pain near a tendon caused by an injury. Tendonitis may often cause gradual pain that worsens over time – perhaps due to repetitive motions. Tendonitis in the shoulder may cause a loss of motion, which is also referred to as ‘frozen shoulder’. What should I do if I suspect I have tendonitis? If you […]
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Wound Care / Ulcers
Wounds require special care and attention to ensure a complication-free healing process. If you are wounded – perhaps due to an accident or medical procedure – you need the care of medical professionals trained and experienced in wound treatment and management. A wound care provider will clean your wound and change its dressings, and oversee the healing process from start to finish. This includes monitoring your wound for symptoms or changes that could indicate infection or other healing impediments. Did you know… that more than 6 million people in the U.S. suffer from chronic wounds? There are many factors that can affect wound healing. In addition to infection, some patients may experience slowed rates of wound healing if they suffer from diabetes or otherwise have poor blood flow to the site of the wound. Even some medications – such as anticoagulation agents – can delay the healing process. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need wound care? You may need professional would care if a doctor has referred you to a wound specialist or you otherwise have a wound or sore that has been slow to heal. Most skin wounds should improve significantly within a month and heal completely within two […]
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