For many years, Toronto podiatrist, Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M., has told his patients that, he believes most structural foot disorders, such as bunions and hammer toes, are hereditary and not caused by shoes. While it is true that improper shoes will aggravate a pre-existing deformity, Nadal has found that most people who come in to his office suffering from bunion pain and crooked toes know of other members of the family with similar problems.

Now in a study published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, there is significant evidence to confirm this theory.  

The study suggests that these deformities are highly heritable, particularly with men and women of European descent. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acr.22040/abstract 

If you suffer from Bunions, Hammertoes, or other painful foot deformities, you no longer have to feel guilty for wearing those high heeled dressy shoes during your youth, since, chances are, you would have developed these problems anyway.

Now take the next step. Call the Toronto podiatry office of Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M., at 416-486-9917 to find out how you can get rid of these painful and unsightly foot problems. with Minimally Invasive techniques

Saturday mornings are for getting chores done. While my son, who is almost 12 year old, gets his beauty sleep I try to get as many things done as possible. Last Saturday May 11, this included dropping off and picking up laundry, shopping for some groceries and getting the car washed.

Just after I paid the rather extravagant car wash fee at Avenue Rd Car wash, I noticed that the next guy in line was none other than my favourite male singer, Canadian David Clayton Thomas of "Blood Sweat and Tears" fame.

Naturally, I went up to him and introduced myself. He gave me the "Do I know you?" look.

I told him that he didn't know me but I have enjoyed his music for years and we have a mutual friend, namely my buddy Jay Jackson, the great local old school R & B singer.

"You mean of Shawne and Jay Jackson? he asked.

"That's the  guy", I replied.

Jay had a TV show in the 60's on CBC and still does local gigs. I played basketball with him for 30 years. I also sang with him and buddies Bob and Roy Ellis in the shower after we played basketball. My main job was to lower the average age of the group.

Unfortunately, they did not let me sing with them in public. They should have. I think I would have attracted a younger audience.

David told me he has a new CD coming out called "A Blues for the New World" which should be out by the time you read this blog.

David told me he liked my car (a Toyota Avalon).

He asked me what is inside it.

I told him it has everything I need.

"No, I mean what kind of engine?"

I told him that it is 6 cylinder with a 267 HP engine.

He told me that the car he is driving is an Audi cabriolet sports car with a 375 HP engine.

I told him I liked his car and I hoped that the weather for the long weekend would be nice enough for him to take the top down.

I said good bye. He said it was nice meeting me.

I should have told him I am a Toronto podiatrist and asked him if he had any foot problems such as Ingrown Toenails, Heel Spur Pain or Plantar Fasciitis , Bunions, hammertoes or bone spurs, and given him my card - but I didn't think of it.

Instead, what I learned is that  podiatrists drive family sedans and  rock legends drive fast sports cars.

But the car wash is the great equalizer.

 According to www.bleacherreport.com, UFC light heavy weight champ Jon Jones is on his road to recovery after a gruesome injury to his great toe. In his last fight, he jammed the big toe and dislocated it. The nature of the injury was such that, had the fight not ended with a technical knockout in Jone's favour, he probably would not have been allowed to continue the fight, even though he was winning.

Apparently, Jones had surgery performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Klapper. It should take approximately 6-8 weeks for the toe to heal. The toe was dislocated, not broken.

Jones reported that the alignment was good, the skin was healing and there was no infection. He is unable to do heavy training at this point but he is planning to attend a seminar in Russia.

In the picture, Jones is seen in a surgical boot .

In my Toronto podiatry office, I treat painful toes due to Hammertoes Corns and Bone Spurs and Ingrown Toenails using Minimally Invasive techniques. The work can be done in my Toronto podiatry clinic under local anesthetic.

If you suffer from any of these or other foot problems, please call Toronto Podiatrist Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M. at 416-486-9917 for a private consultation.
 

For more information please go to our homepage at  Toronto, Ontario Podiatrist. 

Toronto podiatrist Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M. reports that yet another two NBA player have been stricken with plantar fasciitis. The latest victims are Eastern Conference opponents battling for a round 2 spot: Brooklyn Net’s shooting guard Joe Johnson and Chicago Bull’s center Joakim Noah. In a statement to espn.go.com, Noah described his injury by saying “It feels like you have needles underneath your foot while you’re playing. That’s what it feels like.”

This is a common complaint amongst plantar fasciitis sufferers. Heel Spur Pain and Plantar Fasciitis  is a very common condition affecting not only athletes involved in vigorous activity but the everyday runner or walker as well. Due to the irritation of the plantar fascia at the base of the foot, there is often needle-like pain. Many times the pain can remain localized around the heel but in certain cases, it can also radiate towards the arch of the foot and/or upwards towards the ankle.

Diagnosis is key in correctly treating plantar fasciitis. Podiatrist Sheldon Nadal D.P.M. has been treating plantar fasciitis for over 30 years out of his Toronto podiatry clinic, employing techniques such as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Heel Spur Pain, Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, and Achilles  paired with custom Orthotics.

If you or someone you know suffers from painful plantar fasciitis or other painful foot conditions, call our Toronto podiatry Our Office at 416-486-9917. For more information on this and other conditions we treat, please go to our home page at http://www.footcare.net/

photo from http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/roderick-boone/nets-insider-joe-johnson-not-thrilled-about-shootarounds-in-new-jersey-1.4476995 

According to a 2012 report in the Huffington Post, amongst all the myths surrounding surgical treatment options for bunions, some of the most common misconceptions are that it must involve painful surgery with general anesthesia, recurrence, slow recovery, and severe scarring. However, the fact remains that bunion surgery can be minimally invasive with smooth recovery and results.

This year, a new textbook entitled Minimally Invasive Forefoot Surgery in Clinical Practice, edited by orthopedic surgeons Nicola Maffulli and Mark Easley, was published by Springer press. This book features a chapter by Toronto podiatrist Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M. who presents such a solution in his chapter Minimally Invasive Modified Wilson Osteomy for the Treatment of Hallux Valgus. In this chapter, Nadal highlights how effectively this procedure can be performed for bunions on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. This allows people  to walk immediately after surgery without the need for casts or crutches.

Other chapters include information on treatment options for people suffering from pain and inflammation at the ball of their feet due to dropped metatarsals, as well as surgical treatment for hammertoes , and claw toes. All of these conditions can be treated with Minimally Invasive Surgery outpatient procedures using local anesthetic, a specialty of Toronto podiatrist Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M.

For more information visit our home page at Toronto, Ontario Podiatrist

If you or someone you know suffers from unpleasant bunion or other foot deformities, call Our Toronto PodiatryOffices at 416-486-9917.

Source: Minimally Invasive Forefoot Surgery in Clinical Practice 

According to the April 24,2013 addition of the emailed newsletter, Weekly Focus, put out by the American Podiatric Medical Association, Jerry Seinfeld suffered with heel pain for more than thirty years. He was finally successfully treated by APMA member, podiatrist Joesph D'Amico D.P.M.

Seinfeld told a small group of faculty members of the New York College of Podiatric Mecidine that, " I have a hard time watching the reruns because I see the shoes on my feet and remember how painfull that experience was".

Seinfeld was so grateful that he made a donation to the Gait Labrotory for Biomechanical Research at the school as well as a donation to the Richard O'Shuster Memorial Biomechanics Seminar.

There are many different causes of heel pain, but the most common cause is Plantar Fasciitis. This is a condition where the long broad ligament at the sole of the foot, the plantar fascia, becomes irritated and playful.  Classically it hurts with the first free steps in the morning and feels better with a limited amount of walking, but the problem can become chronic if not treated.

According to the article, D'Amico identified a biomechanical problem with Seinfeld's feet. These types of problems can often successfully be treated with Custom Foot Orthotics, or Orthopedic Insoles which are insoles worn in the shoes. They improve the mechanics of the foot and allow the foot to function in a more normal manner. This can often relieve the pull and the pain of plantar fasciitis.

In some cases it is also necessary to relieve the inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. This can be done with anti inflammatory pills or cortisone injections. However, some people are concerned about the side effects associated with pills and injections. For these people, in my Toronto podiatry office, I use Laser Pain Treatment and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Heel Spur Pain, Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis. This can relieve the inflammation without the side effects.

If you, or someone that you care about, or someone you know from a TV show suffers from heel pain please let them know that Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M., Toronto, Ontario Podiatrist is here to help. Please call our Toronto Ontario Podiatry Office at 416-486-9917 for a consultation.

For more information on this and other conditions we treat, please go to our home page at http://www.footcare.net/ 

By the way, I couldnt find any info on Kramer's feet.

Above picture courtesy of P.M. News, from left to right, Dr. Joseph D'Amico, Jerry Seinfeld, Dr. Michael Trepal, Louis Levine  courtesy of c  c
 

Frank Bank, the actor who played Lumpy Rutherford on, “Leave it to Beaver”, the sitcom that many of us remember fondly from the late 50’s and early 60’s, died on April 13, 2013 at the age of 71.  Lumpy, on the show, was a bully, but in real life Bank was considered a very kind and gentle person. 

After “Leave it to Beaver” ended in the 1960’s, Bank became a successful stock broker in Los Angeles. He come back to play Lumpy in the 1983 TV movie, “Still the Beaver” and in an updated version of the series called “ The New Leave it to Beaver” in the late 1980’s.  He is survived by his wife, three daughters and five grandchildren.

Trivia questions: What was Lumpy’s real first name? Who played Lumpy’s mother, Gwen on “Leave it to Beaver”? What TV show made her famous?

Leave your answers by clicking on comments. 

From left to right: Wally, the Beave and Lumpy

A bunion is a deformity at the side of the foot near the big toe joint, due to an enlarged bone and/or a deviated big toe joint.  This causes a bump which is unsightly and can rub in shoes and become painful.

In the opinion of Toronto podiatrist Sheldon Nadal, bunions are due to a hereditary biomechanical imbalance.  They are not caused by shoes but can be aggravated by the wrong type of shoes.

Pointed toed shoes can contribute to the development of bunions by forcing the toes out of alignment.

In addition, shoes with heels higher than two inches can cause a shifting of the body weight forward, putting extreme pressure on the ball of your feet and toes.  This extra weight contributes to the development of the bunions as well as painful calluses at the ball of the feet.  Low heeled ballet type shoes while not causing pressure at the front of the foot, can also cause problems because they tend not to have support under the arches.

Bunions can now be treated with Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery techniques along with local anesthetic in our Toronto foot surgery clinic.

If you, or someone you care about are developing bunions, please call my Toronto podiatry office at 416-486-9917 to fund out how to prevent bunions.  If you already have bunions, I will explain how I can correct them.

In an article on nydailynews.com on December 05, 2013 by Frank Isola, it was revealed that former Raptor, Marcus Camby, was suffering from plantar fasciitis of the left foot.  He was hoping that he would only be off for “a couple of days”.  He said, “(I am receiving) treatment and then we’ll see how I am in a couple of days”.

It sounds like Camby’s problems are not over yet, because, according to bucketsoverbroadway.com on April 07, 2013, Camby was still experiencing plantar fasciitis pain with the left foot and was doubtful to play on Sunday afternoon April 7, in Oklahoma City.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition affecting the plantar fascia which is a broad ligament at the sole of the foot.  It often causes extreme heel pain, particularly with the first few steps in the morning and with the first few steps following rest.  If not treated properly it can become a chronic condition, leaving the sufferer to wonder when his or her heel pain will get better.

In his Toronto podiatry clinic, Toronto podiatrist Sheldon Nadal D.P.M. uses Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Heel Spur Pain, Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, and Achilles Tendonitis .  Approximately 80% of patients will experience anywhere from 50-100% improvement following one of these treatments.  We also use made to measure Custom Foot Orthotics to improve the mechanics of the foot to help prevent recurrence.

If you, or someone you care about suffer from heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, please call out Toronto podiatry Office at 416-486-9917 to find out how you can get relief. 

She is one of those entertainers who is instantly  recognized by her first name, but in case you are too young to remember, she was Annette Funicello.

One of my earliest childhood memories goes back to when I was a litlle boy, living in an apartment above Maxine's, our family's children's wear store, on the Danforth. I used to watch the (original) Mickey Mouse club starring Jimmy Dodd and a very young Annette Funicello (not the version with Britney Spears).

I remember someone bringing me a Mousketeers hat with the big ears. I was in heaven.

I remember someone bringing me a Mousketeers hat with the big ears. I was in heaven.

After Mickey Mouse club, Annette went on to appear in Disney T.V. series including "Zorro" and Disney movies such as "The Shaggy Dog" and "Babes in Toyland".

In the 60's, she co-starred with Frankie Avalon in several "Beach" movies which I remember fondly. They still appear regularly on T.V.

In 1987, Annette was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and went public with her disease in 1992.

Multiple Sclerosis is an auto-immune disease (the body attacks itself) which affects the ability of the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord communicate with each other. The myelin sheath, which insulates the long axons of the nerves become damaged, This interferes with the transmission of impulses along the nerves. MS can reduce the life expectancy by five to ten years.

Unfortunately, Annette had a particularly severe form of the disease.

Annette established the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases, which became dedicated to funding research into the cause, treatment, and cure of MS and other neurological diseases and continues to be an active charity. 

In October 2012, W5 on CTV did a story about Annette's struggle. It is very sad, but it is a love story.                    http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?playlistId=1.985726 

For more information on Annette's charity, go to www.annetteconnection.com

Goodbye Annette.

According to sports.yahoo.com Albert Pujols is playing baseball in spite of continuous pain in his heel.

According to orangecounty.com, Pujols has had a history of Heel  Pain, due to Plantar Fasciitis in 2004, 2005, and 2006, but never went on the disabled list because of this condition. 

Pujols had surgery on his right knee on October of 2013.  The good news is that the knee is not bothering him.  The bad news is his heel is bothering him.

Pujols continues to play despite the pain in his heel.  He admits that his is limping because of the problem.

The plantar fascia is a broad ligament that is found at the plantar surface or sole of the foot.  It runs from the heel to the toes and helps to support the arch.  If the foot isn’t balanced and supported properly, excessive stress will cause irritation of the plantar fascia, usually close to its insertion at the heel bone or calcaneus.

When this happens, patients complain of pain at the first few steps in the morning.  It is also painful with the first few steps following rest.  The keys to the treatment are to relieve the excessive strain on the plantar fascia and to relieve the inflammation or irritation.

The strain on the plantar fascia can be relieved with Custom Foot Orthotics, Orthopedic Insoles, Foot Beds, or Arch Supports.  You can try off-the-shelf arch supports at the drug store.  However, if this does not do the trick, you may need made to measure orthotics.  This Toronto podiatrist will be happy to help you with orthotics in Toronto.

The other important thing is to relieve the inflammation and irritation.  This can be done with anti-inflammatory pills.  However, many people do not like to take the pills because they can cause problems with your stomach, heart or blood pressure.

Another treatment would be cortisone injection.  However these can be painful and can weaken the connective tissue. 

In my office, I offer an alternative.   We use a low level Laser Pain Treatment and a soundwave treatment called radial wave or pressure wave to relieve the inflammation if the problem has been present for a short period of time.

For someone who has a chronic condition like Pujols, I would recommend a treatment we use in my Toronto podiatry clinic called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Heel Spur Pain, Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis .  This procedure is performed under local anesthetic.  It is a strong soundwave.  In my experience, approximately 80% of people with chronic plantar fasciitis will experience anywhere from a 50-100% improvement following one treatment.

In spite of plantar fasciitis, Pujols was able to hit two home runs in a game on April 06, 2013.  However, I do not recommend that patients continue to run through plantar fasciitis.  Excessive stress has a way of turning mild plantar fasciitis into a more painful, chronic problem.

When the Angels come to Toronto to play the Blue Jays, Albert is welcome to come to my Toronto foot clinic to find out how extra corporeal shockwave can relieve his heel pain.

                                                                                                                                      Albert Pujol's bat and heel are on fire

If you, or anyone you care about suffer from heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, please call my office at        416-486-9917 so that we can get you on the road to recovery.

According to www.insidehoops.com, seven foot center Brendan Haywood will miss the remainder of the NBA season after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left foot.

When too much stress is placed on a foot bone during walking or sports, the lining of the bone can become irritated and inflamed.  If the foot continues to be stressed, this can result in what is known as a stress fracture or a broken bone.

In my Toronto podiatry office I see this most commonly in one of the five long bones of the foot called metatarsals.   However, this can occur in other bones in the foot or ankle.  Apparently, Brendan Haywood’s problem is at the ankle.   He will be treated with a walking boot for the next four weeks.   This type of problem is becoming more common in professional basketball players since they tend to be very big men and, they are also wearing lighter, less shock absorbing shoes.   The shoes do not absorb as much shock as necessary, resulting in the injury. 

If you suspect that you are having a stress problem with a bone in your foot, I recommend that you rest the foot as much as possible and apply ice to the tender area for a few minutes out of each hour.  Antiinflammatory medications such over the counter Ibuprofen or Aspirin might also be helpful.  If you try to run through this type of injury, there is a good chance you will develop a stress fracture and will be off your sport even longer.

In addition to recommending ice and rest, I use a combination of soundwaves and Laser Pain Treatment to reduce the inflammation and shorten the healing time.

If you or someone you know suffer from foot pain, please call my Toronto foot clinic at 416-486-9917 for a private consultation.  I want to help you get back to your sport as quickly as possible. 

In the photo, Brendan Haywood, while playing for Dallas, is seen trying to gently remove the face of the Lakers' Pau Gasol

After more than thirty years of treating Bunions, hammertoes, Ingrown Toenails. and Nail Fungus in Toronto, and being a Toronto Blue Jays season ticket holder for more than twenty-five  years, I was surprised as any of the fifty thousand Blue Jays fans at Rogers  Stadium last night, that local rock star Geddy Lee was given the honour instead of me.

Luckily, my young son, who will be twelve years old at his next birthday, took it in stride.

Apparently it bothered the Blue Jays a lot more, because they went on to lose the game 4-1, to the Cleveland Indians.

If any of the Toronto Blue Jays, management, or fans of the team suffer the from any of the above problems, or Heel Spur Pain, Arch Pain or Plantar Fasciitis, I hope they will call my Toronto podiatry office at 416-486-9917 for a private consultation.

And remember, if the Toronto Blue Jays do not live up to expectations this year, blame Geddy, not me.

Photograph of Geddy Lee taken by your Toronto podiatrist

Photograph of podiatrist and son taken by Mary, the lady who sits two rows in front of us.

A few weeks ago I  blogged about pro baseball player Logan Forsythe, who had been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis .. It was hoped that two injections, combined with three or four days of rest would allow his pain to be manageable.  Unfortunately, according to sandiego.padres.mlb.com, Forsythe suffered a relapse following a pre-season game on March 26, 2013.  The foot is now worse than before and he will be out for a minimum of six weeks.  Apparently, he will be in a walking boot for the first three weeks.

The plantar fascia is a broad ligament that runs along the ball of the foot from the heel bone or calcaneus to the front of the foot near the toes.  It helps support the arch.

If the foot is not balanced and supported properly during strenuous activities, such as baseball, the plantar fascia can be stretched, strained, or irritated.  This often occurs close to the heel bone. Patients with this problem can experience severe pain with the first few steps in the morning and with the first few steps following rest.  Unfortunately, if the faulty mechanics are not addressed, it is often not enough just to have a cortisone injection.  In many cases it is necessary for orthotics to be made to help improve the mechanics and to relieve the pull of the plantar fascia.  The other issue is that, while cortisone injections can relieve the inflammation, they also weaken the connective tissue.  Oral antiinflammatory medication, which can also relieve inflammation, can cause problems with the stomach, blood pressure or heart.

This Toronto podiatrist  would treat someone like Forsythe with sound waves and laser, which do not have the side effects of cortisone and pills.

In a case like this I would consider using a soundwave called extracorporeal shockwave in my Toronto foot clinic.  This is a high intensity soundwave that is administered under local anesthetic.   In my experience more than 85% of people with chronic plantar fascia will experience anywhere from a 50-100% improvement following one treatment.  I would then make orthotics to wear in the sport shoes to help prevent recurrence.

If you, or someone you care about suffer from Heel Spur Pain, or Plantar Fasciitis please call my Toronto podiatry office at 416 486 9917 to find out how to end the misery of plantar fasciitis.

It is too bad that the Padres will not be coming to Toronto this season to play the Blue Jays.  I would like to meet Mr. Forsythe. 

In an article in the National Post on March 25 2013, Dr. James Aw points out that many patients with colds, coughs and  upper respiratory infections often demand a prescription for an antibiotic from their family doctor.  In many cases, the doctor will give in, even though the doctor knows that the vast majority of coughs, colds and upper respiratory infections are due to viruses.  Antibiotics do not kill viruses.  In fact, in a reasonably healthy patient the viruses are self-limiting, which means they will resolve on their own due to the body’s natural defenses.  Unfortunately, the frequent use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria which are becoming more difficult to treat since the bacteria tend to mutate faster than new drugs can be created.  This can eventually lead to a scenario where antibiotics no longer work against a disease causing bacteria.  Consequently if your family doctor says that you do not need an antibiotic, it is to everyone’s advantage to not take them unnecessarily.

In my Toronto podiatry office, when I perform Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bunions, hammertoes, corns and bone spurs with Local Anesthetic, I do not give the patient a prescription for an antibiotic prior to the surgery unless specifically indicated by the patient’s history.   In the rare case that the patient does develop a post-operative infection, I will not hesitate to prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.  In my opinion, however, patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery have a lesser chance of developing an infection after surgery because tourniquets, which are often used in conventional surgery to cut off blood flow during surgery, are not necessary with this technique.  This, along with the smaller openings used in minimally invasive surgery tends to greatly reduce the chance of post-operative infection.

If you, or someone you care about, suffer from Bunions, hammer toes, corns, calluses or, painful bone spurs, please call my Toronto foot clinic at 416-486-9917 to find out how you can be helped by minimally invasive techniques.

And remember, if your doctor says you don’t need antibiotics, don’t insist on taking them. 

All winter, patients have been asking me if I’d gone away at all to get away from the cold.  The answer was no.  However, I decided to go somewhere during March break. I needed to do something other than Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery for Bunions in my Toronto Ontario Podiatry Office.

I went to Buffalo. 

I attended the 20^thannual Buffalo Masters’ Basketball Tournament held March 15^th, 16^th, and 17^that the University of Buffalo, Alumni Arena. It is billed as the North American Masters’ Basketball Championships. I attended not only as a podiatry consultant, but also as an athlete.  The player’s ages ranged from thirties all the way to seventy five and beyond.  All athletes played in appropriate age categories. There were 60 teams and approximately 550 competitors

In addition to playing four games in a little bit more than twenty four hours, I also had the pleasure of watching many other games.  The Alumni Arena is quite an impressive facility. In the main building where the University of Buffalo plays their games, one game would be going on the main court and games were going on at the same time on three separate courts that surround the main court. In addition to this, there was a separate practice facility that had four more courts.  I was able to watch games involving different age groups.  The love of the game was obvious in all age groups.  The main difference was that as you went up in age groups, the game slowed down incrementally.  I was particularly amazed by the oldest athletes.  When they put on their basketball shoes and got on the courts, they became young again.

As I mentioned, I played in four games in a little over 24 hours.  Playing the games was not really the toughest part.  The hard part was the stiffness that set in between the games.  Thank goodness for anti-inflammatory medication.

Friday was free pizza and chicken wings night courtesy of Santora’s restaurant.  I didn’t eat the wings, but the pizza was quite good.

I have the privilege of playing in the Scarborough Master’s league here in Toronto. The league was pleased to send a number of players and teams to the tournament.  Our ages ranged from mid-fifties to early seventies.  I will not tell you what category I played in.

It was a lot of fun to participate and it was amazing to be surrounded by so many grown men who have not lost their child-like love for the game.  I heard somebody ask one veteran how his team did in the last game.  His answer summed it all up for me.

“We did good. The other team scored more points is all.” 

According to nbcsports.com, on March 10, 2013, San Diego Padres second baseman, Logan Forsythe, has been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.  He was given a second injection and hopes that the injection, combined with three to four days of rest, will allow the heel or arch pain to be manageable during the 2013 regular season.

Heel Spur Pain, Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the broad ligament that connects the heel to the toes at the bottom, or plantar surface, of the arch becomes irritated or strained due to excessive use.  It can also be related to a mechanical imbalance. 

Classically, the heel or the arch hurts with the first few steps in the morning.  It gets somewhat better with a limited amount of walking.  If you are on your feet for a considerable length of time or run, and then you sit for a while, it is often painful with the first few steps after rest.

It is important to correct the mechanical imbalance that caused the problem.  This can be done by making made to measure orthotics to wear in your shoes.  They will help to support the foot and relieve the pull of the plantar fascia.

The other thing that is necessary is to relieve the inflammation or irritation, which is often near the heel where the plantar fascia inserts onto the calcaneus or heel bone. This can be done with a cortisone injection but injections can be painful and repeated cortisone injections can cause thinning of the connective tissues.  Another alternative is to take oral anti-inflammatory medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Naprosyn. However, this type of medication is not good for someone with stomach problems, high blood pressure or heart disease.

In my opinion, a  safer alternative is to use soundwaves to relieve the problem. If the condition has been present for a relatively short period of time such as days, weeks, or a few months, a lower energy form of soundwave called radial wave or pressure wave can be used.  Anaesthetic is not required. Most people need from three to five treatments.  They are performed on a weekly basis.  In my office I also combine the soundwave or radial wave with a low energy Laser Pain Treatment.  I find that this can be quite effective for acute plantar heel pain or arch pain due to acute plantar fasciitis (plantar fasciitis that has been present for a short period of time).

If you have chronic plantar fasciitis, that is, plantar fasciitis that has been present for several months or even years, I use a stronger modality called extracorporeal shockwave.  This is performed with local anesthetic.  I have found that approximately 75% of people with chronic plantar fasciitis will experience anywhere from 50-100% improvement following one treatment.

If you or someone you care about suffer from heel or arch pain due to plantar fasciitis, please contact me in at my Toronto podiatry office at 416-486-9917.  I will be happy to examine your foot and tell you the best course of treatment to get you walking more comfortably.

And if Logan Forsythe doesn’t get better with his cortisone injection, please tell him to give me a call. 

According to the National Post, on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, Wendy Barringer of Halifax, Nova Scotia has been waiting eleven years to have foot surgery for her bunions.  Apparently, there is only one foot surgeon in Nova Scotia who has a waiting list of 3500 people.  The Health and Wellness minister for Nova Scotia is David Wilson who says his province's NDP government is “working hard” to make sure “that the province has a good compliment of surgeons and specialist”, yet claims there is no money to hire more surgeons.

Someone should tell Wendy and Mr. Wilson about podiatrists who perform Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bunions .  We perform surgery for bunions, hammer toes, corns, calluses and bone spurs under local anesthetic in our offices, thus keeping patients out of the hospitals and saving money for the government.

We do this with specialized instruments which allow us to work through very small openings in the skin. This results in less soft tissue trauma which usually means less post-operative pain, selling and disability. 

If you or someone you know suffers from bunions, hammer toes, or other foot problems please call my Toronto podiatry office at 416-486-9917

We will arrange a private consultation and I will tell you how I can help.  Don’t suffer for eleven years like Wendy.  

                                                                                                            CBC photo

According to web.yesnetwork.com, NBA star Joe Johnson was unable to play Friday night due to plantar fasciitis.  He was hoping to play again on Sunday.

Classically, someone with heel pain or arch pain due to plantar fasciitis experiences pain with the first few steps when getting out of bed in the morning.  The heel can also be quite painful with the first few steps following rest.  It can feel like an ache or a bruise.  The pain can also be sharp and stabbing.

The plantar fascia is a broad ligament that runs from the bottom or plantar surface of the calcaneus or heel bone, runs along the bottom of the arch and inserts at the front of the foot near the toes.  If the foot is not supported properly, the plantar fascia can become irritated and painful.

Treatments include getting new shoes if your shoes are worn down.  This is especially important with athletic shoes.  This will give more support to the arch and cushion the heel.  You may also benefit from off the counter insoles which will support the arch.  Antiinflammatory medication such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen may also be helpful in relieving the inflammation.   However, people with a history of stomach problems, high blood pressure or heart disease should consult with their family doctor before taking this type of medication.  Cortisone injections can also be helpful but they can be painful.  Multiple injections can also cause thinning of the connective tissue.

If you have not been successful in treating your plantar fasciitis at home, it may be time to see a podiatrist.

In my Toronto podiatry clinic I offer treatments including Laser, and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Heel Spur Pain, Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, and Achilles Tendonitis to reduce the inflammation.  I can also make Custom Foot Orthotics to improve the mechanics of your foot and relieve the pull of the plantar fascia ligament.  If you suffer from heel pain, arch pain or plantar fasciitis in Toronto or the neighbouring area, please call my Toronto podiatry office at 416-486-9917 to set up a private consultation.  I will be happy to help you get rid of your heel pain or any other foot problems that you have. 

Here’s hoping that Joe Johnson gets better but that the Toronto Raptors rise to the occasion when he comes to town.