Ankle Sprains: In older children, stretched or torn ligaments in the ankle, known as sprains, are more common than fractures. A sprain may cause extensive swelling around the ankle just like a fracture. Immediate treatment is crucial to quick healing. Triangle Foot and Ankle Specialist has in office digital x-ray and ultrasound to help rule out fractures or other injuries. We can provide treatment as well as recommend balancing and strengthening exercises to restore coordination quickly. If pain persist over an extended period of time an MRI to rule out further injury may be needed.
Fractures: Fractures from overuse in child-athletes are commonly seen in podiatric medical offices. Growth plates are particularly susceptible to injuries, but mid-shaft fractures of the bone also occur. If a fracture is not severe, rest and immobilization may be the best treatment. More complicated injuries may require casting or surgical correction. If swelling and pain does exist it is in the child's best interest to be checked out to prevent future problems or worsening of the current injury.
Sever's Disease: An inflammation of a growth plate, Sever's Disease is often felt as pain behind the heel caused by inflammation of the apophysis, a growth center where a tendon is attached to the bone. Rest, ice, and heel lifts can help. If this type of pain is occuring an x-ray is necessary for diagnosis. Other treatment options are also often times implemented for long-term relief of pain and symptoms. The earlier this problem is treated the better the long-term outcome.
Shin splints and stress Fractures: Shin splints are microtears or inflammation of the anterior leg muscles, as are Achilles tendon pulls in the posterior region of the leg. Again, in office treatment is the best way to evaluate this type of injury and certain strengthening exercises, shoes, or, if indicated, prescribe custom-made shoe inserts known as orthoses can be utilized.
Athlete's Foot: Moisture is one of the largest contributing factors to Athlete's foot. Fungus loves to form in a nice dark, warm, and moist area. Athlete's foot can become very a very serious condition that is often extremely itchy. The battle on Athlete's foot really begins when you dry your feet. It is important that after you shower that you dry your feet and in between your toes completely. Wear socks that wick the moisture from your feet. Often times Dr. Thomas recommends changing your socks in the middle of your day. Athlete's foot often needs a cream to help clear this condition up. Most of the time over the counter medicine is not enough to clear up the condition. In the office Dr. Thomas will discuss the best treatment for clearing up the condition, based on the duration and severity.
Shoe Gear: Dr. Thomas keeps up with current trends in shoe gear. He is often asked about the best shoes to wear. With a complete gait and foot exam Dr. Thomas can help guide you into proper shoes. He can also offer the best places to get shoes in the Triangle and can offer the patient a discount for the store.
As a sports medicine specialist Dr. Jeremy Thomas has worked with numerous professional athletes, marathon runners, child athletes, and weekend warriors. Our goal is to never stop the patient from exercising or playing, but to treat the condition in a way that allows them to continue playing or exercising. How can we judge how the treatment is working if we have you stop the activity? Let Triangle Foot and Ankle Specialist help you exercise or play sports pain free.
Sports Prevention:
The best thing that parents and adults can do is prevent a potential injury. Dr. Jeremy Thomas is an expert at helping the patient play their sport or activity pain free. There are different braces and orthotics that can help enhance your playing ability. It is important to have the proper gear (shoes/socks/braces/inserts) and Dr. Thomas can help guide you.
We also have a strong belief in prevention. Dr. Thomas lectures to running groups, gyms, sports stores, Cary, Morrisville and Apex Town athletic events, as well as large groups on foot and ankle sports related injuries and prevention weekly. Dr. Thomas was the primary resident doctor for the Atlanta Hawks, Thrashers and Falcons while he was in Georgia as a medical resident.
If you would like to have Dr. Thomas speak on a topic please contact him by phone or e-mail. Please visit all of our webpages for more info and don't forget to join our BLOG!
