Power Mowers Pose Danger to Feet

Lawn care season is back, therefore homeowners need to protect their feet and the feet of those around them when using rotary-blade lawnmowers.

Each year, some 25,000 Americans sustain injuries from power mowers, according to reports issued by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. “The blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute and produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun. Yet, each year we continue to see patients who have been hurt while operating a lawnmower barefoot.

Children under the age of 14 and adults over the age of 44 are more likely to be injured from mowers than others. Anyone who operates a power mower needs to take the few simple precautions listed below:

• Don’t mow a wet lawn. Losing control from slipping on rain-soaked grass is the leading cause of foot injuries caused by power mowers.
• Wear heavy shoes or work boots when mowing – no sneakers or sandals.
• Don’t allow small children to ride on the lap of an adult on a lawn tractor. Children can be severely injured by the blades when getting on or off the machine.
• Mow across slopes, never go up or down.
• Never pull a running mower backwards.
• Keep children away from the lawn when mowing.
• Keep the clip bag attached when operating a power mower to prevent projectile injuries.
• Use a mower with a release mechanism on the handle that automatically shuts it off when the hands let go.

If a mower accident occurs, immediate treatment is necessary to flush the wound thoroughly and apply antibiotics to prevent infection. Superficial wounds can be treated on an outpatient basis, but more serious injuries usually require surgical intervention to repair tendon damage, deep clean the wound and suture it. Tendons severed in lawnmower accidents generally can be surgically reattached unless toes have been amputated.

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a lawnmower, please contact our office immediately for an appointment, 440-946-5858.

Warmer Weather = High Heeled Shoes

With warmer weather approaching, women are starting to put their winter boots away and take out their sexy high heeled shoes. High heeled shoes can create a sexier, more flattering figure by tilting the hips, accentuating the bust-line and making the legs look longer. However, high heels can cause a great deal of discomfort: High heels can cause calf pain, heel pain, bunions, corns, calluses, ankle sprains, neuromas, hammertoes, pump bumps and pain to the ball of foot.

How do I encourage women to wear more sensible shoes? It's almost impossible. I do tell my well-heeled patients to limit their time spent in heels-never all day, just for a few hours. I also instruct them to buy shoes at the end of the day that fit comfortably across the widest part of the foot and wear gel or silicone insoles for a comfortable cushioning effect as well.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Mentor Office, 440-946-5858.

Kelly Osbourne is Having Foot Surgery

Kelly Osbourne is to undergo bunion surgery. A bunion (also referred to as hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus) is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But a bunion is more than that. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment, producing the bunion’s “bump.”

Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion.

Most common symptoms, which may occur at the site of a bunion, include pain or soreness, inflammation and/or redness, burning sensation or possible numbness. Symptoms most often occur when wearing shoes that crowd the toes, such as shoes with a tight toe box or high heels. This may explain why women are more likely to have symptoms than men.

Early treatment for bunion treatment is aimed at easing the pain, not reversing the deformity itself. These treatment options include a change in shoe gear: Wearing shoes that have a wider toe box and forgoing those with pointed toes or high heels, which may only aggravate the condition. Padding over the area of the bunion can help minimize the pain associated with bunions. Medications, such as oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and icing several times a day can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with the deformity. In some cases, custom orthotic devices may be provided to help reduce pain, control the abnormal biomechanics of your foot and prevent further progression of the deformity.

If non-surgical treatments fail to relieve bunion pain and the pain of a bunion interferes with daily activities, it’s time to discuss surgical options to determine if surgery is best for you.

A variety of surgical procedures are available to treat bunions. These procedures are designed to remove the “bump,” correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot and correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of surgery is to reduce and/or eliminate pain.

If you are suffering from a “bump” to your big toe, as Kelly Osbourne, please do not hesitate giving our office a call for additional information or to schedule a consultation, 440-946-5858.

Spring Tis the Season for Ankle Sprains

Spring is approximately 3 weeks away and the beginning of sports season for many amateur athletes and weekend warriors in the Cleveland area. It's also ankle sprain season. Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries treated at this time of year due to people emerging from their winter hibernation and getting active again, through playing sports such as basketball, baseball, tennis and/or soccer.

If you injury your ankle prompt medical treatment is required, whether it's your first sprain or fifth. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (R.I.C.E.) can reduce swelling and pain until the ankle can be evaluated and treated. A sprain may not always be a sprain; the ankle could be fractured.

To prevent injury or sprain to your ankle follow the following tips to ensure safe play. First, perform warm-up stretches and exercises before playing sports. Second, wear the right shoes for the sport. For example, don't wear running shoes for sports that involve a lot of side-to-side movement, such as tennis and basketball. Lastly, wear an ankle brace if you're recovering from an injury or have repeatedly sprained your ankle. Follow these tips and enjoy the spring season. However, if you do sustain an injury please contact our office, 440-946-5858 for evaluation and treatment.