Showing posts with label Kansas City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kansas City. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Morton’s Neuroma - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

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Morton’s Neuroma - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

Dr. Mark Green of Kansas City Foot and Ankle discusses the symptoms, causes and treatment for Morton’s Neuroma.

 http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

   
Do you have shooting pain or tingling on the bottom of your foot and into the toes?  These nerve-like symptoms are classic indications that you may have a condition called a Morton’s Neuroma.

A neuroma is an irritated nerve on the bottom of your foot. It usually occurs between the third and fourth toes (when counting from your big toe toward your pinky toe), but may also occur between the second and third toes. The cause of neuromas is usually a slight abnormality in the way your foot is functioning. If your foot isn’t quite as stable as it should be, in other words, if your arch flattens a little (or lot) more than it should, then the bones on either side of the nerve rub up against the nerve, irritating it. That’s what’s causing your pain, especially with tighter shoes.  As the nerve becomes more irritated and inflamed, it tries to protect itself by building up scar tissue around itself, so it actually gets larger, making it easier for the bones to rub against it. It becomes a progressive condition. The symptoms begin to occur more often, or the pain worsens with time.

 

The first step is to get the inflammation under control.   This will help alleviate the pain.   This is accomplished with a simple,  in-office treatments such as Cryoanalgesia.

Cryoanalgesia is a minor procedure where very cold temperatures are applied to the nerve in order to decrease its ability to send pain signals.  In addition, metatarsal pads may also be used temporarily to take pressure off of the painful nerve.  Secondly, we address the cause of the problem by eliminating the instability that is causing the irritation to the nerve. This is accomplished with custom-molded shoe inserts called orthotics.

 

If you have pain in the ball of your foot and want to do something to alleviate the pain, call our office for an appointment (often same day) 816-943-1111.

 

 

Visit our website: http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

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Laser for Toenail Fungus - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

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Laser for Toenail Fungus

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Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

Dr. Mark Green of Kansas City Foot and Ankle discusses Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails.

 http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

 Imagine how great it will be to wear sandals again!

Kansas City Foot and Ankle regularly sees patients with the condition known as Onychomycosis or fungal toenails.  Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that lives on the bed of the toenail and between the layers of the nail.  This infection can be difficult to get rid of.  Up to 13% of people in the U.S. suffer from fungal toenails.

 

Laser Treatment 

Kansas City Foot and Ankle features the Q-Clear Laser Treatment.  This very effective, 10 MINUTE  laser treatment kills the fungus without the hassle of topical medications and the potential side effects of the pills.  You will be able to resume your normal activities right away. 

·        The laser treatment is:

  • A Quick In-Office Procedure
  • Painless

·        Safe & Effective

 

Why Q-Clear?  The Q-Clear laser is a mid-infrared laser wavelength that penetrates the nail, eliminating the destructive infections and revitalizing your nail as it grows out.  Like several other lasers used in podiatry, it is FDA cleared for treatment of fungal toenails.  But while other lasers create a thermal effect, the Q-Clear creates short, but extremely powerful pulses of laser energy, so it’s mechanism of action is actually through a mechanical or “shockwave” effect, with very little heating. It destroys the fungus without heating up the tissue.  So there is very little potential for discomfort or burning of the tissue with the Q-Clear, as compared to other lasers.

 

Kansas City Foot and Ankle also offers more traditional treatment options for fungal toenails:

 

Topical treatments require the patient to apply medication to the infected toenails once or twice daily for up to a year.  The success rate in killing the fungus with topical medication is only between 15-30%.

 

Oral medications have a higher success rate, but also have potential side effects.  The medication can affect your liver and can alter your sense of taste.   Pregnant women or people with liver issues should not take the oral medications.

If you wear nail polish, Dr. Green recommends Dr.’s REMEDY Nail Polish to fight fungus.  Regular nail polish actually promotes fungal growth.  It acts as a barrier, creating a dark, moist environment beneath the nail; a perfect setup for fungus.  If you’re going to wear nail polish, make sure it’s Dr’s REMEDY anti-fungal nail polish.

Visit our website: http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

 

Mark Green, DPM - Kansas City Foot and Ankle - Podiatrist in Lee's Summit and Kansas City , MO and Overland Park, KS

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Kansas City Foot and Ankle - Podiatrist in Kansas City and Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS - Mark Green, DPM 

 

Meet Patient Coordinator Michele of Kansas City Foot and Ankle as she discusses foot care and working with Podiatrist Mark Green.  

http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Our doctors are specialists in all aspects of foot and ankle care.  We treat conditions from heel pain, bunions, and sports injuries to skin and toenail issues, and reconstructive foot surgery.  Our office maintains state of the art diagnostics and treatment equipment, and modalities including digital x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and cryoanalogia.

The doctor maintains active staff and surgical privileges at Saint Joseph Medical Center in South Kansas City, Surgery Center of Leawood and Surgicenter of Johnson County.  We participate with most major medical insurance, including Medicare. Please call our office to confirm that we participate with your plan.

Our Goal

We want to provide you with a comfortable experience in order to help return you to your active lifestyle comfortably, and quickly.  Our quality of care is provided through caring and compassionate doctors, and staff using state of the art medical treatments.  Our staff fully recognizes the value of your time and we do everything possible to expedite your visit.

 

For more information about our office and doctors, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

 Visit our website: http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Call for an appointment: 816-943-1111

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Kansas City Foot and Ankle – Mark Green, DPM - Podiatrist in Kansas City and Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

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Podiatrist in Kansas City and Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS - Kansas City Foot and Ankle – Mark Green, DPM

 

 

Meet Medical Assistant Bobbi of Kansas City Foot and Ankle as she discusses foot care and working with Podiatrist Mark Green.  

http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Our doctors are specialists in all aspects of foot and ankle care.  We treat conditions from heel pain, bunions, and sports injuries to skin and toenail issues, and reconstructive foot surgery.  Our office maintains state of the art diagnostics and treatment equipment, and modalities including digital x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and cryoanalogia.

The doctor maintains active staff and surgical privileges at Saint Joseph Medical Center in South Kansas City, Surgery Center of Leawood and Surgicenter of Johnson County.  We participate with most major medical insurance, including Medicare. Please call our office to confirm that we participate with your plan.

Our Goal

We want to provide you with a comfortable experience in order to help return you to your active lifestyle comfortably, and quickly.  Our quality of care is provided through caring and compassionate doctors, and staff using state of the art medical treatments.  Our staff fully recognizes the value of your time and we do everything possible to expedite your visit.

 

For more information about our office and doctors, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

 Visit our website: http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Call for an appointment: 816-943-1111

 

Kansas City Foot and Ankle - Podiatrist in Kansas City and Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS - Mark Green, DPM

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Kansas City Foot and Ankle - Podiatrist in Kansas City and Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS - Mark Green, DPM 

 

Meet Patient and Community Relations Manager Aimee Patton of Kansas City Foot and Ankle as she discusses foot care and working with Podiatrist Mark Green.  

http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Our doctors are specialists in all aspects of foot and ankle care.  We treat conditions from heel pain, bunions, and sports injuries to skin and toenail issues, and reconstructive foot surgery.  Our office maintains state of the art diagnostics and treatment equipment, and modalities including digital x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and cryoanalogia.

The doctor maintains active staff and surgical privileges at Saint Joseph Medical Center in South Kansas City, Surgery Center of Leawood and Surgicenter of Johnson County.  We participate with most major medical insurance, including Medicare. Please call our office to confirm that we participate with your plan.

Our Goal

We want to provide you with a comfortable experience in order to help return you to your active lifestyle comfortably, and quickly.  Our quality of care is provided through caring and compassionate doctors, and staff using state of the art medical treatments.  Our staff fully recognizes the value of your time and we do everything possible to expedite your visit.

 

For more information about our office and doctors, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

 Visit our website: http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Call for an appointment: 816-943-1111

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Ankle Sprain - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Ankle Sprain - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ankle Sprain.

http://www.kcfootcare.com

Ankle Sprain Treatment - Rest and elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling. Compressive bandages also may be used to immobilize and support the injury during healing. Serious sprain ankles may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments.

To prevent sprain ankle, try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercising, stretching, and wearing well-fitted shoes.

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

Foot Warts (Plantar Warts) - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Foot Warts (Plantar Warts) - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Foot Warts (Plantar Warts).

http://www.kcfootcare.com

 

Plantar Warts

Overview

Plantar warts occur on the sole of the foot. They canbe very painful because the entire weight of the body presses against them when walking. Plantar warts are usually rough with hard calluses around the painful wart. The center of the wart has small pinpoint spots, these are the small capillaries that supply blood to the wart. Scraping the wart maycause bleeding because of these small blood vessels.

 

 

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

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Foot Surgery Pre-Surgery Instructions - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Foot Surgery Pre-Surgery Instructions -  Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses discusses Pre-Surgery Instructions for Foot Surgery.

http://www.kcfootcare.com

 Welcome to the podiatry practice of Dr. Thomas Bembynista, serving Independence, Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri (both north and south of the River), and Overland Park, Kansas, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Bembynista offers expert and professional podiatric services and focuses on patient care and responding to his patients' needs.

Originally from Chicago, Dr. Bembynista has now been practicing in the Kansas City area for 28 years. We accept most insurances and will assist you with questions concerning coverage.

Podiatrists hold doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degrees. Dr. Bembynista is also board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Podiatrists are the foremost authorities and medical specialists of the foot and ankle. The following list includes some common conditions that podiatrists often diagnose and treat:

  • Heel pain
  • Bunions
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Plantar warts - Hammertoes
  • Morton's neuroma
  • Plantar fasciitis

As part of our commitment to patient education, we hope visitors to our site will consult the pages available from the left-side navigation bar to find out more about our practice and other podiatry resources. Thank you for visiting our website, and please call us with any questions.

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

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PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma - Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Podiatrist - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma -   Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Podiatrist - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment for foot problems.

 

 http://www.kcfootcare.com

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Injections

What is Platelet Rich Plasma(PRP)?

PRP is a concentration of platelet cells from your blood with growth factors. This helps the healing process of chronic problems or injuries. These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue healing and promote development of new blood vessels.

 

How does PRP work and what can be treated?

First, the area to be injected is numbed so the injection doesn't hurt. Once the plasma platelets are obtained and injected into the chronic painful area this increases the platelets and growth factors 500%. It can be used for chronic foot pain such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

 

Morton's Neuroma - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Morton's Neuroma -  Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Morton's Neuroma.

http://www.kcfootcare.com

 Morton's Neuroma

Overview

Morton's Neuroma is enlarged nerve that usually occurs between the third and fourth toes, but a neuroma can also occur between the second and third toe.

 

The nerve lies in the subcutaneous tissue, just above the fat pad on the bottom of the foot between the metatarsal bones. The ground pushes up on the enlarged nerve with each step causing the nerve to be pinched between the metatarsal bones causing pain. The nerve normally gets bigger from the pinching and increases in pain as the problem gets worse.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is localized pain between the metatarsal bones on the bottom of the foot. It can be sharp and is worsened by shoes or walking. Many time people have shooting or throbbing pain when they are off their feet.

Diagnosis

Usually it is easy, there is localized pain on the bottom of the foot. Commonly simply palpation to the area elicits pain when we hold the foot and push careful on the area which causes a audible click which is the nerve being pinched between the metatarsal bones.

Treatment

In most causes a mild steroid injection given 1 to 3 times over a few week period this can reduce the pain. If pain persists, chemical neurolysis injections can be used its generally very helpful but may result in slight numbness to the nerve area. In some cases custom orthotics can help also.

Surgery is rarely necessary, The incision is made on top of the foot to prevent a bad scar on the sole of the foot this also allows for early weight bearing after surgery, this can be performed in the office or outpatient. Complications are rare, but the nerve can redevelop.

 

 

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

Ingrown Toenails - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Ingrown Toenails - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ingrown Toenails.

http://www.kcfootcare.com

 

Ingrown Toenails

Overview

Ingrown toenails are very common. It's a very painful condition that occurs when the skin on the side of a toenail grows over the edge of the nail, or when the nail grows into the skin.

Causes

Ingrown toenails can develop for many reasons. In some cases, the toenails are simply too long. Trauma, such as stubbing a toe or having someone step on it can cause the nail to jam into the skin. Incorrect cutting and also cause them. Many times they are a hereditary condition because of the shape of the toes or nails.

Symptoms

Ingrown nails should be treated as soon as possible. If the skin is red, painful, or swollen on the sides of the nail, there may be an infection. The ingrown nail can produce a bacteria-rich environment that can cause an infection. The infection must be treated quickly by numbing the toe and trimming it out followed sometimes with antibiotics.

Treatment

The patient can self treat with mild antiseptic solution to the area and soaking in antibacterial soap with some water. If this doesn't improve it within 24 hours then see a podiatrist.

If you have to see us for treatment we first numb the toe before we treat it. If the problem has never occurred before then trimming out the ingrown nail should solve the problem. If the nail is a recurrent problem then permanent excision of a small portion of the nail with a chemical solution can be done; it heals over 7 to 10 days. Normally no time off from work is necessary.

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

Thomas Bembynista, DPM - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - KC Foot Care

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Thomas Bembynista, DPM - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - KC Foot Care

 

 Meet Podiatrist Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care as he discusses foot care.

http://www.kcfootcare.com

 Welcome to the podiatry practice of Dr. Thomas Bembynista, serving Independence, Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri (both north and south of the River), and Overland Park, Kansas, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Bembynista offers expert and professional podiatric services and focuses on patient care and responding to his patients' needs.

Originally from Chicago, Dr. Bembynista has now been practicing in the Kansas City area for 28 years. We accept most insurances and will assist you with questions concerning coverage.

Podiatrists hold doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degrees. Dr. Bembynista is also board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Podiatrists are the foremost authorities and medical specialists of the foot and ankle. The following list includes some common conditions that podiatrists often diagnose and treat:

  • Heel pain
  • Bunions
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Plantar warts - Hammertoes
  • Morton's neuroma
  • Plantar fasciitis

As part of our commitment to patient education, we hope visitors to our site will consult the pages available from the left-side navigation bar to find out more about our practice and other podiatry resources. Thank you for visiting our website, and please call us with any questions.

 

 

Visit our website: http://www.kcfootcare.com

Heel Pain Treatment - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Heel Pain Treatment - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Heel Pain.

http://www.kcfootcare.com

 Heel Pain—Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Overview

Pain is located in the center of the heel into the arch. This problem is one of the most common foot conditions. It causes pain just getting up after sitting or in the a.m. With fasciitis it is very common for an x-ray to show no heel spur.

Causes of Heel Pain

We use the terms plantar fasciitis and heel spur interchangeably for heel type pain.

There are many structures attached to the heel bone. The primary structures are the plantar fascia and plantar muscles. As we walk or run the arch flattens to absorb the body's weight, causing stress on the fascia and pulling away of the heel bone, causing a bone spur. It normally takes years to develop spurs. Pain in the heel can be caused by the bone, fascia or heel nerve.

Poor fitting shoes can exacerbate the pain. The cost of the shoes is not as important as the fit. Make sure you have your feet measured once a year when buying new shoes. You should use well cushioned and supportive shoes with good lateral support.

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs

The pain can be centrally located in the heel or arch it can be worse in the morning and after sitting but improves as the day goes on. The pain with first steps in the morning and after rest is caused by pulling of the fascia and plantar muscles off of the heel bone. If you have pain—without weight bearing—that is shooting in nature, it is caused by the nerve on the side of the heel.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs

Heel spurs are caused by inflammation at the insertion of the plantar fascia into the heel bone. The condition can be treated successfully using a conservative approach in 98% of the cases. Diagnosis includes a physical exam and possible an x-ray, especially if there is a history of trauma. Heel pain can be reduced by using trigger point injections of a mild steroid from the side of the foot with a cold spray to numb the skin to significantly reduce the pain from the injection. Typically, treatment requires 1 to 3 office visits for evaluation and injections. If nerve pain is present that causes shooting pain at rest, this can be treated with dehydrated alcohol injections to destroy the painful section of the nerve.

As we start treatment it's important to support the arch with an OTC arch support, wrapping the arch with reusable wraps or coban. When treating long term, Custom Orthotics are often the best choice. They are constructed from a flexible plastic material and can made to fit both gym and dress shoes.

If heel pain is intolerable or persists after conservative treatment, new treatments are available—PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections or Shockwave Therapy. Surgery today is rare but, if necessary after all treatments, it is usually successful.

 

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

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Hammertoes - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Hammertoes - Podiatrist in Kansas City, MO and Overland Park, KS - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Hammertoes.

 

Hammertoes

Overview

Toe deformities are commonly caused by bunion's, flatfeet or heredity factors. The toes are vital in correct walking or running. There are at least six sets of small muscles that control each toe. If there is an imbalance in the foot, these smaller muscles can be overpowered by larger lower leg muscles causing hammer toe development over time.

Symptoms

Hammertoes normally affect the second, third and fourth digits but can affect the outside of the fifth toe also. The toe becomes bent in a fixed position with a slow developing callus .Many time it causes pain from shoe rub and callus thickening. If the hammer toe is long standing it's not uncommon to also have pain on the ball of the foot with or without a callus under the painful toe.

Treatment

Treatments for hammer toes depends on the severity . When first starts we can use a orthotic or a minor in office tendon release can give a excellent result.

Without early treatment the soft tissues and muscles become tighter and the deformity becomes rigid. If that occurs more involved surgery is required.

A minor surgical procedure can be done either in the office or outpatient. A incision is made on top of the toe and a small piece of bone is removed to straighten the toe. If the toe is rigid and doesn't bend then the same procedure is performed but we use a absorbable pin to keep it straight . Rarely is a removable metal pin necessary toe hold the toe straight.

 

 

 

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

Custom Orthotics - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO- Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Custom Orthotics - Podiatrist in  Overland Park, KS and  Kansas City, MO- Thomas Bembynista, DPM

Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses how custom orthotics can help correct biomechanical problems of the foot to alleviate heel pain and other foot problems.

 

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http://www.kcfootcare.com

 Orthotics

What is an Orthotic?

Orthotics are custom made devices that are used to control abnormal foot function. They are made from a plaster cast of your feet with the foot in a non-weight-bearing position. This is the key to get a great fit.

 Orthotics can be made for both sport and dress type shoes. Sometimes with dress orthotics, to get a proper fit, we ask you for a pair of shoes to send with the cast. Orthotics are flexible and can be made to be full length within the shoe with padding. We rarely make rigid orthotics because they are hard to wear and can hurt the feet.

What problems can orthotics help?

Custom orthotics can be used to treat a wide range of problems. They can help to reduce general foot pain and fatigue. They help many times with knee pain and lower back pain by maintaining correct foot function and shock absorption in the heel area.

Orhtotics can benefit the following:

  • Heel pain
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Neuromas
  • Bunions

Why choose our orthotics?

  1. We diagnose and make the correct type of orthotic.
  2. We provide custom fabrication of orthotics
  3. We'll give you fast turn around time
  4. You will get the type of orthotic that is best for you, i.e., flexible sport type or dress type for high heel or dress type shoes.

 

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

 

Bunions - Podiatrist in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

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Bunions - Podiatrist in Kansas City, MO and Overland Park, KS - Thomas Bembynista, DPM

Dr. Thomas Bembynista of KC Foot Care discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Bunions.

http://www.kcfootcare.com

 Bunions

General Info

A bunion is an enlargement of bone at the base of the big toe. It can occur on one or both feet. The big toe becomes deviated towards the second toe—this is called "Hallux Valgus." This term describes the position of the big toe in relationship to the midline of the foot. The problem is progressive and can cause hammer toes and pain in the ball of the foot.

 Causes of Bunions and Progression

Bunions are normally inherited and get worse as we age. It's very commonly painful, varying with shoe type and the kind of work we do. Pronation causes the foot to be unstable and contributes to bunion progression. This slowly overpowers the stabilizing force of the muscles in the arch, causing the big toe to bend and become weak. Many times calluses develop on the side of the bunion or big toe because of the deviation of the big toe.

Bunions may worsen with tight, point-toed, or high-heeled shoes. Shoes that are too small can exacerbate the underlying cause. Women tend to develop painful bunions more than men.

Over time the bunion can become very painful. This causes changes in the shape of the foot and alters the biomechanics, causing general foot and leg pain. If the bunion starts pushing on the second toe it causes hammer toes; that's why early treatment is necessary.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Bunions

If treated early in its progression, shoe changes, and possibly a custom orthotic, can help. Also, if big toe joint pain is present, an oral anti-inflammatory or topical analgesic cream should be tried. When you have pain in the big toe joint, that's a form of capsulitis, which can be treated with a few injections of a mild steroid; this will normally help but will not stop the bunion progression.

Surgery for Bunions

If pain isn't improved with non-surgical care then a surgical procedure is necessary. The bunionectomy is a removal of the bunion enlargement and correction of the big toe deviation with a osteotomy (cut in the bone), which is stabilized with countersunk screw fixation.

Surgery is usually outpatient under IV sedation. This type of sedation is very safe—you are breathing on your own and it is like you are in a deep sleep; then the foot is numbed and the procedure performed. The patient is given postoperative instructions and pain medication. We normally phone out your pain medication for pickup. The patient is asked to start taking the pain medication before the numbing wears off, breaking the pain cycle. You should take the medication throughout the night and for the first 24 to 36 hours. When surgery is done outpatient, Dr. Bembynista will call you that night to make sure you're doing well and to answer any questions. He also provides both his home and cell numbers to all surgical patients. You will see us back the following week at which time we will change your bandage and review range of motion exercises for the big toe joint. Sutures are normally removed within 2 weeks. Return to a regular shoe is normally within the first or second month.

It's important to understand that internal fixation via screws and early range of motion reduces the time of return to regular activities,work or sports.

 

 

Visit our website:  http://www.kcfootcare.com

 

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Toe Surgery Patient - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

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Toe Surgery Patient - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

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Toe Surgery Patient - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

 

Patient discusses successful toe surgery performed by Dr. Mark Green at Kansas City Foot and Ankle.

 

http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

 

A. Many conditions can be treated very successfully with conservative treatment options.  When conservative care fails to alleviate your discomfort, surgery may be beneficial in alleviating your pain.  Common conditions that require surgery include bunions, hammertoes, Moron's Neuroma, and bone spurs.  Conditions that rarely require surgery are heel pain or planter fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis.

 

Visit our website: http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Call for an appointment: 816-943-1111

 

 

 

Bunion Surgery Patient - Podiatrist in Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

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Bunion Surgery Patient - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

Patient discusses bunion surgery performed by Dr. Mark Green at Kansas City Foot and Ankle.

 http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

A. Not all patients with bunions require surgery.  Generally we let pain be the deciding factor.  If your bunions are painful with shoes, and certainly when walking even without shoes, and your lifestyle is affected as a result, then surgery may be a good option for you.  You do not have to live with painful bunions.  We are experts at surgically correcting painful bunions and as a team, between our surgical technique, and good post operative care, we can keep your discomfort and down time to a minimum.  Most patients are walking right away after bunion surgery, however, we recommend staying off your feet as much as possible, keeping your foot elevated, and using ice for the first couple of days following surgery.  After the first dressing change, three days after the procedure you can be up on your feet a little bit more if you're comfortable doing so.  Most patients are ambulating in a walking boot and can return to normal shoes after approximately four weeks.  We recommend two additional weeks before returning to aggressive exercising such as running, and aerobics.

Visit our website: http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Call for an appointment: 816-943-1111

Custom Orthotics - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

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Custom Orthotics - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

 

Dr. Mark Green discusses how foot orthotics can help alleviate the symptoms of foot pain and possible knee, hip and back pain.

http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Many common conditions seen by podiatrists are due to instability in the way the foot functions.  Heel and arch pain for example, is often caused by this instability.  If the arch flattens even a little too much, with every step that you take, then the plantar fascia, the ligament on the bottom of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot, stretches excessively causing inflammation and pain.  The long term treatment for this condition to address the instability that is leading to this inflammation is with custom molded functional orthotics. 

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are custom made, not only to the contour of your foot, but more importantly they are designed to maintain correct foot function throughout the walking cycle.  They may be similar in appearance to over the counter arch supports, but they are a completely different being altogether.

Custom molded functional orthotics are fabricated from molds of your feet, and are taken while the foot is manipulated into the position it is supposed to function in.  The mold is then sent to the lab.  When the patient is able to wear the orthotics in his or her shoes, they'll provide the exact support and control that is required for the foot to function normally.  Wearing orthotics will maintain muscle balance, and eliminate instability.

 

Visit our website: http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Call for an appointment: 816-943-1111

Monday, February 20, 2012

Plantar Fasciitis Patient - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

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Plantar Fasciitis Patient - Podiatrist Kansas City, Lee's Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS

 

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Patient discusses successful treatment received from Dr. Mark Green for his heel pain.

 http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

 

There are many medical conditions which can cause heel pain, including plantar fasciitis, bursitis, arthritis, Severs disease (or inflammation of the growth center of the heel in children), stress fractures, traumatic injuries, Achilles tendinitis as well as neuritis or nerve pain.  In order to treat heel pain properly and effectively a proper diagnosis by your podiatrist is critical.  If heel pain is not treated the condition can be chronic and worsen, which can negatively affect your lifestyle. 

At Kansas City Foot and Ankle, we review patient history, provide a physical examination, and ancillary testing including x-rays and diagnostic ultrasound.  The procedures we would provide depends upon the cause of the heel pain, as each condition has specific treatment modalities that are a specific type of heel pain.

 

Visit our website: http://www.kansascityfootandankle.com

Call for an appointment: 816-943-1111