I Have A Really Large Toe!

Do you have one toe that is much, much larger than all of the others, including your big toe?

What you have is likely localized gigantism, a condition in which a certain part of the body becomes an abnormal size because of excessive growth of the anatomical structures or abnormal accumulation of substances. When it affects the fingers and toes it is called macrodactyl, an uncommon congenital condition.
Macrodactyl more commonly affects the hands than feet. Typically only one foot is affected, with no more than one digit on that foot. Often times macrodactyl coexists with syndactyl, when two toes are fused together. It is a benign condition, but will look displeasing to you and your child.
Congenital causes of the condition include:

• Kippel Trenauary Weber syndrome
• Maffucci syndrome
• macrodystrophia lipomatosa 
• neurofibromatosis
• lipoatrophic diabetes
• Proteus syndrome

In cases of acquired localized gigantism, meaning you were not born with the deformity, causes may include:

• Inflammation
• Tumors, like osteoid osteomas
• Still's disease
• Arteriovenous malformations on a limb
• Elephantiasis
• Amyloidosis
• Acromegaly

Treatment for localized gigantism and macrodactyl depends on the particular condition and may range from antibiotics, other medical therapy, and surgery to correct the anatomical deformity.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
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iTCH rECOVERING fROM fOOT sURGERY

Rapper iTCH pulled out a London gig earlier this month to have surgery on his foot after sustaining a gross injury during a performance.
The Bruises hitmaker broke three bones in his heel when he jumped from a balcony during an over the top performance at The Jazz Cafe in London as part of the Camden Rocks Festival.
iTCH, real name Jonathan Fox, was scheduled to appear with American star Action Bronson at the nearby KOKO nightclub, but instead had an operation to fix his broken bones.
The rapper posted a picture of himself hanging from the balcony before the jump on his Facebook page, along with a photo of his bandaged foot, with a caption, "Camden rocks! Hospital sucks!"
He added, "I'm gutted to be missing this gig! If I wasn't knocked out with anesthetic I'd be fighting through doctors to get there in a wheelchair shouting, 'Put your crutches up!'"
Next time no hanging from balconies, iTCH.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Marcia Gay Harden Recovering From Foot Surgery

Oscar winning actress Marcia Gay Harden is recovering after having foot surgery. 
The 53 year old Harden replaced Rosemarie DeWitt on the television show Newsroom and co-star Jane Fonda revealed that her colleague has been suffering from foot problems during the shoot. 
Fonda has been writing about her time on the set of Newsroom in an online blog and wrote that Harden recently had an operation on her foot. She posted a picture of Harden wearing a classy dress and casual soft shoes. 
Fonda wrote, "My scenes (on the Newsroom) were with Sam Waterson, Marcia Gay Harden, and Chris Messina, who plays my son... Marcia Gay had recent foot surgery so wore slippers when she wasn't shooting."
Reference: Contact Music
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
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What Questions Should I Ask Before Foot Surgery?

If your podiatrist tells you that you need to have foot or ankle surgery, it is very important to ask questions. When you think of questions that are not included here, make sure you write them down and print out this list to bring with you to your visit. It is extremely important to us that all of your questions are answered and your mind is at ease.
Here are some questions you should ask about the surgical procedure:

1. What is the procedure I will have?
2. Are there any other options besides surgery?
3. What benefits does this surgery have, in terms of pain relief and function?
4. How long will the benefits last?
5. What risks are associated with this surgery?
6. Is there any written or video materials I can read or watch about this surgery?
7. What is the success rate for this surgery?
8. How is the procedure done?
9. Will the surgery need to be repeated after a certain amount of time?
10. How many of these procedures do you do each year?
11. How many patients improve after this surgery?
12. What will happen if I don't have this surgery right away?
13. If I want a second opinion, who should I consult?
14. Will you do the surgery or will someone else?
15. If you won't do the surgery, will I meet the other doctor?
16. Will I need any tests or medical evaluations before the surgery?
17. What kind of anesthesia will be used?
18. Will the anesthesiologist know about my allergies?
19. Will I have pain following the surgery?
20. What pain relievers will I be given?

What do I need to know after the surgery?

1. How long will recovery take?
2. What limitations will I have during recovery?
3. Will I need assistance at home after surgery?
4. What will my discharge instructions be?
5. Will I have any disability following surgery?
6. Will I need physical therapy?
7. When can I return to work?
8. When can I drive my car?

If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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No Dancing In the Moonlight For Singer Jessie J

There will be no dirty dancing in the moonlight for singer Jessie J, as she continues to struggle with

complications from a broken foot she sustained in June 2011. 
The singer will undergo surgery later this year to remove a metal plate which was inserted in her broken foot in 2011. The "Domino" singer recently reinjured her foot during a gig rehearsal in London and has spent weeks getting around on crutches. 
At the time of the original injury in 2011, Jessie J underwent extensive reconstructive surgery, getting a bone transplant and fusion, as well as metal fittings and plate in her foot. After the surgery she sat on a gilded throne at the Glastonbury Festival while her foot was in a surgical boot. She went against doctor's orders to stay out of high heels, saying "Come on foot. I believe in you. Pop back in and behave! Ouch!" 
Jessie J recently revealed that she visited a physical therapist to pop the bone in her foot back in place.
She told England's Daily Mirror, "I'm getting some time off at Christmas and I'm having surgery to have the plate removed. It is flicking against my bone and causing a lot of pain. I hurt my ankle about two years ago and it's still causing me a lot of discomfort.
"The foot is still bruised and swells up because it won't heal, so I'm having the metal taken out. It sets off the security systems at airports and when I sit down it gets cold... I'm hoping it will be sorted at Christmas then it will be done and dusted and I can have some down time."
Reference: Star Pulse and The Podiatry Center.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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Mark Harper On Why Table Dancing Is Not A Good Idea

Sometimes you would think supposedly intelligent people would know better. Then you think to yourself,

"Nah. They're just as lame as the rest of us."
British Tory minister Mark Harper broke his foot after he took a tumble while table dancing. Yes, that's right. The Tory minister was table dancing. There's a joke in here somewhere, we know it. The Minister for Immigration was out celebrating with his wife, Margaret, when he lost his footing on the table and crashed to the floor (can we say toasted?...) 
The 43 year old told England's Evening Star newspaper that "I honestly cannot remember what the tune was. It's not very painful and I'm 'cracking on' with my job as MP and a minister. I'm just going to the fracture clinic now to have it X-rayed. It is in an air boot, not a cast, so it's not too bad."
The embarrassed MP added, "My wife Margaret was with me but thankfully she's a far better dancer so didn't fall off." Perhaps she has more experience dancing on tables?...
Harper's fall was the talk of Westminister as he walked around on crutches. Fellow Conservative and Forest of Dean councilor Len Lawton said of his colleague, "We found it hilarious and gave him plenty of stick. The imagination runs wild when you hear it was when he was dancing on a table at a bar in SoHo. He said it happened at his wife's leaving do and he alighted from the table very inelegantly.
"I know dozens of people who would just sit back but it's good he's getting on with it- although his staff are getting the rough end as they have to drive him everywhere."
Harper is still planning on taking part in the Lydney relay in support of Cancer Research UK this weekend, but concedes that he'll be moving "a bit more slowly than usual."
Lynne Gardner, organizer of the event, said of Harper, "Mark definitely has a fun side. Obviously we're sad to hear he had broken his foot, but we will be giving him some stick about how he did it. We'll have to try and get him a buggy or wheelchair so he can do his usual tour of everything."
And no more dancing on tables, Mr. MP.
Reference: The Mirror
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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Can I Have Carpal Tunnel In My Foot?

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that lies on the inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones. The tunnel is covered with a thick ligament (the flexor retinaculum) that protects and maintains the structures contained within the tunnel- arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves. One of these structures is the posterior tibial nerve, which is the focus of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression, or squeezing, on the posterior tibial nerve that produces symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Both disorders arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by anything that produces compression on the posterior tibial nerve, such as:

• A person with flat feet is at risk for developing tarsal tunnel syndrome, because the outward tilting of the heel that occurs with fallen arches can produce strain and compression on the nerve.
• An enlarged or abnormal structure that occupies space within the tunnel can compress the nerve. Some examples include a varicose vein, ganglion cyst, swollen tendon, and arthritic bone spur.
• An injury, such as an ankle sprain, may produce inflammation and swelling in or near the tunnel, resulting in compression of the nerve.
• Systemic disease such as diabetes or arthritis can cause swelling, thus compressing the nerve.

Patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Tingling, burning, or a sensation similar to an electrical shock.
• Numbness.
• Pain, including shooting pain.

Symptoms are typically felt on the inside of the ankle and/or on the bottom of the foot. In some people, a symptom may be isolated and occur in just one spot. In others, it may extend to the heel, arch, toes, and even the calf.
Sometimes the symptoms of the syndrome appear suddenly. Often they are brought on or aggravated by overuse of the foot, such as in prolonged standing, walking, exercising, or beginning a new exercise program.
It is very important to seek early treatment if any of the symptoms of tarsal tunnel occur. If left untreated, the condition progresses and may result in permanent nerve damage. In addition, because the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can be confused with other conditions, proper evaluation is essential so that a correct diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment initiated.
The foot and ankle surgeon will examine the foot to arrive at a diagnosis and determine if there is any loss of feeling. During this examination, the surgeon will position the foot and tap on the nerve to see if the symptoms can be reproduced. He or she will also press on the area to help determine if a small mass is present.
Advanced imaging studies may be ordered if a mass is suspected or if initial treatment does not reduce the symptoms. Studies used to evaluate nerve problems- electromyography and nerve conduction velocity (EMG/NCV)- may be ordered if the condition shows no improvement with non-surgical treatment.
A variety of treatment options, often used in combination, are available to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome. These include:

• Rest. Staying off the foot prevents further injury and encourages healing.
• Ice. Apply an ice pack to the affected area, placing a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again.
• Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Immobilization. Restricting movement of the foot by wearing a cast is sometimes necessary to enable the nerve and surrounding tissue to heal.
• Physical therapy. Ultrasound therapy, exercises, and other physical therapy modalities may be prescribed to reduce symptoms.
• Injection therapy. Injections of a local anesthetic provide pain relief, and an injection corticosteroid may be useful in treating the inflammation. 
• Orthotic devices. Custom shoe inserts may be prescribed to help maintain the arch and limit excessive motion that can cause compression of the nerve.
• Shoes. Supportive shoes may be recommended.
• Bracing. Patients with flat foot or those with severe symptoms and nerve damage may be fitted with a brace to reduce the amount pressure on the foot.

Sometimes surgery is the best option for treating tarsal tunnel syndrome. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine if surgery is necessary and will select the appropriate proceudre or procedures based on the cause of the condition.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.