What Should I Do When My Foot or Ankle Pain Won’t Go Away?

in , ,

Article featured on PennMedicine

Foot and ankle pain is a common source of frustration because it often involves small bones, ligaments, and/or tendons, all of which can heal at somewhat unpredictable rates. A little patience is in order. But what can you do when your patience starts to wear thin because your pain doesn’t feel like it’s gotten any better over time? This article will offer some guidance.

Managing Foot or Ankle Pain Caused by an Injury

Foot or ankle pain caused by an injury occurs suddenly and includes conditions such as sprains and fractures.

What should I do after a foot or ankle injury?

If your foot or ankle pain is the result of an injury, in the moments immediately following, treating it with the tried-and-true acronym RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Try to spend as little time on your feet over the next few days as work and life will allow.

Light compression and keeping your injured foot or ankle elevated above the level of your heart will help minimize swelling. She says a heating pad can make the injury feel better initially, but because it opens blood vessels in the injured area, it can ultimately make the inflammation worse. Ice, on the other hand, will constrict the blood vessels, reducing inflammation.

When should I see a doctor for my foot or ankle injury?

Many foot and ankle injuries may be treated at home, but there are some symptoms that require immediate medical attention. They include:

  • A significant deformity. Compare your injured ankle or foot to the other one. If there’s a clear difference in appearance, seek medical attention.
  • Any large open wounds or significant bleeding
  • You’re unable to put any weight on your injured foot or ankle

Otherwise, if the pain hasn’t lessened after about three to five days of treating your injury at home, it is best to  see your primary care physician. They may order x-rays and, depending on what they show, refer you to a specialist.

Managing Foot or Ankle Pain Caused by Overuse

Foot and ankle pain can also occur slowly over time as a result of overuse and include conditions such as Achilles tendinitis and stress fractures.

The hallmark of an overuse foot or ankle injury is an aching pain that comes on gradually. You may start to notice discomfort in the area of the injury during certain activities. Eventually, it will become more persistent. Achilles tendonitis, for example, may be agitated only during runs or long walks initially. Left unchecked, running will become impossible, and simple everyday activities, like making dinner, will feel like they’re straining the tendon.

What should I do at the first sign of foot or ankle pain caused by overuse?

Similar to the advice above for an injury, treat the initial pain with RICE and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some cases, overuse injuries will heal on their own with at-home treatment and time off from activities that put stress on the injured area.

Exactly how much time off will depend on the type and severity of the injury. In general, you can return to light activity that involves the injured area if you haven’t experienced pain there, without the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for a week. If, after another week, you’re still pain-free, you can gradually ramp up your intensity. But be honest with your self-assessments. If you feel any discomfort, limit your activity and continue resting.

When should I see a doctor for my foot or ankle pain caused by overuse?

The vast majority of overuse foot or ankle injuries do not require immediate medical attention. The exception is those that escalate to the point of causing any of the symptoms listed above for an injury that would prompt urgent treatment.

Aside from these instances, the guidance is similar to that of a foot or ankle injury: If the pain hasn’t diminished or resolved after about three to five days of treating it at home, see your primary care physician. They will help address your concerns by performing a thorough examination, obtaining x-rays, and initiating a consultation/referral to an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist.

Why should I consult an orthopaedic surgeon for my foot or ankle pain?

As mentioned earlier, feet and ankles can be finicky. For that very reason, consulting an orthopaedic surgeon should be your next step if your primary care physician refers you to a specialist. Orthopaedic surgeons undergo rigorous training.

While waiting for the x-rays, the Dr will ask about the patient’s medical conditions, past injuries, general lifestyle, and what sorts of physical activity they engage in on a regular basis. The responses, along with the x-rays and observations during a physical exam, will help develop a more complete understanding of the injury and inform treatment strategy.

Often, patients will want to know if they did anything that made their foot or ankle more susceptible to injury so that they won’t unknowingly cause another injury. They sometimes also ask if this is something that could get better on its own.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Why Does My Calf Muscle Hurt?

in

There’s a group of muscles on the back of each lower leg that doctors call “calf muscles.” They play a key role in helping you walk and run. Lots of things can make them hurt, from a minor sprain to more serious problems like deep vein thrombosis.

Muscle Cramp

If you work your calf muscle too much, you can get a sudden pain in your leg. A muscle cramp can also happen if you hold a position too long or haven’t had enough water to drink. Most cramps are harmless and improve if you massage yourself, do gentle stretching, and apply a warm towel or heating pad. If it doesn’t get better, call your doctor. Although rare, muscle cramps can be caused by other health issues, like compressed nerves.

Muscle Strain

Stretch too far or put too much pressure on your calf, and you can strain your muscle. If so, you’ll have a dull ache that worsens when you move. Swelling, redness, or a bruise are also common, and it may hurt to rise up on your toes. Rest and ice can help. When you sit, try to raise your calf higher than hip height. You’ll also need to be patient. A pulled muscle can take up to 6 weeks to completely heal.

Baker’s Cyst

Fluid inside your knee helps it move smoothly, but an injury or arthritis can cause too much to build up in the back of your knee. If you have a Baker’s cyst, you’ll notice swelling and may not be able to straighten your knee. Swelling and redness can also spread to your calf. Sometimes, a Baker’s cyst goes away on its own. If not, your doctor may need to look for, and treat, the condition causing it.

Sciatica

If the sciatic nerve in your lower back gets pinched or inflamed, you’ll feel a burning pain down one, or both, of your legs. Sciatica pain can come and go. It may also get worse after you stand or walk. Ice packs, applied 20 minutes at a time, can help, as can over-the-counter pain medicine. You may also try massage, acupuncture, or yoga. If you still hurt, your doctor may suggest a steroid shot.

Chronic Compartment Syndrome

Inside your legs are pockets of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Excessive activity, like too much running, can cause bleeding or swelling inside them. If you have chronic compartment syndrome, a pressure buildup inside your muscles causes your blood flow to go down. Your calf may cramp or hurt when you move. You may see swelling or a muscle bulge. A break from the activity can help. In severe cases, you might need surgery.

Varicose Veins

If you stand or walk a lot, the pressure on your legs can cause varicose veins in one or both calves. These thick, bulging veins can cause pain, burning, swelling, and itching. Compression stockings can help. So can movement and exercise, which help pump blood from the calf. You can also prop up your leg when you sit, and try not to sit or stand for too long. Your doctor may also treat it by closing up or shrinking the veins.

Bone Infection

Although it’s not common, germs sometimes get into your bones and cause an infection, known as osteomyelitis. When the infection is in a lower leg bone, you’ll notice redness, swelling, and warmth in your calf. You may also have a fever and fatigue. If lab and imaging tests confirm that you have a bone infection, you may need antibiotics for treatment.

Neurogenic Claudication

The most common cause of this problem is spinal stenosis — a narrowing of spaces in your spine that puts pressure on nerves. You can have pain, tingling, or cramps in your legs, as well as your hips and bottom. It could get worse when you stand or walk, but will stop if you sit or lean forward. If you have neurogenic claudication, you may need surgery to ease the pressure on your nerves.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What Is a Straight Leg Raise Test?

in
Article featured on WebMD

Several aspects of your leg’s strength and stability can be determined with a straight leg raise test (SLR). A doctor performs a straightforward leg test by lying the patient flat on a bed and raising their legs while adding light resistance. The purpose of conducting this test is to review muscle and nerve function to get a better picture of the leg’s functionality. This test is popular for patients who suffer lower back pain. Defining part of a patient’s treatment strategy begins with a positive SLR result. Read on to discover some key elements of a straight leg raise test and common questions you should consider asking your physician.

A common test physicians use to identify impairments in disc pathology or lumbosacral nerve irritation, the Straight Leg Raise test or Lasegue test, is also crucial in detecting disc herniation and neural compression. This test can also be used for neurodynamic evaluation and to detect compression or tension on a nerve root. It is performed on people with lower back pain, and there are various conditions for a positive test.

This orthopedic examination test provides essential information to a physician who must decide if a patient should be referred to a specialist. When a physician attempts to determine whether your pain is nerve-related or mechanical (muscle and joint pain), this is often the first orthopedic test they perform and will help them determine the structures causing pain.

Before starting the test, expect your physician to ask you some questions, including when the pain began, how long you’ve had it, how you would describe it, and whether it’s been getting worse or better. Answering these questions honestly and to the best of your ability will provide your physician with a basis to discover the potential cause of your pain. Although physicians typically perform this test on the patient as they’re lying on their back, if this causes discomfort, you should talk to your doctor about changing positions.

While seated or lying down, your physician will check the range of motion on the unaffected side. Next, with your knee straightened, they will passively flex your hip. Both legs are tested individually, and as your physician slowly raises the leg on the side where you experience pain, be sure to advise them when you begin to feel any discomfort. Along with lifting your legs, your physician may ask you to extend your foot and flex your neck to stretch your nerve roots.

Some other tests used to test for lumbar radicular syndrome include:

  • Slump Test
  • Crossed Straight Leg Raise Test
  • Bowstring Test
  • Prone Knee Bending Test
A physician performs a crossed straight leg raise test the same way as a straight leg raise test, the only difference being that the test is only conducted on the unaffected leg. It is considered a positive result if symptoms are reproduced on the other leg while your doctor lifts the opposite leg. The test is negative when no symptoms are felt on the opposite leg.
During a seated straight leg raise test, your physician will have you sit on the exam table with your knees bent to 90 ° and slowly extend one of your knees from that starting point. Until you begin to feel pain, your doctor will continue to gently raise your knee until full extension is reached. Upon maximal extension, the test is negative if no pain is felt.

A reversed SLR test or prone knee bending test is often performed by your physician to check for possible neurological dysfunction in the lumbar spine. During this test, your doctor I’ll ask you to lay on your stomach and then passively flex your knee as far as possible or until your heel rests against your buttock. A positive prone knee bending test suggests that you may be experiencing irritation of nerve roots L2-L3.

Straight Leg Raise Test Positive The aim of adding modifications to this test is to stretch the sciatic nerve to find your source of pain and determine if a compressed or irritated nerve route is causing you to experience sciatic, spinal stenosis, or disc herniation. If doing this makes your pain worse or causes it to go away suddenly, it is generally considered a positive straight leg raise test. Additionally, apart from feeling tightness in your hamstring muscle, any pain you feel below your knee is considered a positive test. Your doctor will make note of the degree of hip flexion where you report pain. It is considered a positive result if you experience a reproduction of your regular symptoms between 30 and 70 degrees.
Straight Leg Raise Test Negative A negative result may indicate to your physician that additional diagnostic is necessary to pinpoint the source of your pain. For instance, you may receive a non-positive result if you are only experiencing lower back pain and aren’t experiencing any pain below your knee. With an SLR, your physician will be able to determine the best treatment for any conditions affecting the function of your quadriceps muscles or a nerve condition. Disruption of the patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, or kneecaps may result in an inability to perform an SLR test.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Signs Your Leg Pain May Require Spine Surgery

in ,

Article featured on Arkansas Surgical Hospital

Most people experience pain in their legs at some point in their lives, whether it’s caused by an injury or wear and tear on the muscles and tendons. Usually, the pain goes away as the underlying issue heals or improves over time—but sometimes, spine surgery may be necessary to alleviate the pain in your legs. Here are some signs that you should see a specialist about your leg pain.

Types of Leg Pain Caused by Spine Issues

Common symptoms affecting the leg that are caused by spinal issues include:

  • Pain that radiates down your leg
  • Muscle weakness in your legs
  • Numbness, burning, or tingling sensations down your leg
  • Pain in only one leg
  • A feeling like an electric shock traveling down your leg
  • Difficulty walking

There are many reasons someone may experience these symptoms, so it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause and if spinal surgery is needed.

Spine Conditions That Cause Leg Pain

Sciatica

If you experience a sharp, shooting pain in your leg that gets worse when you sit or stand, it could be sciatica. A herniated disc can cause this condition in your spine by pressing on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs.

In addition to leg pain, you may also have tingling, numbness, or weakness in your leg. It’s important to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms because they can lead to more serious problems.

Spinal Stenosis

One of the most common causes of leg pain is spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of spaces in your spine. This can put pressure on your nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs.

If you have spinal stenosis, you may notice that your pain worsens when you stand or walk for long periods. Sitting down or bending forward may help relieve your pain. Serious cases of spinal stenosis may require surgery to widen the space where the nerve is being compressed. While this doesn’t always eliminate pain, it typically makes it more manageable.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease can include numbness, tingling, and pain that shoots from the lower back down to your legs. If you experience these symptoms, consult a spine specialist for an examination. The specialist will use an x-ray and/or MRI to rule out a spinal fracture or other issues before diagnosing you with degenerative disc disease. Surgery may be needed if the cause is not detected early enough.

Treatment Options for Leg Pain Caused by Spine Issues

A few options are available if you are dealing with leg pain. Depending on the severity of your pain, you may find relief with over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, or steroid injections.

Spine surgery may be an option if your pain is severe and does not respond to these conservative treatments. Before pursuing surgery, talk to your doctor about your treatment options and get a second opinion from a spine specialist.

Surgery for Leg Pain Caused by Spine Issues

There are a few spine surgeries that can be performed. Some of the most common include:

  • Laminectomy, which removes bony growths from the spinal canal to relieve pressure on compressed nerve roots
  • Discectomy, which removes (and sometimes replaces) a herniated disc
  • Vertebral fusion, which stabilizes vertebrae in your spine by fusing them together

Is Your Leg Pain Caused by a Spine Problem?

If you’ve had leg pain for an extended period of time, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and speak with your doctor about the best treatment options for your condition. Spinal surgery might be necessary if your symptoms worsen quickly without relief or increase in intensity without any known cause.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

How to Avoid Shin Splints When Running

in ,

Article featured on Summit Ortho

You’ve finally done it — you’re off the couch and out on the running trail. You’re excited to begin your running journey, and the first few days feel pretty good. But then, you start to notice pain on the front of your shin. Your shins begin to feel more and more uncomfortable, and it’s really hard to run. You have developed shin splints, one of running’s most common injuries. Read on to learn how to avoid shin splints when running.

What are shin splints?

Shin splints are caused by inflammation in the muscles and tendons of the lower leg. They often happen to new runners because their bodies are not used to the increased stress in this area. In their enthusiasm, new runners do too much too soon and develop shin splints from overuse.

It’s important to differentiate shin splints from stress injuries, and they can present with similar types of pain. If you’ve had shin splint pain for more than a few weeks and it continues to worsen, you should see a sports medicine provider for evaluation.

Can I still run with shin splints?

Yes, you can still run with shin splints, but you should be careful. You can ice the area after running to help with the inflammation. It’s also a good idea to slow down a bit and not go for longer distances just yet. Your body will begin to adjust and strengthen the area in response to the increased stress, but it does take time.

Shin splints can also be caused, or made worse, by running in shoes without enough cushioning. The best running shoes for shin splints have good cushioning, shock absorption, and structure. If you’re feeling shin splint pain, it may be (past) time for a new pair.

Tips to avoid shin splints when running

To avoid shin splints, don’t increase the volume and intensity of running at the same time. If you’re adding distance to your weekly mileage, try not to add speed work at the same time.

Here are some other tips:

  1. Increase your running distance slowly.
  2. Make sure your shoes are in good condition — Shoes can wear out after just a few hundred miles of use.
  3. Change up your running surface — Running on a hard surface makes a high-impact exercise even higher impact. Try a softer surface, like a dirt trail or a treadmill rather than a concrete sidewalk.
  4. Rest — Running is wonderful exercise, but it also puts stress on the body. Take time to rest and recover.
  5. Vary your routine — Mix it up with some low-impact exercise days. You could swim or cycle, for example, and get good cardiovascular exercise without the pavement-pounding stress.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Radiating Pain in Your Leg? Best to See Your Doctor

in , ,

Article featured on Atlanta Spine Institute

Radiating Pain in Your Leg? Best to See Your Doctor

Have you noticed a sharp pain that’s been radiating down your leg? If so, you may be experiencing a herniated disc or damaged nerve. While it may be tempting to treat this type of pain on your own, it is in your best interest to visit your doctor as soon as possible. This is one of those symptoms that can lead to serious complications down the road if you decide to ignore it. Once you do visit a doctor for radiating pain in your leg, here’s what you can expect.

Physical Therapy

In the event the pain medication doesn’t do much, your doctor will recommend physical therapy sessions. These sessions can stretch and strengthen your muscles and eventually relieve your symptoms. You’ll go to a physical therapist on a regular basis and be responsible for performing their prescribed exercises at home.

Injections

If your radiating pain continues for more than a month or two, the next step will be a scan to pinpoint its root cause. You may also be referred to a pain management system. If your scan reveals a herniated disc that leads to a compressed nerve or compressed nerves due to aging your doctor will suggest spinal injections. The injections will deliver cortisone to your spinal column.

Surgery

Surgical intervention will be a last resort and only recommended if conservative measures don’t work. Your doctor will discuss the various surgical options available as well as the risks and anticipated outcomes of each so you can make an informed decision. Understand that you will need to try several conservative treatments before you even consider surgery.

So if you experience radiating leg pain, don’t ignore it. Consult your doctor who will design a treatment plan that is ideal for your unique case. You should also resume your daily activities as stopping them can weaken your spine and make the recovery process far more challenging.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Please see a healthcare professional for medical advice. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

How to Treat & Identify Calf Pain

in

Article featured on Cleveland Clinic

What is calf muscle pain?

Calf muscle pain can be a dull ache or a sharp pain in the back of your leg, behind your shinbone. It can feel a little different for everyone. If you get pain when you’ve been doing something physical like walking or running, the cause is generally muscular. But if the pain comes on suddenly without a clear cause, it could be a problem with your blood vessels.

Who gets calf muscle pain?

Anyone can get calf muscle pain. It’s more common in athletes and people who exercise and put excess stress on their calf muscles. People over age 65 are also at a higher risk of lower leg pain due to muscle weakness, certain health conditions or if they’ve been inactive.

Other factors that can make calf muscle pain more likely include:

  • Certain medications, including cholesterol-lowering drugs.
  • Diseases such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
  • Edema (swelling due to fluid build-up) in your lower leg.
  • Heat exhaustion.
  • Low electrolytes due to dehydration or dialysis (a procedure to clean your blood).
  • Pregnancy.
  • Short or tight calf muscles.
  • Smoking or using tobacco products.

Possible Causes

What causes calf muscle pain?

Calf muscle pain can have a variety of causes, including:

  • Claudication: Narrowed arteries can prevent your calf muscles from receiving enough blood, which deprives them of oxygen. Intermittent claudication can cause muscle pain when you exercise or walk. It’s especially common in people who smoke or who have diabetes or PAD.
  • Contusions: A direct blow to a muscle, such as a kick in the calf, can damage your muscle tissue without breaking your skin. Calf contusions usually cause bruising and soreness. Severe contusions can lead to compartment syndrome, a dangerous condition that prevents blood from getting to your leg muscles.
  • Cramps: Leg cramps occur when the muscles suddenly contract (shorten), causing a painful muscle spasm. A calf cramp is often called a “charley horse.” Cramps can be the result of dehydration or overexertion. A cramp might last for just a few seconds, but your muscle can feel sore for hours afterward. Leg cramps and calf muscle pain at night are very common.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): In rare cases, what seems like calf muscle pain can actually be DVT. This is a serious condition that causes a blood clot to form in your lower leg. It can lead to a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening.
  • Strains: A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when you overstretch your calf muscles. Severe overstretching can cause a torn calf muscle.
  • Tendonitis: Tendons attach your calf muscles to bones in your leg. Tendonitis (tendon inflammation) can put pressure on your calf muscle or make it painful for the muscle to work.

Care & Treatment

How is calf muscle pain treated?

You can usually treat mild calf muscle pain at home using the RICE method:

  • Rest: Avoid walking or running with calf muscle pain. Don’t push through pain, which can make the problem worse.
  • Ice: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your calf muscles for 20 minutes every two hours. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin.
  • Compression: Apply a compression bandage or wrap to your calf. Compression helps reduce blood flow to the painful area and minimize swelling.
  • Elevation: Lift your leg into an elevated position, preferably above the level of your heart. Support the entire length of your leg with pillows, blankets or cushions.

If you have sore calves from a muscle cramp or feel a painful knot in your calf muscle, it may help to gently stretch your calf.

Your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments depending on the cause of your calf pain, including:

  • Pain relievers.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Soft cast or boot to immobilize your lower leg in the case of a strain or tear.

How is vascular calf muscle pain treated?

If your healthcare provider determines your calf muscle pain is the result of claudication, treatments may include:

  • Diet modification to reduce your intake of sodium (salt), cholesterol, saturated fat and sugar.
  • Exercise.
  • Medications to manage high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Medication to prevent or treat blood clots.
  • Medications to improve blood flow in the legs.
  • Quitting smoking and using tobacco products.

Will I need surgery for calf muscle pain?

Most people don’t need surgery for calf muscle pain. In rare cases, people need surgery for torn calf muscles, blood clots or blocked arteries in the calf.

When to Call a Doctor

When should I contact my doctor about calf muscle pain?

Contact your doctor if you have:

  • Discoloration, such as very pale or bluish skin, in your leg, feet or toes.
  • Problems moving or walking.
  • Severe or sudden calf pain.
  • Swelling in your calf or anywhere in your lower leg.

Calf muscle pain is a common complaint and isn’t usually cause for alarm. But sometimes pain in your calf is a sign of a more serious condition, such as problems with the blood vessels in your leg. Seek help if the pain developed without activity or persists even with rest. This could be a sign of a more severe condition that needs to be evaluated.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

10 Tips for Getting Around on Crutches

in

Article featured on Healthgrades

1. Verify Your Fit

Properly fitting crutches can make the difference between comfort and calluses. When you’re standing up straight with your arms at your side, the top of the crutches should be 1 to 2 inches below your armpit, and the handgrips should be at wrist-level. Your elbow should be slightly bent in this position. If your crutches don’t feel right after using them for a day or two, don’t hesitate to ask your care team for a different size.

2. Walk This Way

To walk, start standing up straight on your good leg with your crutches gripped in your hands. Lean onto your good leg, lift your crutches, and set them down 6 to 12 inches in front of your good foot. Lean your weight into your hands and step your good leg 6 to 12 inches in front of your crutches. Rest as necessary and repeat. Always look ahead—and not down—as you walk. Your body will follow your gaze.

3. Get a (Cushioned) Grip

Your hands—not your armpits—should bear your weight when you use crutches. If you push your crutches into your armpits, nerve damage could occur and send pain down your arms. If your hard-working hands become sore, cushion the handgrips with an adhesive pad. Or consider wearing fingerless gloves with padding if you need to walk a far distance.

4. Scan for Obstacles

You certainly don’t want to take a tumble while you’re on crutches and risk injuring another body part, like a wrist or your good leg’s ankle. While you’re walking, be on the lookout for ice patches, puddles, curled-up rug edges, gravel, and small steps. Think about how to safely and slowly get past your obstacle—or find another way to get where you’re going.

5. Use Care When Sitting

Sit down slowly every time. Transfer both crutches to the hand on the same side as your injured leg. Lean into your crutches, then reach back with your free hand to feel the chair, sofa, stool or bed. Sit down into the seat. Be sure to set your crutches down upside-down within reach. When standing up, slide to the edge of the your seat, and reverse these steps. Keep the back of your good leg touching the seat.

6. Sit Down on the Steps

If there’s an elevator to take you up and down floors, use it. But if you need to negotiate stairs on crutches, The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends that you do so seated. That may feel odd, but it reduces your risk of a tumble and further injury. Be sure to push your crutches up or down in the direction you’re going before you start, so they’re available when you stand up again.

7. Contain Beverages and Foods

When you’re on crutches, carrying a cup of coffee or a sandwich to the couch can be a challenge without help. One way to do this on your own is to transport foods in closed travel containers, such as plastic containers or travel mugs. You can carry even more if you use a backpack or side-slung pack.

8. Equip Your Pad

You may spend more time at home than usual while your leg heals. So outfit your pad with props that save you time and effort. Use a wheeled office chair to roam the rooms of one level of your house. In the kitchen, set up a high, stable bar stool that you can lean on while you prepare food and drinks. And use (clean) trash grabbers or long barbeque tongs to pull small items down from tall shelves.

9. Care for Your Crutches

Once a week when you’re sitting down, check your crutches for anything that may weaken their support. Look for things like loose hardware, worn tips, and items like small rocks or stickers that have become lodged to the rubber ends. The more sturdy your crutches are, the more steady your pace will be.

10. Embrace Your Pace

You simply aren’t going to get around as quickly or as easily on crutches as you could before them. Give yourself plenty of time to get everywhere. And give yourself a pass on most of the items on your to-do list for a bit. The more slowly you go, and the more rest you give yourself and your injured leg, the more quickly you’ll regain strength and speed. And ultimately, you’ll recover quickly and safely.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

6 Things to Know About Shin Splints

in

Article features on Healthgrades

Shin Splints: Treatment and Prevention

If you’ve ever had a shin splint, you know all about this unique shooting pain. “Shin splint” is the everyday name for tibial stress syndrome—pain and tenderness in the shinbone (tibia) in the front of your leg. Shin splints happen when there’s too much stress on this bone and tissues in your lower leg. The good news about shin splints is there are ways to treat the pain and keep the condition from happening again. Here are key things to help you cope with and prevent shin splints.

1. Shin splints are common.

Many athletes develop shin splints at some point. So do dancers, runners and people in the military. People with flat feet or a very high arch are also prone to having shin splints. You’re more likely to develop shin splints when you push yourself too hard during exercise. Running or doing other exercise too vigorously can cause shin splints. Increasing the length of your workouts too quickly can cause them, too. Exercising on an uneven surface or a very hard surface, like concrete, increases your risk. Wearing old shoes without proper cushioning and support also can lead to shin splints.

2. Know the signs.

Pain from shin splints usually runs along the inside of the front of the bone in your lower leg. It usually occurs in both legs. Your legs will feel sore and tender. They might even swell. The pain from shin splints usually gets better when you take a break from exercise. It often comes back when you start exercising again.

3. Diagnosis is simple.

A doctor can usually diagnose shin splits by doing a physical exam and asking about your medical history and activities. Sometimes, you’ll need an X-ray to rule out other causes of the pain.

4. Don’t push through the pain of shin splints.

It’s important to challenge yourself when you exercise. However, shin splints are typically a sign you’re pushing yourself too hard. If you’re a runner, it may mean you need to change your shoes or where you’re running. Give your body a rest if you develop shin splints. If not, you could develop a stress fracture in your lower leg.

5. You can often treat shin splints yourself.

You don’t usually need to see a doctor to treat a bout of shin splints. Take a break from very heavy exercise that strains your lower leg, like running. Instead, try biking, swimming or walking. Soothe the pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Try acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen. Ease inflammation in your shins with ice. Protect your legs with a thin towel, and then put an ice pack over your shins for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can repeat this several times a day for a few days. As you start to feel better, slowly return to exercise. Very gradually increase the time and intensity of your workouts.

6. Take steps to prevent shin splints.

Give your legs a strong support system. Buy a good pair of cushioned shoes meant for the activity you’re doing. Consider using a pair of arch supports or other inserts that provide more cushioning. Always stretch before you exercise. If you’re a runner, take a look at your form to see if you can make changes in your stride. That could help relieve stress on your shins. Even when you want to challenge yourself with exercise, remember to not go overboard. Mix in other exercises that don’t put as much impact on your shins—like strength training, yoga, biking, walking or swimming.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

7 Causes of Shin Pain

in

Article featured on MedicalNewsToday, medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP — Written by Anna Smith on July 23, 2020

People may typically associate shin pain with shin splints. However, other issues can also cause shin pain.

Medial tibial stress syndrome, or shin splints, is the inflammation of the tendons, muscles, and bone tissue around the tibia. People describe shin splint pain as sharp, or dull and throbbing.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), shin splints are a common cause of shin pain, there are many other causes of shin pain, such as an injury, bone bruise, or stress fracture.

This article will cover a range of reasons why a person may have shin pain, as well as symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent them.

1. Minor injury

A person who has an injury to their shinbone from a fall or blow may experience some pain or bruising.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a minor injury can include:

  • swelling
  • pain
  • bruising
  • a bump
  • bleeding
  • weakness or stiffness in the leg

Treatment

Minor injuries due to a blow to the shin will generally heal quickly. A person with a minor injury to their shin can treat it in the following ways:

  • resting
  • using an ice pack, making sure not to place ice directly on the skin
  • lightly wrapping the injury in a bandage
  • elevating the leg above the heart to help stop any bleeding or swelling

2. Bone bruise

A bone bruise on the shin can occur due to injury, such as a fall or playing sports.

A bone bruise occurs when a traumatic injury to a bone damages blood vessels and blood and other fluids build up in tissues. This causes discoloration to the skin around the damaged area, but the injury is typically deeper than the familiar bruises that appear on the skin. Although a person can bruise any bone, bones nearer the skin, such as the shin, are most common.

Symptoms

It is not always possible to detect whether the bruise is a superficial skin injury or on the bone. Symptoms of a bone bruise on the shin can include:

  • prolonged pain or tenderness
  • swelling in the soft tissue or joint
  • stiffness
  • discoloration in the injured area

Treatment

A person can treat their bone bruise in the following ways:

  • resting
  • applying ice
  • using pain medication
  • raising the leg to reduce swelling
  • wearing a brace to limit movement if required

For more severe bruises, a doctor may need to drain the bruise to remove excess fluid.

3. Stress fracture

Stress fractures occur when muscles become tired through overuse, and they are unable to absorb any extra stress.

When this happens, the muscle transfers the stress to the bone. This causes tiny cracks, or stress fractures, to form. According to the AFP, females, athletes, and military recruits are at higher risk of developing stress fractures.

Stress fractures can be the result of:

  • increasing physical activity suddenly
  • wearing improper footwear, such as worn or inflexible shoes
  • running more than 25 miles per week
  • repetitive, high-intensity training

Females, athletes, and military recruits are all at a higher risk of developing stress fractures, according to the AFP.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stress fracture in the shinbone include:

  • shin pain when touching or putting weight on the leg
  • prolonged pain
  • tenderness at the site of injury
  • swelling at the site of injury

A stress fracture requires immediate treatment to prevent the small crack from getting bigger.

Treatment

A person who has a stress fracture can treat it in the following ways:

  • reducing activity
  • taking anti-inflammatory drugs
  • using a compression bandage
  • using crutches

4. Bone fracture

The shinbone is the long bone that people fracture most often, according to the AAOS. A fracture to the shinbone can occur due to significant trauma to the leg, such as from a car accident or a bad fall.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a fractured tibia include:

  • severe, immediate pain
  • deformity of the leg
  • possible loss of feeling in the foot
  • bone pushing out skin, or poking through the skin

If a doctor suspects a person has broken their shinbone, they will confirm it with an X-ray.

Treatment

Treatment for a fracture will depend on the type of fracture a person has. For less serious fractures, treatment involves:

  • wearing a splint until the swelling reduces
  • wearing a cast to immobilize the leg
  • wearing a brace to protect and support the leg until fully healed

If the person has an open fracture or one that does not heal with nonsurgical methods, it may require surgery.

5. Adamantinoma and osteofibrous dysplasia

According to the AAOS, adamantinoma and osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD) are rare forms of bone tumors that often begin growing in the shinbone. There are many similarities between the two tumors, and doctors think that they are related. Adamantinoma is a slow-growing, cancerous tumor that accounts for less than 1% of all bone cancers.

Adamantinoma can spread to other parts of the bone. According to the National Cancer Institute, adamantinoma typically appears in young people after their bones have stopped growing. OFD also accounts for less than 1% of all tumors in bones. It is a noncancerous tumor that does not spread and often forms during childhood.A third type of tumor called OFD-like adamantinoma contains cancerous and noncancerous cells and does not spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of both tumors include:

  • swelling near the tumor site
  • pain near the tumor site
  • fracture due to the tumor weakening the bone
  • bowing of the lower leg

Treatment

A healthcare professional will observe and suggest X-rays for both OFD and OFD-like adamantinoma.

  • If the tumor causes the leg to bow, the doctor may recommend wearing a brace.
  • If the tumor causes deformity or bone fractures, a doctor may recommend surgery.

Adamantinomas will require surgery to remove them as they do not respond to chemotherapy or other cancer treatment.

6. Paget’s disease of the bone

Paget’s disease of the bone is a disease of the skeleton that causes newly forming bone to become abnormally shaped, weak, and brittle. Although Paget’s disease can affect any bone in the body, it mainly appears in the spine, pelvis, femur, and shinbone.

Symptoms

Up to 70%of people with Paget’s disease will have no symptoms. However, if symptoms are present, they can include:

  • bone pain
  • dull pain
  • bending of bones
  • bone fractures
  • loss of sensation or movement
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • constipation
  • abdominal pain

Treatment

If a person does not experience any symptoms from Paget’s disease, a doctor may simply monitor it. Treatments for Paget’s disease can include:

  • anti-inflammatory drugs
  • using a cane or brace
  • bisphosphonate medications
  • surgery

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday