Dr. K. Lam Straight Talk
Secrets and frank discussion about common foot and ankle problems.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Monday, December 31, 2018
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Things You Should Know If You are Considering Bunion Surgery
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bony deformity found at the base of the big
toe. More commonly found in women, this condition is also called hallux valgus.
A number of female celebrities also have bunions on their feet like Posh Spice Victoria Beckham, Hidden Dragon Crouching Tiger actress
Michelle Yeoh, Emmy Award Nominee Christina Hendricks, TV personality, socialite,
and heiress Paris Hilton, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, George Clooney’s wife
Amal, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and even America's favorite queen of talk,
Oprah Winfrey.
The bump is caused by a shift or deviation of the bone in
your large toe. It can cause pain, inflammation, and/or redness. When the
outside of the foot at the base of the little toe is affected, this is referred
to as tailor’s bunion or a bunionette.
The other signs and symptoms of bunions include
- a bony bump on the outside edge of the foot
- pain over the big toe joint that’s made worse by pressure from high heels or tight shoes
- swelling over the big toe joint
- sore skin over the top of the bunion
- hard, callused and red skin
- noticeable change in the shape of the foot
- finding shoes that fit because of the altered shape of the foot
Bunions may start small but over time, it may become bigger.
If one continues to wear tight narrow shoes, it can be more painful and
difficult to walk.
The exact cause of bunions in not known but genetics seems
to play a big role. Other possible causes are existing foot conditions like
flat feet, high arches, overpronation and various foot problems like arthritis,
sprains, and fractures. Wearing shoes that do not fit well or very high-heeled
tight shoes may not actually cause bunions but may make the deformity progressively
worse.
Conservative Treatment for Bunions
There are a number of nonsurgical ways to manage bunions. The
first step is to wear the right type of shoes. These should be wide enough especially
in the toe box to accommodate the bunion. Shoes with flexible soles to support
the foot are also helpful. Shoes with a back should be able to keep the heels
snugly in place. Keep away from high-heeled shoes. Anything higher than an inch
can put undue stress on the bunion.
In cases where the bunion is irritated and painful, either ice
packs or warm soaks can soothe the soreness. Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory
medications or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin may help with the pain. For
more severe cases, cortisone injections can temporarily relieve pain by
reducing inflammation but they can have side effects especially in high doses
and multiple shots.
A simpler method to involves the use of a thermoplastic
splint. This is supposed to relieve bunion pain, straighten the big toe, and
reduce the size of the bump. With proper compliance, patients can resume their with
lesser to no pain. Splints may also provide bunion pain relief for those with
severe stages of bunion.
Passive and active exercises may also relieve bunion
symptoms and increase flexibility. These include toe stretches, toe flexing and
contracting, ball roll, resistance exercises, towel curls, picking up marbles
with the toes, and even walking along the beach or sand which serves as a
gentle foot massage.
Keeping a normal weight also helps with bunion problems.
Gel-filled pads or moleskin are readily available at
drugstores. Similarly, these provide support and relieve bunion pain.
However, it is important to note that these conservative
measures will not get rid of the bunion because the bunion is a biomechanical
deformity. These can only help in relieving the symptoms or may delay its
progression. The only way to treat bunions is through bunion surgery.
When is surgery needed for bunion?
When all conservative and nonsurgical bunion treatments fail
and the pain interferes with the daily activities, then it may be time to visit
your podiatrist. Discuss your options and the different surgical methods for
bunion treatment.
The traditional bunion surgery involves a long incision and
has a reputation of being painful with a lengthy recovery period. The cut is
done to expose the bulging bone. Then a part of the metatarsal head is removed,
then the bone is cut around the neck of the metatarsal bone. The free head is
repositioned to a more normal position. Once the bones are well-positioned they
are pinned to place and excess bone is removed. In traditional bunion surgery
expect swelling and pain after surgery and it takes 6 to 8 weeks of recovery
time.
The newer methods for removing bunions such as the minimally
invasive bunion surgery involve very small incision.
The modified Lam /scarless bunion surgery is an innovative method that is virtually painless and
scarless bunion treatment.
Dr. Kevin Lam, a Double Certified foot and ankle
surgeon in Naples, Florida has developed the Lam modification bunion surgery
which utilizes a very small incision, minimal discomfort, and virtually
painless scarless bunion surgery.
The new fixation technique allows a patient
to be up and about the same day!
It is very important that this ground-breaking
technique is performed by a specialist foot and ankle surgeon who has extensive
experience in all bunion surgery techniques.
For more infomation, call or visit
any of the Family Foot and Leg Center, P.A. offices conveniently
located in Naples (Goodlette Medical Park), North Naples (Royal Palm Medical
Building, Medical Blvd), and East Naples (Gridley Building, Tamiami Trail East)
or contact (239) 430-3668 (FOOT)
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Relive your younger days with Stem Cell therapy
Stem Cell Therapy Using Amniotic Stem Cells and Marrow Cellution™ System
Stem Cell Treatment Options at Regenerative Medicine of Naples
Get back to Golf, Tennis and the Beach Faster to Enjoy the SWFL lifestyle
www.TopStemCell.com
Naples, Florida – Stem cells have the extraordinary potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. They have the potential to remain as stem cells or become more specialized cells such as muscle cells, red blood cells, bone cells, and the like. These cells divide continuously to replenish other cells and thus serve as a sort of internal repair system.
Considering their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells give hope for patients with degenerative conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, tendon tears and other inflammatory conditions. Non-responders to conventional therapies should consider a stem cell approach before using long-term steroidal, non-steroidal treatments, and/or surgery. This cell-based therapy to treat diseases is also referred to as regenerative medicine.
In Naples, Florida, there are two stem cell treatment options offered at the Regenerative Center of Naples, topstemcell.com. First is by using natural amniotic tissue derived stem cells, which are cells found in amniotic fluid and are obtained from, FDA, registered tissue banks. Upon injection, the amniotic stem cells can be transformed into a more versatile state similar to embryonic stem cells and take advantage of the body’s ability to repair itself. The next option is by bone marrow aspirate stem cells using the Marrow Cellution™ System. Its patent-pending technology allows doctors to harvest high quality stem and progenitor cells from various levels within the marrow space, while limiting peripheral blood contamination. The result is a bone marrow harvest that is rich in key stem and progenitor cells that may be used in a range of regenerative therapies. Both of these cutting-edge treatments are utilized to successfully treat patients with degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and more. In severe cases, these two procedures may be combined to get the optimal active results.
With stem cell treatment, the natural repair process of degenerated and injured ligaments, tendons, and arthritis joints is enhanced. After the stem cell injection procedure, patients are typically able to return to normal activities. Patients are able to avoid the painful and lengthy rehabilitation periods following more invasive procedures like surgery.
The Regenerative Center of Naples is headed by Dr. Kevin Lam, a premier podiatrist whose total expertise focuses on the foot, ankle, leg, and related injuries and ailments. He is highly regarded by the Naples community as being one of the most qualified podiatrists, having been named among America’s Top Podiatrists in 2011 and in 2014. He was always on the cutting-edge in the field. Why offer stem cell treatments? “Treating patients and getting them better is my passion. Conservative care will always be an option that is explored and exhausted prior to surgery.” Dr. Lam said. “As a leading center that specializes in regenerative therapy, we provide the safest and most efficient individualized treatment program with our expert medical team, our advanced technologies and our excellent medical care.”
For more information on complete foot and lower leg care, visit www.topstemcell.com or call (239) 430-3668.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Work place injury
Foot and ankle injuries can be debilitating. A fall off a ladder, object falling on your feet, or a crush injury can drastically change your life and end your career. Quick proper care is important.
Report such injuries to your HR or manager immediately and seek medical attention via urgent care center or ER immediately. Testing such as xrays, CTs or MRIs should be done to find any acute injuries. Acute meaning recently, as if you get the studies later it may be difficult to delineate what you really injured at work vs a chronic or previous condition. After the initial evaluation your case worker will assign you to a specialist or clinic for continued care.
At FFLC we take pride in getting injured workers back to work in a timely manner, with or without surgery.
Monday, November 30, 2015
BIG Toe pain after Thanksgiving feast
You just may have the GOUT. What is Gout aka Podagra? Formerly known as the rich man's disease. Ben Franklin had it, Kings of England had it. It is typically an overconsumption of "rich" foods such as red meat, turkey, shellfish, and red wine. Any overload of protein from any source can bring this about.
Presentation:
inflammation of the big toe or ankle joint with extreme pain and occurs all of a sudden after a heavy protein meal such as thanksgiving.
Can be confused with:
Cellulitis or an infection, they look the same upon presentation and can be confusing. Sometimes, a physician will give medication for both.
How is it diagnosed?
Blood uric acid levels are inaccurate for acute or immediate attacks.
Joint fluid aspiration aka obtaining fluid from the offending joint via a needle will yield the most accurate diagnosis.
How is it treated?
Cortisone injection
NSAIDS
Fluids
Sometimes medication to control the uric acid
Gout vitamins such as GOUTTROL with natural ingredients to help aid in the inflammation control .
See your podiatrist for this for immediate care and relief.
Presentation:
inflammation of the big toe or ankle joint with extreme pain and occurs all of a sudden after a heavy protein meal such as thanksgiving.
Can be confused with:
Cellulitis or an infection, they look the same upon presentation and can be confusing. Sometimes, a physician will give medication for both.
How is it diagnosed?
Blood uric acid levels are inaccurate for acute or immediate attacks.
Joint fluid aspiration aka obtaining fluid from the offending joint via a needle will yield the most accurate diagnosis.
How is it treated?
Cortisone injection
NSAIDS
Fluids
Sometimes medication to control the uric acid
Gout vitamins such as GOUTTROL with natural ingredients to help aid in the inflammation control .
See your podiatrist for this for immediate care and relief.
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