Your feet and ankles are under a great amount of stress every day. This is especially true if you’re an athlete or do work that requires standing for any long period of time. You can quickly begin to develop pain in your feet and ankles. If you do find yourself with pain in these areas on a regular basis, you may wonder what you can do about it that doesn’t require taking over-the-counter medications every day. Here are a few tips for dealing with foot and ankle pain.
Rest
One of the best things you can do for your hurt foot or ankle is to rest it. Take breaks during the day whenever possible. Even if you only sit down for ten minutes, that period of rest is helpful. If the pain level increases or if you’re dealing with recurring pain every day, it’s time to consult a medical professional and to talk to your employer about changing your work habit, at least temporarily. Pain is never something you should try to work through—it’s a warning sign that something is wrong and that you need to address the issue immediately before it gets worse.
Elevate Your Legs
Elevating your legs so that your feet are at least six inches above your heart will help take some of the pressure off of your leg veins. It promotes the flow of blood and helps reduce inflammation. After a long day of being on your feet, try to take at least 15 minutes to lay down and elevate your legs. If at all possible, do this three times a day. If your break room has a sofa, try to elevate your legs during your lunch break.
Make Sure You’re Wearing the Right Shoes
Wearing shoes that fully support your arches can do wonders for your feet, ankles, legs, and even your back. You may want to look for shoes that are designed for long periods of standing, or you may want to work with an orthopedics expert to get custom arch supports you slip into your shoes. Either way can help.
We’re Here for You
The experts here at Maximum Orthopedics have years of experience in treating a number of different foot and ankle issues. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your pain and how you can manage or, better yet, eliminate it completely.
-
Posted on: Mar 31 2020
-
By: admin
Dealing with stress and anxiety is something many people are familiar with. Balancing work, family life, hobbies, and everything else can become very overwhelming, and it seems like there’s never a break to relax. While you may not have time to book a spa day, you can book an appointment with your chiropractor. Chiropractic care is actually a way of treating stress and anxiety without taking any medication.
How Anxiety and Stress Affect the Body
If you’re always feeling anxious or stressed, it affects your body in a number of different ways. Your blood pressure and heart rate may often be elevated. Your muscles may tense up, causing you to physically hurt. This can also cause your spine to get locked out of place, which will impair your nervous system’s ability to function properly. That, in turn, can actually affect your immune response and healing time.
In addition to these direct effects, being anxious or stressed often leads to things such as stress eating or smoking as a way of coping. You may also stop exercising and not sleep as well. All of this can increase your chances of a wide number of diseases and other conditions.
How Chiropractors Help
Chiropractors can help relieve the tension in your muscles and realign your spine. This helps reduce the stress you carry without throughout the day. It allows your nervous system to function efficiently, and it loosens up your body so you can exercise without hurting yourself. By realigning your spine, you may also find that you can sleep better, too.
When it comes to anxiety, much of the same is true. By relieving physical pain and tension, your entire quality of life can improve. This, in turn, helps improve your overall mental health and will help make you less anxious. Having a realignment can also help reduce migraines and other headaches, which can make you feel stressed out and anxious.
Need a Chiropractor?
If you’re in need of a chiropractor or have questions about how chiropractic care can help your stress or anxiety, we’re here to help. Contact Maximum Orthopedics today to make an appointment to speak to an expert.
-
Posted on: Mar 15 2020
-
By: admin
When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you may be under the assumption that your employer and their workers’ comp insurance will happily cover all of your medical costs, lost wages, and other bills. However, unfortunately, many workers’ comp insurance companies do everything they can to limit how much they pay out. This means it often becomes you verses the insurance company. Unfortunately, they often hold the power here and can deny your claim for a number of minor reasons. That’s why it’s important you do everything possible to give them no reason to try denying your injuries. That includes working with a doctor who is certified by the workers’ compensation board. Here’s why it’s important that your doctor is certified by the board.
They Understand the Paperwork
The paperwork surrounding a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing, and it all has to be filed by specific deadlines. Working with a doctor familiar with all of this paperwork and the regulations surrounding it will help ensure that everything is filed correctly and on time.
They Know What Tests to Do
They also understand what tests will be needed to show the insurance company that you truly are injured and unable to work. They can also often anticipate what you’ll need to show in court should you have to fight for your workers’ compensation benefits. They can help you be prepared to fight any challenge to your benefits because they’ve seen what insurance companies do and can often beat them at their own game.
They Advocate for You
Your doctor is one of your primary advocates in your fight for workers’ comp. In New York, you’re allowed to see any doctor you want—neither your employer nor their workers’ comp insurance company can require you to see a specific doctor. This means your doctor isn’t depending on the insurance company for a paycheck, so they can fully advocate for your rights and your case without worrying about their job.
If you’re in need of a workers’ comp expert to help you with your injury and your case, the team at Maximum Orthopedics is here to help. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.
-
Posted on: Feb 29 2020
-
By: admin
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is something many people deal with. Studies have shown that in the U.S. alone, up to 12 million people deal with this issue. Carpal Tunnel is known for the pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling that it causes in the hand, fingers, wrist, and arm. But what is this orthopedic condition, and what can you do about it if you begin experiencing any of these symptoms?
The Median Nerve Explained
Your median nerve runs from the lower arm through your wrist and into the palm of your hand. The median nerve is the main nerve that carries signals and sensations from the middle finger, index finger, part of the ring finger, and the thumb. It’s encased by the carpal tunnel. When this tunnel becomes inflamed, it puts pressure on the median nerve. This causes the pain, tingling, and numbness that are the signature symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
When Does Carpal Tunnel Occur?
Anyone can experience carpal tunnel. It can affect either hand or both. In fact, more than half the people who experience carpal tunnel syndrome do have it in both hands. Women due tend to deal with carpal tunnel syndrome more than men. Typically, the condition is diagnosed in individuals between age 30 and 60, though it can affect younger and older patients. People with carpal tunnel often also suffer from a number of other illnesses, including high blood pressure and thyroid disorders. Injuries, genetics, smoking, being overweight, and even pregnancy can also contribute to developing carpal tunnel.
Your occupation can also impact how likely you are to develop carpal tunnel. Those who perform repetitive motions with their hands and wrists may be more at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. This includes working on the computer typing, doing assembly line work, and playing the piano.
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you’ve been experiencing any odd sensation in your hands, it’s time to visit the experts at Maximum Orthopedics for a diagnosis. We will assess your symptoms and perform a basic physical exam to determine if you’re dealing with carpal tunnel or not. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
-
Posted on: Feb 15 2020
-
By: admin
If you’ve been injured or have certain conditions, your doctor may recommend physical therapy in order to restore movement and reduce the pain you’re in. In other cases, they may recommend physical therapy as a preventative measure. Either way, you always have the option to say no or to stop physical therapy after a few sessions. However, while that may be the case, there are many reasons why you should do physical therapy.
It Reduces Pain
You shouldn’t have to live life with pain, nor should you have to take medication every day. Physical therapy may be an alternative to surgery that can reduce or even completely eliminate the pain you’re in. If you don’t follow through with the therapy, though, you may find that the pain returns or never fully vanishes.
It Reduces Recovery Time
While physical therapy can help you avoid surgery, there may be some cases where it’s not fully effective. Even if you do need surgery, the physical therapy has strengthened that part of your body. You’re going into surgery in a better position that you would have otherwise. This can reduce the amount of time it takes to recover from the procedure.
Prevent Injuries from Overworked Muscles and Joints
If you have a physically demanding job or are an athlete, you put your body under serious strain regularly. There are some physical therapy exercises that are designed to help protect your body by preventing injury. Runners, for instance, can benefit from physical therapy exercises designed to help strengthen their legs or relax their muscles after practice.
Prevent Age-Related Pain
As you age, your body begins to break down. You may develop a number of different age-related conditions that are painful. There are some physical therapy options that will help you avoid joint pain, arthritis, and other conditions. While you may still suffer from these ailments, the pain and movement restrictions may not be as bad. Physical therapy can also help with medical conditions such as diabetes.
Are you living with chronic pain? If so, it’s time to become pain-free. Contact Maximum Orthopedics today to discuss how physical therapy could help you.
-
Posted on: Jan 31 2020
-
By: admin
There are many different injuries that affect the knee, ankle, and foot. Because all three parts of the body are put under a good amount of stress every day as you walk and stand, it’s not uncommon to experience a number of knee, ankle, and foot injuries throughout your life. Some may heal on their own, but others may require orthopedic surgery. Here are a few of the most common injuries for each.
Knee Injuries
One of the most common injuries is a knee dislocation. This occurs when the bones move out of place. You can dislocate your knee from doing something as simple as falling. Many athletes also suffer from knee dislocations.
Another common injury is bursitis. This occurs when the bursae, small sacs in the joint that help with cushioning the knee and with the movement of the ligaments, become inflamed. Generally, bursitis isn’t series and can be treated with rest.
Patellar tendinitis is another issue. It occurs when the tendon between the shinbone and kneecap is injured.
Ankle Injuries
Spraining your ankle is a fairly common injury that many people experience. Fortunately, it’s also usually not serious. It occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched a little too far. Usually, resting and icing the area is all that’s necessary, but if the ligaments actually tear, you may need additional treatment.
Fracturing your ankle is another condition that can easily happen if you step in a hole, fall down stairs, or otherwise damage your ankle. The bones holding the ankle to the leg can fracture or even break. This often takes a number of weeks to heal.
Foot Injuries
Finally, you can injure your foot by falling, dropping something on it, or being in an accident. Stress fractures are a common foot injury that results in microscopic cracks in the bones of the foot. These fractures are caused by repetitive impacts on the foot. Fortunately, they aren’t as painful or as serious as a fractured ankle, but the damage can add up over time. If you don’t take the time to let your body heal between exercising, long distance running, or other physical activities that place stress on your feet, these fractures can become worse.
If you have injured your knee, ankle, or foot, don’t put off seeking medical treatment. The injury could become worse and result in permanent damage. Contact Maximum Orthopedics today to schedule an appointment so we can diagnose the injury and treat it.
-
Posted on: Jan 15 2020
-
By: admin
There are a lot of different myths and misconceptions about disability benefits, especially permanent disability. If you’ve been injured or have an illness that makes it difficult or impossible for you to work regularly, you need to consider applying for permanent disability. However, you want to make certain you understand the myths around it and educate yourself about the process and what permanent disability benefits mean.
Myth: You Can’t Work with Benefits
Many people believe you can’t work at all while applying for disability or receiving benefits. That’s not the case. In fact, there’s a monthly limit to the amount of money you can earn from work while on disability. You can also earn money from investments and interest you make on investments. If you’re married, your there’s no limit on how much money your spouse can make.
Myth: Everyone Who Applies is Denied the First Time
Most people have heard that they will be denied benefits the first time they apply. While it’s true that many people who do apply are denied at first, but if you fill out all of the necessary paperwork and have all of the required documentation, you can certainly be approved for your benefits right away.
Myth: Young People Can’t get Permanent Disability
Another misconception people have about disability is that it’s only available to older people. They believe that if they’re not near retirement age, they can’t get benefits. That’s not true at all. You actually become eligible to receive disability when you turn 18, but the amount you receive depends on how much you’ve paid into social security. Older people will usually be eligible for more monthly benefits than young people, which is likely the basis of this myth.
Your Benefits Will Fully Replace Your Income
Sadly, this is a myth. Your benefits are calculated based off of your lifetime average wage. That means if you’ve had a low paying job for much of your life, but had a higher paying job for the last two years, your benefits won’t match that higher salary.
Need Help Applying?
If you need assistance applying for permanent disability, the experts at Maximum Orthopedics can help. Contact us today to discuss your case.
-
Posted on: Dec 30 2019
-
By: admin
If you’re in pain, but don’t want to take pain medication all the time, you may have heard about therapeutic ultrasound. This pain management option isn’t something many people understand or even know about most. Most think of ultrasounds in relation to pregnancy, but the technology can be used for much more. In fact, ultrasounds have been used to treat pain as far back as the 1940s!
How Does it Work?
Therapeutic ultrasound is done in much the same way as ultrasounds used to view a fetus is done. The doctor will first apply a transmission gel to the area. Next, they run an ultrasound probe over that area. The gel transfers the vibrations from the probe to the skin.
How Does it Help?
Ultrasound vibrations help increase the flow of blood in the area where they’re applied to. This can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Some studies even suggest that it helps bone fractures heal faster. If you have pain caused by old scar tissue, high intensity ultrasounds can help break that tissue down and relieve the pain. Ultrasound is often used to treat injuries to soft tissue, muscle spasms, and non-acute joint swelling.
Another way ultrasounds can be used in treatment is called phonophoresis. This is a way of administering medication beneath the skin without using a needle. The ultrasound vibrations actually push the medication through the upper layer of the skin.
What to Expect from a Treatment
An ultrasound session doesn’t take long at all. Typically, the doctor will run the probe over the area for about five minutes. However, if the ultrasound is being used to break down scar tissue, it can take longer. During the treatment, the doctor will continue to move the probe around the area. You won’t feel any pain at all. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to have ultrasounds done several times.
Do You Suffer from Chronic Pain?
If you have pain that you believe could be treated by ultrasound or want to know if ultrasound therapy is an option, contact Maximum Orthopedics today to set up a consultation.
-
Posted on: Dec 15 2019
-
By: admin
If you’ve been in an auto accident, you may find yourself going into shock. Shock is a physical condition that occurs when the blood flowing through your body suddenly decreases. It can come from a number of things in addition to an accident, including an infection, an allergic reaction, and even from heatstroke. Shock is a major condition that needs to be taken seriously because it means your organs are not getting the oxygen and blood they need.
The Signs of Shock
It can often be difficult to tell if you’re in shock yourself since some of the most common signs are appearance. Your skin may look pale, your pupils may dilate, and you may find that you feel cool or clammy to the touch. The tips of your fingers or lips can also become somewhat blue or gray in color.
While you may not necessarily notice these signs of shock yourself, you can take note of your breathing and pulse. If both are rapid, you may be in shock. Other signs include vomiting, nausea, weakness, dizziness, and feeling agitated or anxious.
You don’t need to have all of these symptoms to be in shock. In the early stages of shock, you may only experience one or two of them, but the longer the condition goes on, the more symptoms may come on.
What to Do When in Shock
If you’re in shock, you need to call 911 or let someone know that you need medical assistance as soon as possible. Lie down and elevate your legs unless doing so would cause you further injury or causes pain. Do your best not to move. Don’t eat or drink anything, and loosen your clothing if it feels too tight. If you believe you’re going to start vomiting, you may turn on your side unless doing so causes pain.
The most important thing is to call for medical assistance or let someone know that you need help. Shock is serious, and without help, your organs can be permanently damaged due to lack of oxygen.
If you’re in shock due to an auto accident, the condition needs to be included in any claim you file. The doctors at Maximum Orthopedics can help you file the correct paperwork and submit all of the necessary medical documents needed. Call today to discuss your case.
-
Posted on: Nov 30 2019
-
By: admin
If you’re thinking about filing a workers comp case or if you’ve been asked to testify in a workers comp case, you may be concerned about losing your job or facing some other type of retaliation from your employer. Fortunately, the law provides a number of protections against retaliation.
You Can’t Be Fired
If you file a workers comp claim, it’s illegal for you to be fired in most states, including New York. According to the New York State Workers Compensation Board, your employer cannot fire you or in any other way discriminate or retaliate against you. This protection covers both employees who file workers comp cases and those who are called to testify or provide information in these cases.
You Also Can’t Be Demoted or Otherwise Penalized
If you’re suddenly demoted without a legitimate reason or believe you’re being penalized in some way, you can report your employer to the board and file a complaint. This includes being given lesser work or assignments, having your pay reduced, and being harassed. The bottom line is that your employer cannot prevent you from filing or testifying in a workers comp case, and they cannot do anything to penalize you for doing so, either.
What If They Do?
It’s important to also note that New York is what’s considered an “employment-at-will” state. This means that employers do have the right to fire employees for any reason at any time. What many will do is document any small infraction you make and then cite that infraction as the reason for your termination rather than going against the protections provided in workers comp. This can make it very difficult to bring a wrongful termination case against them, especially if they have solid documentation against you and didn’t move to terminate you right away.
Employers may be tempted to retaliate against employees who cost them money, especially if they were forced to pay out a large sum in a workers comp case. If you filed such a case or testified in one and were later fired, you need to seek legal assistance if you plan on fighting that termination.
You also want to make certain your workers comp claim is as solid as it can be so there’s no need to worry about losing your case. The experts at Maximum Orthopedics can help you file your claim and assist with any other paperwork required. Contact us today to schedule a meeting.
-
Posted on: Nov 15 2019
-
By: admin
