Let’s start with some background about the Lisfranc Joint. It is located between the midfoot and forefoot at the joints between the metatarsals and the cuneiforms and cuboid bones [collectively known as the tarsal bones]. There is a special Lisfranc ligament that connects the 2^nd metatarsal to the 1^st cuneiform. Lisfranc joint injuries are rare, but can be difficult to treat as they are often misdiagnosed. So how do Lisfranc injuries occur? It is most commonly occurs in automobile accident victims, military personnel, runners, football players (and other contact sports), and sometimes even a staircase foot slip can all cause the injury. If you fit in one of these categories of personnel and are experiencing pain and swelling in the aforementioned region then please come see Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Yanes, or Dr. Ho at Frederick Foot and Ankle Specialists.

Why should we write about an injury that rarely occurs? Well, simply because if it does occur you should be aware of the symptoms and complications that can arise from the injury. Matt Schaub, of the Houston Texans (NFL), was recently diagnosed (last Sunday!) with a Lisfranc injury. His injury, most likely, occurred as he planted his forefoot to the ground, had his heel in the air and twisted his foot. Obviously, to be certain of the injury Matt Schaub went to see his doctor and a Foot and Ankle Specialist. Coincidentally, that’s part of our practice’s name! Visit us at our locations in Frederick or Urbana, MD to get your consultation of your injury.

We’ll do the necessary tests and referrals to properly diagnose your injury and get you the proper treatment for your ailment. If the injury is stable (bones aligned) we’ll begin with a period of immobilization followed by gradual return to activity. However, if it is unstable surgical treatment may be recommended. Surgery will depend on the amount of swelling the patient presents and the severity of the injury. We want to make sure you get the correct treatment because we don’t want you to experience changes in your foot, such as, widening of the foot. Recovery from such an injury can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. We’ll definitely make sure to take all the precautions to ensure a fast and speedy recovery!

As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!

By. Dr. Yenisey Yanes

At Frederick’s Foot and Ankles Specialists we have taken notice in the toning shoes popularity. The belief is that these shoes represent a shortcut to getting in shape and toning your body while you walk. Well, at least that is what the companies are advertising. Customers have mainly been purchasing Sketchers Shape-ups or Reebok Easy-tones. These shoes have two distinct and unique designs. Sketchers Shape-ups are a ‘rocker-bottom’ structure similar to the rocking chair concept. It will allow you to rock from heel to toe during you walking stride. Reebok Easy-tones design consists of a ‘ball-like’ design on forefoot and heel. The concept is similar to you trying to balance on exercise ball while doing sit-ups.

It is true that traditional shoes can restrict natural foot function. It can promote weakness and possibly increase injury to foot or ankles. Toning shoes will just as likely alter natural foot function as well.  In some people it may create too much instability in walking/standing, which make it difficult to wear in certain intense activities. Toning shoes may slightly tone your lower extremities, but is the appearance worth less than optimal foot function? Visit our doctors in one of our locations in Frederick or Urbana, MD for more information on normal foot function.

When celebrities, such as, Kim Kardashian and Eva Mendes promote Sketchers Shape-ups and Reebok Easy-tones consumers will jump at a moment’s notice to purchase these ‘miracle’ shoes. But you must keep in mind that these shoes do not directly cause significant weight loss or a ripped body. They may provide some benefits, but you must be aware of the health risks that the shoe can cause through extended use. Patients do not realize that these shoes wear out more quickly than the standard due to the material the shoe is made out of. People who overpronate (roll ankles inward) should never consider these shoes as an everyday shoe. The shoes over time compress quickly and pronate the foot excessively. This can lead to hip, knee and joint problems.

‘Rocker-bottom’ shoes have been around the medical world for years. They have been used to rehabilitate ankles and work on position stance. It is important for you to know your foot tendencies and be aware of your limitations of your foot structure. Visit us to discuss specifically about your structure!

As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!

By: Dr. Brenna Steinberg

Have you been experiencing pain right under that big toe after some physical activity or from wearing shoes/heels all day? Well that pain may be coming from two common conditions: sesamoiditis or Gout. Let’s start by giving a little background of each condition. First, sesamoids are the two circular small bones that are located right underneath the big toe. Their main purpose is to assist with weight-bearing and help elevate the rest of the bones in the big toe. With so much weight and so much biomechanical involvement the tendons surrounding the sesamoids can become inflamed or irritated.

Gout is a condition that is caused by a build up of uric acid in the joints. The big toe joint is the most common affected area. The noticeable different between gout and sesamoiditis is amount and timing of pain. Gout is normally accompanied with extremely painful attacks (mainly in men) and a classic symptom of waking up in the middle of the night with sharp throbbing pain in the big toe.

At Frederick’s Foot and Ankle Specialists we can help determine which condition you may have. Most importantly, we can help alleviate and treat the symptoms that arise from having either condition.

Usually dancers, runners and baseball catchers are more prone to getting sesamoiditis. While, eating too much red meat, shellfish and brandy, being a man over 40 yrs and genetics makes you more gout-prone. Did you know that historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and King Henry VII of England had gout conditions? Gout has been around for a long time, unfortunately for Mr. Franklin and King Henry VIIIthey didn’t have Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Yanes, or Dr. Ho to treat them with today’s prescribed gout medication. So stop by our offices in Frederick or Urbana, MD!

Treatment for sesamoiditis is more up to the patient. Usually stoppage of the activity causing the inflammation is requested. Ibuprofen and aspirin may be prescribed and some more cushioned shoes may be ordered. In severe cases, we would administer steroid injections.

These are two drastically different conditions. One that you are more genetically-disposed (Gout) and the other that is caused mainly by physical activity without rest (Sesamoiditis). Come see us to help determine the proper diagnosis.

As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!

It’s getting that time of the year where the weather turns cold permanently. The days seem longer, the day gets windier, and the air is chillier. Despite the weather change and the challenges the wintry environment presents there is a minority of people that love this weather and love to be outdoors every minute of it! At Frederick Foot and Ankle Specialists we are glad you enjoy your favorite time of the year, but we are here to tell you to take precautions so you may keep joying what you love for many years to come.

Dangerous exposure of your feet to cold over for a long period can lead to a serious condition called frostbite. Frostbite starts by producing pain and a burning sensation in the exposed areas. If the frostbite goes unnoticed or untreated numbness will present in the toes or feet and can change in skin color, from pale or red to black.

Frostbite can be classified under two categories: Superficial frostbite injuries refer to those that involve the skin and subcutaneous tissue. When the damage goes deeper, beyond the subcutaneous tissue and into muscles, nerves, tendons, or bones, they are classified as deep frostbite injuries. At Frederick and Urbana, MD we will tailor a treatment plan to the frostbite based on the extent of the injury.

 You might be asking how do celebrity athletes such as, Shaun White, spend so much time in those snowy conditions practicing his insane snowboarding tricks. He simply takes the necessary precautions to prevent frostbite. He checks his feet and he sees a medical professional on a consistent basis. It should be noted that children, the elderly, and diabetics are more prone to frostbite because of the size of their extremities and/or poor circulation.

If you suspect any sign of frostbite, please come see Dr. Yanes, Dr. Steinberg, and Dr. Ho immediately. We’ will need to rewarm the area, apply bandages and prescribe possible antibiotics and monitor damage tissue.

As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!

Do you have pain in your big toe? If your toe hurts by simply trying to point it up towards the sky (dorsiflexion) then you may have something called, Hallux Rigidus. This ‘unmoveable’ big toe is one of the most common forms of arthritis of the foot. Hallux Rigidus occurs as a result of wear-and-tear injuries, which wears down the articular cartilage. This can cause the bone to start rubbing on bone. If this condition is not caught quick enough a bone spur, or overgrowth of bone, may develop on the top of the bone. This overgrowth can prevent the toe from bending as much as it needs to when you walk. As you can imagine this results in very difficult and painful walking.  If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, come see us at Frederick Foot and Ankle Specialists!

So who is more prone to getting Hallux Rigidus? Really, anyone with bad biomechanics or abnormalities of the foot can get it. But one of the main causes is osteoarthritis. The joint space is narrowing during this condition exacerbates hallux rigidus.  People with flat feet or excessive rolling in of the foot/ankle are also highly susceptible to developing hallux rigidus. But what we really have to look out for is the second most common cause of this condition, which is overuse. Workers that have to stoop or squat naturally add more stress to their big toe joint. Hallux Rigidus can be formed from such activity or as simple as stubbing your toe. 

An example of overuse of that big toe joint is basketball players. College super-athletes, such as, University of Washington Isaiah Thomas even experiences hallux rigidus. He elected to undergo surgery after his basketball season in order to alleviate and cure his chronic joint pain.

Our offices at Frederick and Urbana, MD will assist you in treating your hallux rigidus condition. If caught at a less severe stage we can provide accommodations such as shoe modifications, orthotic prescriptions, medication, corticosteroid injections or physical therapy.  Dr. Yanes, Dr. Steinberg, and Dr. Ho will exhaust nearly all of the conservative treatments available before suggesting any surgery.  Surgery may be needed to clean up the joint, to restore normal alignment and function of the joint or to fuse the joint to eliminate any further pain.

We want you at your best and want you to walk pain-free so stop by if you are feeling any of the symptoms! As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!