Query: Achilles Tendon Injuries from Pickle Ball
As pickle ball becomes extremely popular, I am seeing more patients with injuries relating to the sport. Besides the typical ankle sprains, I have recently seen three patients with Achilles tendon injuries. MRIs revealed partial longitudinal tears in the tendon on all three patients. While waiting to get their MRIs, I have been dispensing 1/2" heel lifts bilaterally for them to use until I get the diagnostic results. If I have a patient with an Achilles tear, I refer them out to other podiatrists or orthopedic surgeons for continued care. Being semi-retired, I cannot do the proper follow-up needed for treatment of this condition.
Normal conservative treatment would be a CAM walker with heel lifts that are gradually reduced in a timely manner. I would appreciate some advice with a treatment plan that my colleagues are using to treat their patients with this type of injury. Please include treatment plans, time intervals especially with follow-up MRIs, and criteria followed if surgical intervention is needed.
Jack Ressler, DPM, Delray Beach, FL
Query: Soccer Cleates for Young Children
I would like to hear my colleagues' opinions on the appropriateness of soccer cleats for younger kids (<6 years old). Do you feel these are necessary and more importantly, safe? I never played organized soccer and can't speak from experience, but at their light weight and limited strength and speed, I can't imagine traction is a huge problem for this age group, and being anchored to the ground could increase torsional strain on lower extremity joints.
Brad Shollenberger, DPM, Reading, PA
Query: Cross-Country Runner Using Spikes
What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of a 16 year-old male running cross-country on grass using spikes?
Martin E. Karns, DPM, Miami Beach, FL
Query: Source For Football Cleat
Are any readers aware of a football cleat that comes with a straight last and a rounded toe box?
Howard J. Bonenberger, DPM, Nashua, NH
Query: Keeping Toes Warm During Antarctica Marathon
A friend of mine will be running in the Antarctica Marathon in March. I am concerned that her toes are going to get uncomfortably cold or frostbitten due to the length of exposure to very cold temperatures during the marathon. My concerns are two-fold: the uppers of many running and trail shoes have a looser mesh weave which allow cold air in. Second, the running surface is going to be cold; therefore by conduction, the interior of the shoes will get cold. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on keeping her feet warm during the race?
Ayne Furman, DPM, Alexandria, VA