Category: Foot & Ankle
Is there a difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle specialist?
Both foot and ankle specialists and podiatrists treat conditions affecting the feet, but the specialists treat more complex problems.
Healthy feet and ankles are necessary for a life full of movement. They support the weight of the body through an intricate system of bones, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage.
When one of the supporting structures in the foot or ankle is injured or diseased, it can affect your ability to move and do even the simplest of life’s tasks in life. You need a provider with expert knowledge.
A foot and ankle specialist completes four years of medical […]
Hoop it up!
From the jump ball that starts the game until the final buzzer, basketball sends ten players sprinting and dribbling up and down the court to sink a basket.
All the jumping, running and changing direction can take its toll on players’ bodies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Statistics Reports, based on 2011 to 2014 data, basketball injuries topped the list of injuries (343,000) for people between the ages of 15 and 24 and ranked third (264,000) for players who were 25 years old and older.
Basketball’s fast-pace puts players at risk for many types […]
What is turf toe?
Turf toe is a common condition with a unique name. This moniker for sprained ligaments in the joint of the big toe gained popularity when athletes began to play sports on artificial turf instead of natural grass.
Turf toe occurs when speed and force are applied to the big toe while it is in the bent or flexed position.
Think of a runner in the starting blocks at the beginning of a race. Note the placement of the foot. Heels are up; toes are bent and braced on the ground. The big toe is in perfect […]
Meet James Messerly, DO
Dr. James Messerly, DO, is a board-certified family and sports medicine specialist who provides primary orthopaedic care to people of all ages. Dr. Messerly joined Bone & Joint in 1995, as the clinic’s first non-surgical orthopaedic provider.
Dr. Messerly provides non-surgical treatment for foot and ankle conditions, hand and wrist injuries, elbow and shoulder conditions, hip pain, neck and back pain, knee injuries and muscle pain and tightness. In addition to general orthopaedic care, Dr. Messerly also treats concussion and other sports medicine related injuries.
Dr. Messerly received his medical degree from the Des Moines University College of […]
Meet Jeffrey M.K. Martin, DO
Jeffrey Martin, DO, is an orthopaedic surgeon who offers general orthopaedic care for foot, ankle, hip, knee, elbow, and shoulder conditions. In addition to Dr. Martin’s interest in sports medicine and fracture care. He performs total joint replacements and reconstructive surgery at both, Bone & Joint’s Surgery Center and Aspirus Hosptial.
As a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), Dr. Martin can detect subtle misalignments of the bones and joints caused by inflammation, scar tissue or muscle tightness. Using osteopathic manipulative techniques, Dr. Martin can apply pressure to the muscles at specific points to help release tension […]
Is summer the best time to have bunion surgery?
One could say summer is the best time for surgery since open-toed shoes, sandals and flip-flops are easier to squeeze a swollen foot into than a heavy winter boot.But, that’s not true if you enjoy swimming, biking or water skiing.
The best time to have bunion surgery is when it fits your lifestyle.
Of course, it is better to avoid bunion surgery altogether.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony growth that occurs on the inside of the foot beneath the big toe. Bunions develop when the metatarsal bone in the foot shifts and points outward while […]
Are you at risk for orthopedic injuries this winter?
On the way to work, Jane stepped off her porch. She didn’t notice the clear black ice at the base of her steps. Her right leg went out from under her as her left leg stayed on the step. She heard the pop as she felt the crack. Jane couldn’t move. She yelled for help as searing pain tore through her knee. Fortunately, her neighbor heard her cries for help. He rushed to her side and called 9-1-1. A medical exam confirmed that Jane had broken her knee cap and had torn all the ligaments in her knee.
Wisconsin isn’t called the frozen tundra […]
Meet Shauna L. Christopherson, APNP, FNP
Shauna Christopherson is an advanced practice nurse prescriber who is board certified as a family practice nurse practitioner. Shauna provides general orthopedic care to people of all ages. She has a special interest in sports-related injuries, fracture management and the treatment of acute back pain.
Christopherson provides Walk-In Care Services in Wausau
Shauna, along with other providers, staff Bone & Joint’s Walk-In Care Center. She cares for people who have non-emergency injuries or illnesses such as:
● Broken Bones
● Cuts and Scrapes
● Dislocations of Fingers and Toes
● Foot and Ankle Injuries
● Muscle Strains
● Muscle Sprains
● Painful Joints
● […]
What kind of footprints do you leave?
We all leave footprints in this world. There are carbon footprints, water footprints, and footprints in the sand.
What does your footprint say about you?
In orthopedic terms, footprints say a lot about foot health.
To see what type of footprint you leave, wet your bare feet and then stand on a piece of craft paper or concrete. Note the shape of the footprint you leave behind. Typically, you will see your toes in each print. The differences in footprints are most often seen in the arch, the section between the toes and the heels.
The arches in your […]
Common Baseball and Softball Injuries
Don’t let these common ball-playing injuries take you out of the ballgame
America’s favorite summer pastime has provided fans with entertainment for centuries.
From home-run-record breakers to the stunning 2016 World Series win by the Chicago Cubs, baseball has captured the attention of fans and non-fans alike.
With the arrival of spring and summer, umpires are dusting off home plate as players of all ages head to the ball diamond to play ball.
Stay safe on the ball field.
Awareness of common baseball and softball injuries can help you reduce your chances of […]
