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| Foot and Ankle Care |
|  General Introduction:
The ankle joint acts like a hinge. But it's much more than a simple hinge joint. The ankle is actually made up of several important structures. The unique design of the ankle makes it a very stable joint. This joint has to be stable in order to withstand 1.5 times your body weight when you walk and up to eight times your body weight when you run.
Normal ankle function is needed to walk with a smooth and nearly effortless gait. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the ankle joint work together to propel the body. Conditions that disturb the normal way the ankle works can make it difficult to do your activities without pain or problems.
Our feet are constantly under stress. It's no wonder that 80 percent of us will have some sort of problem with our feet at some time or another. Many things affect the condition of our feet: activity level, occupation, other health conditions, and perhaps most importantly, shoes. Many of the problems that arise in the foot are directly related to shoes, so it is very important to choose shoes that are good for your feet.
How AOSMI has a High Standard of Care for Foot and Ankle Injuries:
Dr. Gerald Mauriello, Jr., is a Board-Eligible, Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon. Dr. Mauriello specializes in complete foot, ankle and lower leg care. His services range from diabetic foot care and orthotics to advanced reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. He is one of the only foot and ankle surgeons in New Jersey trained in the latest ankle replacement surgery, the S.T.A.R total ankle replacement. He also has special interest in wound healing, amputation prevention, and limb salvage. Dr. Mauriello completed advanced training at the world renowned Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics, in Kurgan Russia. This experience allows him to utilize this technique to reconstruct the foot and ankle after traumatic injury or complications associated with diabetes.
This vast and diverse experience, in both the office and on the field, allows him to provide the best care to all of his patients. First, by exhausting all conservative treatments and with appropriate surgical intervention, he is able to help his patients recover more quickly and thoroughly. This, so they can return to their regular activities as quickly as possible. Dr. Mauriello’s goal has always been to help bring patients back to full activity, while providing the best medical and surgical foot and ankle care.
AOSMI's Approach to Treatment for Foot and Ankle Injuries:
Plantar fasciitis is an irritaion of the plantar fascia. It supports the foot's natural arch and stretches mildly whenever the foot bears weight. It becomes irritated when it sustains repetitive stress or excessive tension.
Heel Spurs often develop as a result of chronic plantar fasciitis. They occur when calcium depostis form where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. Heel spurs may or may not cause pain.
Treatment will be determined by our physicians and may include rest, application of ice, anti-inflammatory medication, strengthening exercise and surgery.
The ankle joint is supported by nearby tendons. The large Achilles tendon is the most important tendon for walking, running, and jumping. It attaches the calf muscles to the calcaneus (heelbone) and allows us to raise up on our toes. Treatment will be determined by your physician and may include rest, application of ice, over-the-counter pain relivers and physical therapy. Heel lifts can diminish stress on the Achilles tendon and are often helpful. Occasionally immobilization in a walking boot or cast is recommended. Ruptures are treated either with surgery, a cast or both.
Ankle sprains occur when one or more ligaments are stretched or torn during sports, stepping on an uneven surface or a blow to the ankle. Acute ankle sprians should be treated with RICE – rest, ice, compression and elevation. Early rehabilitation with home exercise or formal physical therapy can improve range of motion and speed healing.
The anatomy of both the foot and ankle is very complex. When everything works together, they function correctly. When one part becomes damaged, it can affect every other part of the ankle and foot, leading to problems.
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