October 2010Issue No. 6
Here at Vittori Foot and Ankle Specialist, we would like to wish you a Happy Halloween by providing tips on avoiding Halloween costume injury and how to have a safe Halloween. Also in this newsletter is information regarding sprained ankles. Enjoy!                                         
 
As always, feel free to contact my office if you or someone you know is experiencing foot or ankle problems. If you know of anyone who could benefit from my newsletters, forward them on. Referrals are our best compliment.
 
Warmest Regards,
 
Dr. Christopher Vittori
Vittori Foot and Ankle Specialist
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Avoid Halloween Costume Injury
Safe Halloween
Sprain, Strain, or Break?
Sprained Ankle
 
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AVOID HALLOWEEN COSTUME INJURY 
 
Halloween Cat
Halloween Cat
Halloween is a time for trick-or-treating, costumes and candy. All the kids want the new hip costumes, regardless if those costumes restrict the ability for easy movement. Adults should pay particular attention to how those costumes could impede their ability to walk. Children should wear well fitting, sturdy shoes, especially if they will be running from one house to another filling up their candy bags. Small children and toddlers, especially ones who are still unsure on their feet, should forgo the one piece costumes with the feet attached or costumes with plastic shoes. Instead, children should wear a costume that allows them to wear their normal everyday shoes. The last thing any kid wants is to end up in the emergency room on Halloween with a sprained ankle or broken bone from falling because
                                                        they weren't stable in their footwear.
 
TRICK-OR-TREATING? Have a SAFE HALLOWEEN
S    Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
A    Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
 
F    Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you. 
 
E    Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
 
 
 
 
H    Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
 
A    Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.
 
   Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks whenever possible.
 
L    Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
 
O    Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
 
W    Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
 
E    Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
 
E    Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
 
N    Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
 
* Content from Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
SPRAIN, STRAIN, OR BREAK?
 
Strain: Twist or tear of the tendons in the ankle that connect the muscle with the bones and are caused by over stretching or pulling of the muscle or tendon.
 
Sprain: Ligaments are torn or partially torn and is caused by trauma.
 
Break: Complete fracture or splinter of the bone and are caused by excessive force to the area.

 
SPRAINED ANKLE 
 
Ankle PictureA sprained ankle has many different names such as ankle sprain, twisted ankle, rolled ankle, ankle injury or ankle ligament injury. Although it may have many names, it is a very common medical condition. To be classified as a sprained ankle, one or more of the ligaments of the ankle needs to be torn or partially torn. 

 
How do sprains occur? Typically sprains are caused when the foot is rolled; shifting after the foot has been planted. It can also occur when the ankle moves beyond its normal range of motion. If a person lands on their foot with a large force, the ligaments can be stretched. Ligaments hold the ankle bones and joint in position and are designed to protect the ankle joint. 
 

Symptoms of Sprained Ankle:
 
  • Inflammation and swelling: blood vessels will leak fluid into the tissue that surrounds the joint.
  • Pain: nerves in the area become sensitive and pain is experience when pressure is placed on the area
  • Warmth and redness: caused by blood flow increasing
  • Decreased mobility to move the joint and the leg
 
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