FOOT AND ANKLE CARE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

April 14, 2020 -- Reprinted with permission from the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society

Effective June 1st, both office locations have resumed normal business hours and operations. If your appointment was cancelled due to COVID-19 and has not yet been rescheduled, please call us at 503-656-0836, option 3> option 3. Appointments are available for all orthopedics concerns – no longer just urgent needs. Our office hours are Monday – Thursday 7:30-5pm and Friday 7:30am – Noon.  Our phone lines will continue to be available Monday - Friday from 8am - 4:30pm. Telehealth appointments are still available upon request.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it may be difficult to determine if your foot or ankle condition requires immediate attention. Follow these guidelines from foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to take charge of your foot health, prevent injuries and stay active during this challenging time.

“Most foot and ankle surgical procedures will not occur during the current healthcare crisis in efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but let’s not forget your orthopaedic surgeon is still available,” said foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, Jeffrey S. Feinblatt, MD, from Regenerative Orthopedic Center (ROC) in Portland, Oregon.

Your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon likely set up telemedicine or limited office hours to ensure continuity of care and answer specific question regarding your condition. Although there is no substitute to consultation, Dr. Feinblatt offers these tips to manage foot and ankle conditions non-operatively during this time:

• To limit the amount of force put on your foot or ankle, use offloading devices such as a controlled ankle motion (CAM) boot, a cane, crutches, or a walker
• Manage pain with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical pain creams, and Tylenol
• Wear shoes that fit properly and keep your feet flexible to prevent injuries
• Remain as active as possible to maintain strength and avoid weight gain

“Staying active may seem like a challenge in states with shelter-in-place orders, but keep in mind there are many online exercise classes that involve stretching, bodyweight lifting, yoga, and other simple exercises that can be done at home,” says Dr. Feinblatt. “Depending on your foot or ankle condition, this may not be feasible, but try to keep your uninjured muscles and joints moving.”

For more ways to keep your feet and ankles healthy, visit FootCareMD.

About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consist of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate residency, and a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists care for patients of all ages, performing reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treating sports injuries, and managing foot and ankle trauma.

About the AOFAS
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) mobilizes our dynamic community of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to improve patient care through education, research, and advocacy. As the premier global organization for foot and ankle care, AOFAS delivers exceptional events and resources for continuous education, funds and promotes innovative research, and broadens patient understanding of foot and ankle conditions and treatments. By emphasizing collaboration and excellence, AOFAS inspires ever-increasing levels of professional performance leading to improved patient outcomes. For more information visit the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society online at aofas.org.

_______________________________________________