Exciting News!

Dr. Scott Shields is a Board Certified Surgeon accredited by The American Board of Podiatric Surgeons. With this certification comes the highest standard of safety and excellence. And now, Dr. Shields is proud to announce the newest option for those in need of surgery. The Ambulatory Surgery Center of Enid is an office based surgery center certified by The Joint Commission. There are several benefits that come with utilizing our office based surgery center. Dr. Shields’ patients will be more comfortable here because they are already familiar with the clinic and its staff. Plus, surgery patients will have less out-of-pocket expenses, increased schedule flexibility and easy parking.

Did I break my toe?

People break their toes all the time. Most often, it is caused by "stubbing" them against walls or furniture. Fractures can also happen by dropping something on your toes.

Just today, I had a patient say, "I think that I broke my toe. I stubbed it on the furniture and it still really hurts. It is also swollen, shorter and no longer bent." I recognized her toe was shorter than the same toe on the other foot.  Radiographs (X-Rays) showed that the toe was broken near the joint. We applied a buddy splint and a post-op shoe which allowed her to walk and stand without pain.  We taught her to P.R.I.C.E. (Protect, Rest, Intermittent ice, Compression and Elevation) the area. If she follows these simple guidelines, she should do very well without any complication.

Stubbed toes may hurt and turn red or blue for a while, but if the pain is gone after an hour, it's probably not broken. If your toe is broken, you may notice rapid swelling, growing pain, bruising or even a deformed or bent toe. This is the time to go see your Podiatrist for an exam. An X-Ray is the best way to determine the severity of the injury and what needs to be done to get better. A broken toe can hurt while resting and with every step, making the simplest tasks difficult. Some times, broken toes need to be set or even repaired with surgery.

If you experience these symptoms, do not wait to "let it get better." It won't. Based on your injury, your Podiatrist will give you specific instructions on how to get better and back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Diabetics or those with neuropathy may not notice pain from a fracture or other injury. 

Gratitude

We would like to send out a quick message to everyone who has ever served in our armed forces:
There is nothing we can ever do to repay you for the service you provide. You represent the best of us all. Thank you. God bless the United States of America.

A Time for Prayers

Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by the recent Oklahoma tornadoes. This photo was taken earlier today while cleaning up the rubble. So far, 53 individuals have been reported dead in the Moore and Shawnee areas.

Party time!

It's an exciting day here at Northwest Foot & Ankle Center. We are celebrating both J.J.'s 21st birthday and the newest addition to our office, Devin.

It shouldn't hurt to walk!

Foot Pain

Many times people will ask me if it is normal for their feet to hurt.
There are a few times when foot pain may be expected: ie after a marathon (or much shorter run depending on your conditioning). For the most part it is not normal for your feet to hurt.

Mild pain may be expected with extended activity and usually can be properly handled (ice, bracing, anti-inflamatories, ect) while continuing physical activity.

On the other hand, chronic injuries or injuries that prevent you from full weight bearing activity, should not be "worked through." This degree of injury normally requires rest and protection and often professional intervention.

It shouldn't hurt to walk!