There isn’t an average week in the world of Dr. Paul Cooper. As a board-certified orthopaedist specializing in the treatment of all conditions of the foot and ankle, his time is devoted to three very different areas: teaching Orthopaedic Surgery at Georgetown University, researching and developing new technology and procedures, and providing clinical care for his patients. He has developed a comprehensive all-inclusive center at Georgetown over the past 27 years. His patient care typically falls into one of these categories:
Diabetic Care - With more than 10% of the US population now having diabetes, foot care has reached a new level of attention. Patients are urged to see an orthopedic foot doctor for any of these symptoms: Progressive numbness (neuropathy), foot wound or increased swelling and foot deformity (Charcot Arthropathy). Dr. Cooper addresses all of these concerns. He’s also experienced in diabetic limb salvage, which is a reconstruction procedure to keep the lower foot free of infection, retain leg function, and minimize future complications.
Trauma - An ankle injury occurs when the ankle joint is twisted too far out of its normal position. In addition to a sports injury, ankle trauma is most likely to happen as a result of a sudden impact such as a car crash, tripping or falling, landing awkwardly after a jump, walking or running on uneven surfaces, twisting, rotating, or rolling the ankle. Sometimes the damage is immediately evident but in others, cartilage deterioration takes place over time. In either case, cartilage transplants and ankle replacement are now viable options to restore function and pain relief.
Women’s Health - Often, women feel like they must give up comfort for style when selecting fashionable footwear. A variety of foot and ankle problems are a direct result of poor footwear choices, including blisters, bunions, corns, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Dr. Cooper addresses all of these concerns. He recommends that women minimize their foot issues by considering these factors when selecting a shoe for work and special events: heel height, heel thickness, cushioning within the shoe - especially in the ball area, and shape of the toe box.
Weekend Warriors - Ankle strains, sprains and other injuries are common this time of year as New Year’s resolutions have people starting new exercise regiments. Swelling, stiffness, and bruising may be the first signs of a problem. Despite buying those expensive running shoes, you may find that your feet are not getting the support that they need. The mechanics of your foot are complex. Some of the aspects you need to account for include flexibility, double-jointedness, and high arch vs. flat feet. Dr. Cooper can help.
To learn more about Dr. Cooper and his patient care, go to MedStarHealth.org.
Dr. Cooper’s
Advice for Exercising in the New Year
1 - Stretch
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up.
2 - Know Your Feet
The mechanics of your foot are complex. Finding shoes that provide the proper support is a key to preventing injuries.
3 - Start with Low Impact
The biggest benefit of low-impact exercises is that they're much easier on the joints than exercises like running that have you lifting your feet off the ground and then slamming them back down with force.
4 - Seek Help Early
Foot pain due to an injury or overuse will often respond well to rest and cold therapy. Even with the best of care, you may have some foot stiffness or pain, particularly first thing in the morning or after you've been active, for several weeks. If you are unsure of the cause of your foot pain, or if it is widespread or involving both feet, see a doctor as soon as possible.