Scottsdale Foot Surgeon Invited to Teach Course in Switzerland

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Dr. Michael D. Castro

Dr. Castro was invited to instruct orthopaedic surgeons in Switzerland as part of the Masters’ Techniques in Foot & Ankle Surgery course sponsored by AO/ASIF.  Dr. Castro is an appointed member of the AO Foot and Ankle Expert group comprised of only 6 surgeons world wide.  The course was an evolutionary step in orthopaedic education consisting of 2 full days training in a laboratory.

Participants from around Europe and the middle-east practiced surgical techniques while supervised by the invited faculty.  Dr. Castro demonstrated techniques he uses to repair Achilles tendon ruptures, Achilles tendinitis and correct flatfoot deformities. The experience was gratifying. In such an environment, the faculty learns a great deal from the participants as they share their perspectives.

Dr. Castro is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon and Director of the Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center; located in North Scottsdale.  Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center is a state-of-the-art facility which focuses on all areas of foot and ankle disease and injury. Dr. Michael Castro and Dr. John Cory have over 20 years combined experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the feet and ankles. These include but are not limited to: foot fracture, ankle fracture, ankle replacement surgery, ankle arthritis, fallen arches, bunion surgery, heel pain, and complications associated with diabetes.

For more information about Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center or about Dr. Michael Castro or Dr. John Cory, please visit our website at www.aofoot.com. To schedule an appointment please call 480-473-FOOT (3668).

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Scottsdale Foot Surgeon to Teach at SOSA Conference

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Dr. Michael D. Castro
Dr. Michael Castro of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center will be conducting a laboratory exercise at Midwestern University for the Student Osteopathic Surgical Association (SOSA).  The annual conference is being hosted by the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University on March 4th and 5th, 2011.  The focus of SOSA is to provide medical students with insight into all aspects of surgery and expose them to the scope of a sub-specialty surgical practice.  Dr. Castro will be teaching students about arthroscopic procedures used in the practice of orthopedic surgery. Dr. Castro is the Director of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Scottsdale AZ.  Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center is a state-of-the-art facility which focuses on all areas of foot and ankle disease and injury.  Dr. Michael Castro has over 12 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the feet and ankles.  These include but are not limited to: foot fracture, ankle fracture, ankle replacement surgery, ankle arthritis, fallen arches, bunion surgery, heel pain, and complications associated with diabetes.
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Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center Sponsors T-Ball Team

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Dr. Michael D. Castro

Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center of Scottsdale, Arizona is hosting a T-ball team, the Phillies!  For more information about the league, visit www.eteamz.com/horizonlittleleague.

Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center is a state-of-the-art facility which focuses on all areas of foot and ankle disease and injury.  Dr. Michael Castro and Dr. John Cory have over 20 years combined experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the feet and ankles.  These include but are not limited to: foot fracture, ankle fracture, ankle replacement surgery, ankle arthritis, fallen arches, bunion surgery, heel pain, and complications associated with diabetes.

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Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon in the News

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Dr. Michael D. Castro
Dr. Michael Castro of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center recently published an article in Seminars in Arthroplasty, an orthopedic journal dealing with joint replacement surgery.  The article was an update on the Agility LP, the total ankle implant, which Dr. Castro assisted in the development of.  The article reviewed the strengths of this prosthesis as well as a technique Dr. Castro developed to improve the success rate of this procedure. 

While fusion of the tibia and fibula has been described as a limitation of this implant, it is in fact, what sets Agility LP apart from the other currently available implants.  It is also what continues to identify the Agility LP as a valuable tool in the treatment of severe, end-stage ankle arthritis, patients with compromised bone quality or in the revision of other implants.

Dr. Castro, an orthopedic foot surgeon, has more experience with the Agility LP than any orthopaedic foot surgeon in the region.  To learn more about the Agility LP, you can log on to www.depuyorthopedics.com or contact our office to for an appointment.

Dr. Castro is the Director of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Scottsdale AZ.  Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center is a state-of-the-art facility which focuses on all areas of foot and ankle disease and injury.  Dr. Michael Castro has over 12 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the feet and ankles.  These include but are not limited to: foot fracture, ankle fracture, ankle replacement surgery, ankle arthritis, fallen arches, bunion surgery, heel pain, and complications associated with diabetes.

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Local Foot Surgeon Speaks in Stockholm

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Dr. Michael D. Castro
Dr. Michael Castro of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center recently visited Stockholm with the AO Foot and Ankle Expert Group of which he is an appointed member.  In addition to discussing new technology, the group put on a symposium on complex foot and ankle reconstruction for orthopedic surgeons throughout Sweden.  Dr. Castro led a discussion and provided instruction to the participants regarding his perspectives on correction of the acquired flatfoot deformity.  The discussion centered around the diagnosis and surgical treatment of grade II posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, a controversial issue which has been a focus of Dr. Castro’s throughout his career.  Dr. Castro, a local orthopaedic foot surgeon, employs a technique that only a handful of surgeons in the world are using.  This technique has improved time to healing, allowing patients to begin weight-bearing 6 to 7 weeks after surgery.  A significant improvement over other methods. 

Dr. Castro is the Director of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Scottsdale AZ.  Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center is a state-of-the-art facility which focuses on all areas of foot and ankle disease and injury.  Dr. Michael Castro has over 12 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the feet and ankles.  These include but are not limited to: foot fracture, ankle fracture, ankle replacement surgery, ankle arthritis, fallen arches, bunion surgery, heel pain, and complications associated with diabetes.

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Scottsdale Foot Doctor Discusses Treatment Options of Ankle Arthritis

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Dr. Michael D. Castro

Don’t let your feet (and ankles) slow you down.

The ankle, including its relationship to the foot is a magnificent machine.  It is specialized to adapt to the terrain and then efficiently move us forward.  Our feet support 2.5 to 6.5 times our body weight as we walk and run.  However, like a fine timepiece, the tolerances are small and as the mileage increases, subtle changes in alignment and range of motion may have significant effects. These changes directly influence how forces are applied to the foot and ankle while walking and running.

Arthritis is the wearing away of joint cartilage and the formation of bone spurs.  Like the shiny end of a chicken bone, joint cartilage is specialized tissue that resists wear and tear associated with the repetitive stress of weight bearing activity.  When this tissue begins to wear out, it does not regenerate.  Instead, the cartilage can continue to degenerate.  The irritation results in pain and inflammation in and around the joint.  The joint irritation also stimulates the reaction of bone growth or “spurs”.  Bone spurs are growths from the joint edges that can further restrict motion and cause pain.  Typically, the pain associated with arthritis is proportional to the individual’s activity and tends to worsen at the end of the day.Treatment depends on the stage of the disease process and the impact it has on ones lifestyle.  Early on, the focus includes:  bracing, physical therapy and regular exercise.  Keeping muscles supple to alleviate stress in the ankle and improve function.  Surgically, correcting the alignment above and/or below the ankle joint, therby preserving the joint itself can improve the longevity of the ankle joint.In more advanced cases bracing is less successful but, still an option.  Surgical treatment of end-stage arthritis consists of fusing or replacing the ankle joint  Fusion trades joint motion for  pain relief.  Ankle replacement can be beneficial in patients who have end-stage changes but maintain good motion.All things considered, the decision to have such a surgery is not dependent on the x-ray appearance, but the impact this process has on your quality of life.Dr. Castro is the Director of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Scottsdale AZ. Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center is a state-of-the-art facility which focuses on all areas of foot and ankle disease and injury.  Dr. Michael Castro has over 12 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the feet and ankles.  These include but are not limited to: foot fracture, ankle fracture, ankle replacement surgery, ankle arthritis, fallen arches, bunion surgery, heel pain, and complications associated with diabetes.

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Scottsdale Foot Doctor on Early Motion Following Achilles Tendon Reconstruction

Posted on May 25, 2010 by Dr. Michael D. Castro
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has approved and released an evidence-based clinical practice guideline on “the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture.”  This press release can be viewed at: http://www6.aaos.org/news/Pemr/releases/release.cfm?releasenum=902 

Dr. Michael Castro of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center, a member of the AAOS weighs in.

The achilles tendon is the thick, cord-like structure connecting the heel bone to the muscles along the back of the calf.  It is one of the strongest tendons in the body, and a rupture can be quite disabling.  Early weight-gearing and motion provides improved outcome after achilles tendon reconstruction.  Following reconstruction of the achilles tendon, patient’s begin weight-bearing after two weeks.  Weight-bearing in a boot brace for a period of 4 weeks.  During that time, patients are encouraged to remove the boot liberally and exercise their ankle to prevent stiffness.  At 6 weeks post surgery the boot is discontinued and physical therapy started.

The published literature suggest that only 37% of people return to their pre-injury level of athletic participation.  In my practice I have not experienced this.  In fact, I have yet to have a patient not return to their pre-injury level of athletic participation.  This includes a semi-pro quarterback who returned the season after his injury and a recreational softball player who sustained an achilles rupture during the first day of the season and returned before the end of that season.

So wether you are an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, life can return to normal after an achilles tendon rupture.

Dr. Castro is the Director of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Scottsdale AZ. Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center is a state-of-the-art facility which focuses on all areas of foot and ankle disease and injury.  Dr. Michael Castro has over 12 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the feet and ankles.  These include but are not limited to: foot fracture, ankle fracture, ankle replacement surgery, ankle arthritis, fallen arches, bunion surgery, heel pain, and complications associated with diabetes.

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Fallen Arches, One Patients Perspective

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Dr. Michael D. Castro

Gbenga Akinnagebe published an article, The High Cost of Fallen Arches, in the May 3rd edition of the New York Times describing his experience with surgical correction of his flat foot deformity.  As Mr. Akinnagebe wrote, this problem can be very painful and have a profound affect of the quality of life.

When appropriate and done by a skilled, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon, surgical correction of a painful acquired flatfoot (fallen arches) can be very rewarding.  This procedure can significantly improve the quality of life of the individual who became debilitated by this deformity.

Overall, the authors experience appears to have been a positive one with the exception of his out-of-pocket, which may be more of a geographical issue.  My experience in performing this procedure has been very positive as well.  It has been very gratifying to get people back on their feet, no pun intended.

While my technique differs slightly from that described by the author, the results have been consistently excellent.  I now use a single osteotomy of the calcaneus that corrects both the alignment of the arch and the position of the heel.  I find this provides a more accurate restoration of alignment.  In addition, because no bone graft is used, I have found the healing to be more predictable.  I have performed this procedure on patients from the age of 18 to 80 and regardless of their age, most begin weight-bearing at 6 weeks post surgery. After adequate rehabilitation, most return to a pre-injury level of activity within 3 1/2 to 5 months.

Dr. Castro is the Director of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Scottsdale AZ.  Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center is a state-of-the-art facility which focuses on all areas of foot and ankle disease and injury.  Dr. Michael Castro has over 12 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the feet and ankles.  These include but are not limited to: foot fracture, ankle fracture, ankle replacement surgery, ankle arthritis, fallen arches, bunion surgery, heel pain, and complications associated with diabetes.
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Local Foot Surgeon Discusses Common Foot & Ankle Problems in Prescott, AZ

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Dr. Michael D. Castro
This past Thursday I was invited to Prescott, AZ to give a talk on common foot and ankle problems.  I discussed heel pain, forefoot pain associated with metatarsalgia, ankle pain, and posterior tibial tendon insufficiency (fallen arches) to a packed house.  I spoke about these problems as they relate to tightness of the gastrocenmius muscle, that is, the calf muscle that crosses the knee in addition to the ankle.  When this muscle becomes tight, it prevents the ankle from moving normally, causing changes in the way forces are applied to the foot and ankle as well as the mechanics of both.  The audience had great questions which generated a great deal of dialogue.  Among the participants, there were quite a few individuals who, unfortunately, had a fair amount of experience with the topic discussed.  After the hour and a half discussion, I examined 15 or so, individuals. 

My experience in Prescott was very gratifying.  My focus has always been on education of my patients and the people that I work with.  I feel that if the patient understands his or her condition then the treatment I propose will make sense too.  In this way, the patient can play a more active role in regaining their health.  The response of the folks that attended was greatly appreciated and I would like to take this opportunity to, agian thank everyone for their time and attention.

Dr. Castro is the Director of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Scottsdale AZ.  Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center is a state-of-the-art facility which focuses on all areas of foot and ankle disease and injury.  Dr. Michael Castro has over 12 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the feet and ankles.  These include but are not limited to: foot fracture, ankle fracture, ankle replacement surgery, ankle arthritis, fallen arches, bunion surgery, heel pain, and complications associated with diabetes.

Posted in Ankle Pain, Fallen Arch, Foot Pain | Leave a comment

Foot Surgeon Invited to Speak in England

Posted on May 4, 2010 by Dr. Michael D. Castro
Dr. Castro of Arizona Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center recently lectured to the National Orthopaedic Education Society (NOES).  NOES is a group of the finest orthopaedic surgeons and invited leaders in the industry of orthopaedic products.  The meeting was held at Forby Hall in Formby, England.  The lecture entitled:  The Effects of Equinus, discussed the most common foot and ankle problems that can occur when the gastrocnemius (the calf muscle that crosses both the knee and the ankle) become tight.  The most common of these is heel pain associated with injury to the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis).  Another common problem is pain occurring at the ball of the foot in the region of the 2nd, 3rd, and sometimes the 4th toes.  The pain results from stresses applied to the metatarsal head(s) and is referred to as Metatarsalgia.  In addition, the joints at the base of the toes may become irritated and swollen putting pressure on the neighboring nerves.  This can result in burning pain or numbness and tingling.  This problem is commonly misdiagnosed as Morton’s Neuroma.  Third and most serious of these problems is the anterior ankle impingement.  This is pain at the front of the ankle occurring as the body moves over the foot.  The increased force exerted on the joint can cause the breakdown of the articular cartilage, bone spur formation or both. 

Initial treatment of each of these conditions is stretching the calf.  This is accomplished most effectively by performing a “runners stretch”.  That is, placing the foot flat on the floor with the knee straight and leaning forward while supporting the upper body on a wall, chair back, counter top or the like.  The stretch is held for 10 to 15 seconds and for 10 to 15 repetitions, three times per day.  As the gastrocnemius muscle becomes more supple, the ankle moves more freely, and the stress on the foot decreases.  Improvement does not occur overnight however, being consistent with this stretching exercise usually brings about noticeable improvement by 6 weeks.

Posted in Ankle Arthritis, Ankle Fracture, Ankle Pain, Ankle Replacement, Ankle Replacement Surgery, Foot Surgeon, Heel Pain | Leave a comment