Items filtered by date: August 2021

Ankle pain can be caused by a variety of factors, with the most common one being a sprain—where the lateral (outside) ligaments of the ankle become overly stretched or torn. Sprains are classified as Grade 1 (ligament has be overly stretched, causing soreness and possibly inflammation), Grade 2 (ligament is partially torn, causing prolonged pain and swelling, and the ankle may be unable to sustain full weight), and Grade 3 (ligament is fully torn, an audible pop could have occurred, pain is severe with bruising and swelling, and the ankle is unable to sustain any weight and is unstable). Because ligaments don’t receive a lot of blood flow, it can take a while for them to heal, and people don’t always seek proper treatment for an ankle sprain. Improperly-healed ankle ligaments can lead to chronic ankle instability or even arthritis in the ankle joint over time. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, or are experiencing any type of ankle pain, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoes are toe deformities in which the toes bend downwards at the middle joint. This creates a hammer-like shape and can affect any toes except the big toes. Hammertoes are common, affecting approximately 3% of all adults over the age of 21 in the United States alone. They are more common among women than men. Hammertoes are not a purely cosmetic issue - they can also be quite painful. Over time, the affected joints can become stiff and, if left untreated, can eventually become immobile. The tops of the affected toes also tend to rub uncomfortably against shoes, leading to corns and calluses. If you have hammertoes, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It might be difficult to know when your child has developed a foot or ankle issue. Because they may not be able to verbalize what’s wrong, or their symptoms may be hard to spot, you should keep an eye out for other warning signs. If your child struggles to keep up physically with their friends or their legs or feet get tired, this may be an indication of flat feet. Between the ages of 8 and 14 children may experience sever’s disease, where the Achilles tendon pulls on the growth plate at the back of the heel. This causes heel pain which may cause your child to shy away from physical activities. If your child is hiding their feet from you, they may have noticed some change and want to avoid going to the doctor. If your child seems clumsy or frequently trips or falls it may indicate a balance or neuromuscular issue, or that their feet point inward when they walk or run. Of course if they complain of any pain or discomfort in their feet, or you notice any of these warning signs, make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist for a full examination.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.