Items filtered by date: April 2022

Ankle pain can be sharp or dull depending on the type of injury that has occurred. While some patients experience pain from ankle sprains or strains, ankle pain may stem from arthritis as well. An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe ankle pain, and this can happen due to an injury that overstretched this strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Symptoms of a fractured ankle can include swelling surrounding the ankle, and it is often difficult to walk. Soft tissue damage can come from an ankle sprain or strain and can cause significant pain. Additionally, a medical condition known as gout can also cause ankle pain, and it is necessary to seek immediate treatment. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 care needs.

Many people who have diabetes also develop foot problems, mainly because of nerve damage (neuropathy) and decreased blood circulation. Neuropathy results in numbness, so you are less able to detect sores or injuries to the feet. Poor circulation makes it more difficult for sores to heal and resist infection. The combination frequently results in skin ulcers that may go all the way to the bone and an  increased risk of infection as the wound remains open. In the worst cases, it can lead to amputation. Some measures can be taken at home by you or a healthcare worker to help avoid such developments. Included are keeping your feet clean and dry, checking for injuries or sores that don’t heal, and being aware of redness, swelling, or odors coming from your feet. It is important to keep your toenails properly trimmed and avoid going barefoot. It is even more important to have regular visits with a podiatrist who can perform examinations of your feet before they develop into serious or life-threatening conditions.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Heel pain—and pain at the back of the feet—in older adults can typically be caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, or various types of bursitis. Plantar fasciitis causes pain and stiffness at the bottom of heel, when the plantar fascia tissue that attaches there becomes damaged/torn and inflamed. It can typically be treated by night splinting to keep the plantar fascia in a neutral position, custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and more. Bursitis is an inflammation of one of the bursas in the feet. Bursas are sacs filled with fluid that provide cushioning between bones and tendons and help reduce friction between bones. Bursitis in the feet can occur either where the plantar fascia or the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, or in response to pressure from shoes at the back of the foot. These conditions can often be treated with footwear modifications, heel pads, gel wraps, orthotics and padding, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, night splints, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cold or warm compresses and more. If you have any type of pain in your heel, call a podiatrist. They are experts at diagnosing and treating all forms of heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Without healthy toes, it is much more difficult to walk, run or live a normal, active life. Sometimes the toes become injured or damaged in such a way that only surgery can alleviate the problem. The most common reasons for toe surgery are changes in the shape of the toe (bunions, hammertoe, claw toe), pain in the toe joints (arthritis), and pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia). Non-surgical treatment includes padding between the toes to keep them from rubbing against each other, wearing soft shoes that reduce the pain caused by toes rubbing against the top or side, and wearing inserts in your shoes to better cushion them. Surgical treatment includes releasing or strengthening tendons, straightening a toe by removing a bone, and realigning the bones of the toes. If toe pain or deformity is an ongoing problem, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist who can examine your toes, diagnose the problem, and formulate a treatment plan that is right for you. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.