kate Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Causes of Ankle Pain While Walking

Ankle pain when walking can result from injuries, overuse, or underlying conditions that affect the foot and ankle structure. Common causes include sprains, which involve stretched or torn ligaments, and fractures, where one or more ankle bones break and may shift out of place. Overuse injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, and plantar fasciitis often develop gradually and worsen with continued walking. Conditions like arthritis, gout, or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can also cause ankle pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. A podiatrist can perform a thorough physical exam, review your medical history, and use diagnostic tools such as X-rays or MRI scans to identify the source of ankle pain. Treatment options include supportive bracing, shoe modifications, and injections. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damaged tendons, realign bones, or even replace the ankle joint. If you are experiencing pain while walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Practice Name. 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
  • 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 Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

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Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Practice Name. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Types and Symptoms of Turf Toe

Turf toe is a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint, which connects the base of the big toe to the foot. This injury typically occurs when the big toe bends upward beyond its normal range, damaging the surrounding ligaments and tissues of the plantar complex. Symptoms of turf toe include pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced ability to push off with the toe. Turf toe injuries are grouped into three categories. Grade 1 involves stretching of the soft tissue, resulting in mild tenderness. Grade 2 involves a partial tear, causing more pain, swelling, and limited joint movement. Grade 3 is the most severe, with a complete tear of the soft tissue, often preventing weight-bearing on the toe. Turf toe is frequently experienced by athletes who play on artificial surfaces, especially those who wear lightweight shoes. It can affect gymnasts, dancers and other active people, as well. If you have symptoms of a turf toe injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Practice Name. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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