May 2021

Ankle sprains are a common injury among those who participate in sports that require a lot of running, jumping, or turning. An ankle sprain can occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear. Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms may include pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Following an ankle sprain, it is very important to rest the ankle so that it can recover fully. Springing back into action without achieving full recovery can lead to reinjury and chronic ankle pain. If you have sprained your ankle, you can return to playing your sport following approval from your podiatrist. This will usually occur after swelling has gone down, you have normal strength, a full range of motion, and can comfortably bear weight on the affected leg. If you are an athlete and have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. 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 office located in Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When it comes to the health and comfort of your feet, wearing the right shoe size is very important. You can have your feet measured at the shoe store by using a brannock device, but you can also measure your feet at home. Follow these steps to measure your feet in the comfort of your home. First, tape two blank pieces of paper to the floor. Sit in a chair and place one foot on one of the pieces of paper. Using a pencil, trace the outline of your foot closely, holding the pencil perpendicular to the paper rather than at an angle. Once you're done tracing, draw straight lines touching the outermost points at the top, bottom, and sides of your tracing. Next, use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the length and width of your feet. Repeat these steps with your other foot. If your feet are different sizes, this is normal. Use the foot with the larger measurements when looking at a sizing chart to convert your foot’s length and width into the appropriate shoe size. For more information about how to find the right shoe size, consult with a podiatrist. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

When children are born, they generally have flat feet. Additionally, the toes appear to be the same length, and are encased in soft fat. This is typically evident up to eighteen months, and bones will begin to form up to twenty-four months. Research has indicated the arch will start to form between two and four years, and the bones will merge together as the child grows. It is beneficial to have your child walk barefoot while indoors, and this is helpful in keeping the feet strong. When it is time to walk outdoors, the proper shoes need to be purchased. Ideally, they should be constructed with breathable materials, and it is important to make sure there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you would like additional information about your child’s foot development, and the type of shoes to buy, please consult with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peroneal tendonitis is a condition in which the peroneal tendons, which run down the lower leg bone and behind the bony bump on the outside of the ankle, become inflamed. This is common among people who play sports that involve repetitive ankle movements and may occur due to overuse, a sudden increase in training, using improper training techniques, or wearing unsupportive footwear. People who have high arches or muscle imbalances are more likely to develop peroneal tendonitis. The symptoms of this condition include pain at the back of the ankle that worsens during physical activity, swelling at the back of the ankle, and ankle instability. If you have pain in your ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Ankle & Foot Care Center. 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 office located in Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.