Recovering from a sprained ankle involves a gradual process of restoring motion, building strength, and improving balance to protect the joint from future injury. A podiatrist may recommend ankle exercises, starting with light range-of-motion exercises like flexing the foot upward and downward or tracing the alphabet with the toes within the first 48 hours to encourage flexibility. Strengthening exercises are added as healing progresses, including ankle eversion and inversion movements. Ankle eversion strengthens the muscles on the outer side of the ankle by turning the foot outward against resistance, while ankle inversion works the muscles on the inner side by turning the foot inward. These exercises help stabilize the ankle and prevent chronic sprains. By the third or fourth week, a patient may perform standing stretches to loosen tight calf muscles and practice toe rises to build endurance. Moving too quickly can place unnecessary stress on healing tissues, so guidance from a foot specialist is important. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for initial treatment as well as a recovery plan.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 Longwood, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened, and eventually splits. This condition often results from a lack of moisture and pressure on the fat pad under the heel, causing the skin to expand and crack. Symptoms of cracked heels include dry, rough skin, visible splits or fissures, pain while walking, and, in severe cases, bleeding or infection. Risk factors for developing cracked heels include prolonged standing, walking barefoot, wearing open-backed shoes, obesity, and certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Additionally, environmental factors such as cold weather and low humidity can also contribute to this condition. If you have developed painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief remedies, which may include prescribed medication.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Longwood, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.
Chronic ankle pain refers to persistent discomfort in the joint that lasts for an extended period and may interfere with daily activities. Symptoms include ongoing pain, difficulty walking, foot swelling, and visible bruising. Many individuals also experience a limited range of motion, making it hard to move the ankle freely or bear weight comfortably. Several conditions can contribute to chronic ankle pain, such as tendonitis, where the tendons become inflamed due to overuse or injury. Arthritis is another common cause, leading to joint stiffness and swelling over time. Additionally, ankle instability, often the result of repeated sprains or weakened ligaments, may cause the joint to feel wobbly or prone to giving way. Chronic ankle pain often causes difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can start you on a comprehensive treatment plan.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Longwood, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
