Various parts of the foot are affected when a broken ankle occurs. The ligaments, tendons, and nerves surrounding the ankle can become damaged, which can add to the pain and discomfort that is associated. A broken ankle may happen from a fall or a heavy object dropping on it. The average recovery time for a broken ankle is approximately six weeks, and it is beneficial to slowly resume activities that require walking or running. Patients who have diabetes may notice it can take longer to recover from a broken ankle, and it can help to closely monitor blood sugar levels. Consuming healthy foods and engaging in a gentle upper-body exercise routine may lead to a faster recovery. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Running on trails requires many precautions that are not needed for other types of exercise or sport. Among the most important considerations is finding the proper footwear. Here are some tips from experts for selecting trail running shoes that can enhance your safety and increase your enjoyment. This type of shoe falls into three categories, including light trails, rugged trails, and off trails. Light trail shoes are made of fairly stiff materials that offer some protection from rocks, but serve well on more groomed trails. Rugged trail shoes are sturdier and have tougher soles that may help to prevent slipping, while providing more stability against foot rotation. They also have thicker exteriors to ward off thorns and brush. Off trail shoes are the most rugged, providing extra protection against rough terrain. They hold up well in bogs, streams and other slippery spots. As with all running footwear, trail running shoes must fit properly, while taking into account the socks that you will wear. For more information on what type of shoes to purchase for trail running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM of Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
When an individual is living with a toenail fungus, they can experience any number of different annoying and unsightly symptoms. For example, a patient may have nails that are ragged and brittle in texture. A patient might also notice that their nails are slightly discolored. People who have toenail fungus can ask a trusted medical professional, like a podiatrist, how they can go about treating this condition. The answer can vary from patient to patient depending on the nature and severity of the condition. For example, a podiatrist might recommend that a patient perform a vinegar foot scrub in the future to prevent the development of the fungus. The reason for this recommendation is that vinegar has many antifungal and antibacterial properties that can prevent the onset of foot fungus. A vinegar foot soak also can soothe dry skin on the feet. If you currently have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.
For more information about treatment, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM of Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Spraining an ankle is a common injury that results from overstretching one or more ligaments that helps to hold the ankle joint together. Signs of an ankle sprain are pain, swelling, and bruising. There are three main types of ankle sprains. A grade 1 sprain is the least serious injury. The ligaments are stretched, but not torn, and the joint remains stable. A grade 2 sprain is more severe and painful, and may indicate that more than one ligament has partially torn. This causes the ankle joint to become less stable, and bearing weight is more difficult. With a grade 3 sprain, more than one ligament is torn, and ankle movement is impossible. If you have this type of sprain, seeking immediate medical attention is imperative. Ignoring an ankle sprain can be permanently damaging to the joint. For that reason, if you believe you may have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Falls prevention is particularly important for the elderly population, who are more apt to suffer from fall-related injuries. Performing regular stretching and strengthening exercises are methods that can help to maintain balance. Ensuring loose carpets are adhered to the floor, halls are cleared of obstacles, and floors are dry, can help to avoiding falling at home. It is beneficial for medications to be checked for side effects that may cause dizziness or fatigue. Having eyesight regularly checked and updating prescription eyeglasses will keep vision issues under control. Routinely going to the doctor for examinations can help with staying ahead of current or emerging health conditions, which may possibly lead to falling. For example, if blood pressure is low or arthritic joints are inflamed, falls are more likely to occur. If you have had previous falls, and sustained an injury to your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help you in all of these areas, and guide you toward effective fall prevention techniques.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Atheltes’ foot is a common foot condition that may recur if prompt treatment is not received. It is considered to be a fungal infection, and is contagious. The fungus that causes this uncomfortable ailment lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, shower room floors, and similar areas. Common symptoms of athlete’s foot can include itchiness between the toes, flaky skin, and small blisters may develop in severe cases. Temporary relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried, followed by applying an appropriate cream or powder. This will unlikely bring lasting results, and permanent relief can be obtained from a podiatrist who can prescribe correct medication. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can offer you the treatment that is needed.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an auto-immune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The feet, which contain multiple joints, are often affected by this inflammatory condition. The immune system, instead of protecting the joints, sends antibodies into the lining of the joints causing the tissue surrounding the joint to become inflamed. This results in damage to the bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Many people are affected by RA, but most develop it between the ages of 40 and 50. Women are three times more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis than men, largely due to hormonal differences. Also, it affects many people who smoke or have a genetic tendency toward the disease. RA causes throbbing and aching pain, and may induce fatigue and fever along with a loss of appetite. Rheumatoid arthritis is not curable, but measures may be taken to reduce the symptoms. If you think you may have RA that is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment options.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM of Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The ankle joint is a complex structure involving bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that work together to help you walk, stand, run, and jump. When any one of these elements becomes injured, you may experience mild, moderate, or severe ankle pain, depending on the cause. When the ankle becomes stiff, making it difficult to walk, the pain usually involves a sprain, a strain, or an inflamed tendon. Such stiffness may also be caused by arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. A swollen ankle can be caused by several conditions, including arthritis, blood clots, or pregnancy. Heart and kidney disease can also result in a buildup of fluid in the ankles. A crunching or grinding sound in the ankle, termed crepitus, is most commonly caused by a bone spur or by hardened or brittle ligaments. This is often the result of arthritis and is more common among seniors. General weakness or instability in the ankles may be caused by overuse or from a previous injury. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. 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:
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 Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
