What Can Contribute to Ankle Pain?
Anyone who has experienced ankle pain is often aware of the difficulty this may cause while attempting to complete daily activities. The function of the ankle is to provide balance and stability to the body, and there are several bones, ligaments, and tendons that are found within it. Research has indicated it is the bone in the body that is injured most frequently, and it can happen from overuse, or a running injury. It can also occur while stepping off of a curb or uneven surface, which can stretch the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. It is suggested that people who enjoy participating in sporting activities perform strengthening ankle stretches and exercises, and this may help to provide proper conditioning. There may be existing medical conditions that can affect the ankle. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. It may be difficult to put any weight on the ankle, and walking may be difficult or impossible to do. Ankle discomfort is not a normal ailment to have, and if you are experiencing this type of pain, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the source is, and treat it accordingly.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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
- 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ankle Pain
Pain experienced in the ankle can be caused by a multitude of conditions. While the most common cause is an ankle sprain, other possible problems can include arthritis, gout, ankle instability, an ankle fracture, nerve compression, or tendinitis. In more serious cases, ankle pain can be a sign of improper alignment of the foot or an infection.
Ankle pain can often be accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, stiffness, and warmth in the affected area. Pain can be described differently depending on the condition: short, stabbing pain and a dull ache are some examples. If such symptoms are persistent and do not improve after time, be sure to schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist.
Depending on the condition causing your ankle pain, different treatments may be prescribed by your podiatrist. For ankle sprains, the first step in treatment involves rest, ice, elevation, and compression. Be sure to avoid placing pressure on the ankle, use an ice pack several times a day, and use a compression bandage and elevation to reduce swelling. Other, more serious conditions may require the assistance of certain drugs and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, or even cortisone injections.
Depending on the severity of your ankle pain and the condition behind it, recovery from ankle pain may take some time.
Consult with your foot and ankle doctor to best determine the cause of your ankle pain and the appropriate treatment.
Toenail Fungus and Clean Socks
Toenail fungus is a very common affliction that is caused by an infection of an organism such as fungi and molds. Typically, these infections are most likely found in warm, moist environments where such organisms thrive. If an individual has a fungal infection, they might notice discoloration on the affected toenail. One critical way in which a person can prevent a toenail fungus from developing is by consistently wearing clean socks and shoes. If you fail to alternate your shoes and socks on a daily basis, sweat and yeasts or fungi can accumulate on the fabric. This makes suffering from a toenail fungus more likely. You might choose to wash your shoes in the washing machine to ensure that they are clean. Including baking soda or vinegar in the wash might be helpful in eliminating harmful organisms. However, ensure that the shoes are completely dry before wearing them again. In the same vein, it can also be important to be diligent about cleaning and completely drying your own feet on a regular basis to ensure that any harmful organisms are not growing on the foot itself. If you are worried about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist for more information.
For more information about treatment, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Treating Toenail Fungus
Fungal infection of the toenail, or onychomycosis, typically appears as a gradual change in a toenail’s texture and color that involves brittleness and darkening. The fungal infection itself occurs beneath the surface of the nail. Aside from discoloration, other symptoms include the collection of debris beneath the nail plate, white marks on the nail plate, and a foul odor emanating from the nail. If ignored, the infection can spread into other nails and the skin; in severe cases, it can hinder one’s ability to work or walk.
The toenails are particularly vulnerable to contracting infection in moist environments where people are likely to be walking barefoot, such as around swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms. Fungal infection may also be more likely to occur in nail beds that have been injured, and sufferers of chronic diseases such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immunodeficiency conditions are particularly prone to developing fungal nails.
Fungal nails can be primarily prevented by practicing proper hygiene and regularly examining the feet and toes. Carefully washing the feet with soap and water and thoroughly drying the feet afterwards are essential. Other tips include wearing shower shoes in public areas, changing shoes and socks daily, keeping toenails clipped at a short length, wearing breathable shoes that fit properly, wearing moisture-wicking socks, and disinfecting home pedicure tools and instruments used to cut nails.
Fungal nail treatment may vary between patients and the severity of the condition. Your podiatrist may suggest a daily routine of cleansing that spans over a period of time to ease mild infections. Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal agents may also be prescribed, including topical and/or oral medications. Debridement, or the removal of diseased nail matter and debris, may also be performed. In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be needed. In some instances, the temporary removal of the fungal nail allows for the direct application of a topical antifungal to the nail bed. In other cases, a chronically painful fungal nail that has not responded to other treatments may be permanently removed; this allows the infection to be cured and avoids the growth of a deformed nail.
Foot Pain and Metatarsalgia
The name given to a pain in the ball of the foot is metatarsalgia. The five long bones on the bottom of the feet are the metatarsals, and they connect the ankle to the toes. This type of foot pain can feel like a burning sensation or may range from a dull ache to shooting pain. The area that is affected is where the second, third, and fourth toes meet the ball of the foot and may feel worse when walking or running. Some medical reasons that metatarsalgia may develop include arthritis, hammertoe, bunions, or the painful condition known as gout. Additional causes are wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, being overweight, and participating in high-impact sporting activities. Mild relief may be found when elevating the affected foot as often as possible, and it may help to wear shoes that have shock-absorbing insoles. Additionally, many people choose to stretch their Achilles tendon, exercise the ankle, and wear shoes that have flat or low heels. If you have pain in your foot and would like a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, please confer with a podiatrist.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot Pain
The feet, being the foundation of the body, carry all of the body’s weight and are therefore prone to experiencing pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is important to determine where in the foot you are experiencing this pain to help discover the cause of it. While pain can be experienced virtually anywhere in the foot, the most common sites of foot pain are in the heel and ankle.
Heel pain can be due to a multitude of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spurs. Pain experienced in the ankle can be a sign of an ankle sprain, arthritis, gout, ankle instability, ankle fracture, or nerve compression. In more serious cases, pain in the foot can be a sign of improper alignment or an infection.
Foot pain can be accompanied by symptoms including redness, swelling, stiffness and warmth in the affected area. Whether the pain can be described as sharp or dull depends on the foot condition behind it. It is important to visit your local podiatrist if your foot pain and its accompanying symptoms persist and do not improve over time.
Depending on the location and condition of your foot pain, your podiatrist may prescribe certain treatments. These treatments can include but are not limited to prescription or over-the-counter drugs and medications, certain therapies, cortisone injections, or surgery.
If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is important to consult with your foot and ankle doctor to determine the cause and location. He or she will then prescribe the best treatment for you. While milder cases of foot pain may respond well to rest and at-home treatments, more serious cases may take some time to fully recover.
Feet Problems in the Elderly
The foot can be compared to a tire of a car. After many years of use, a foot can wear down like tires wear down. A tire becomes thin and the tread less dependable over time just as a human foot shows its age over time. The key difference between a foot and a tire is the former cannot be changed. We get one pair of feet per life. Because seniors are generally less active than those younger, they may not pay as much attention to their feet as they once did. But as one ages, they need to pay even more attention to their feet. If you are a senior you will likely experience foot pain. And foot pain is highly associated with a higher risk of recurrent falls, reduced mobility, and a loss of independence. Muscles and tendons lose elasticity with age and that contributes to pain. Additionally elderly foot pain is a result of putting on weight, losing fat on the padding of feet, compromised blood flow from health problems (such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy), persistent foot problems, such as hammertoes, bunions, corns, calluses, wearing shoes that do not fit well, or simple neglect in care. Daily foot inspections, washing, drying, and moisturizing feet frequently, and cutting toenails straight across are all part of a good foot care routine. Paying attention to diet, exercising, and wearing properly fitted shoes and socks will all help in alleviating foot problems as well. If you are a senior or responsible for caring for a senior, include a podiatrist on the health care team to teach you how to care for your feet or provide diagnosis and treatment should a problem arise.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
- Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
- Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
- Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
- Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
- Shoes that don’t fit properly
- Pressure sores
- Loss of circulation in legs & feet
- Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Elderly Foot Care
As you grow older, you will start to notice more problems with your feet due to wear and tear. This may also happen because the skin will start to become thin and lose elasticity. Some signs of aging feet are regular aches and pains, bunion development, and clawed toes.
Fortunately, there are ways you can improve comfort, relieve pain, and maintain mobility in your feet. One of the best ways to deal with aging feet is to exercise. If you keep active, your muscles will become toned which will then strengthen the arches in the foot and stimulate blood circulation.
It is important that you practice proper foot care to protect your aging feet. You should wash your feet in warm water on an everyday basis. Afterward, the feet need to be dried well and it is important to dry between the toes. Your toenails should be trimmed and kept under control; nails that are poorly cut may become ingrown. At the end of each day, performing an inspection of your feet will allow you to detect any ailments in their early stages.
As you grow older, it becomes more important that you wear comfortable shoes. Your shoes should be secure, and they should provide decent arch support. If you are looking to buy a new pair of shoes, it is best to look for a pair that are made from a breathable material. It is also helpful to have shoes that have a bit of extra room at the top of the shoe, especially if you suffer from swollen feet.
The most common foot problems that elderly people will encounter are bunions, calluses, corns, hammertoes, heel pain, and foot problems related to diabetes. Some other issues include arch pain, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, and Morton’s neuroma
An annual foot examination is a great way for you to ensure that you do not have any serious health problems with your feet. You should talk to a podiatrist about the available treatment options for whichever foot issue you are dealing with.
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Obesity and Ankle Sprains
Individuals who struggle with obesity are sometimes more susceptible to experiencing problematic foot conditions. For example, some obese individuals are more likely to develop flat feet because their higher body weight makes them exert more pressure on their feet when standing. Therefore, if you suffer from obesity, it might be a good idea to take extra care of the health of your feet. Obese individuals ought to be particularly mindful of ankle sprains because not only does obesity increase your risk of spraining the ankle, it also might make recovery from such an injury more difficult and prolonged. Ankle sprains occur when the foot turns awkwardly and tears or strains the ligaments surrounding the ankle. Obesity also heightens your risk of developing a sprained ankle because the extra body weight increases your instability and reduces balance control, among other things. When recovering from an ankle sprain, obese individuals are also particularly vulnerable. The joints affected by an ankle sprain may take a longer time to heal post-injury in obese individuals because of the detrimental effects obesity has on ankle joint function. Therefore, if you are obese and are trying to recover from an ankle sprain, you might need extra help in managing your symptoms to heal the injury. Contact a podiatrist for any questions you might have about how obesity affects ankle sprains.
Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
