Items filtered by date: April 2023

For anyone who has sprained an ankle, the necessity for strengthening the joint after healing is important. A weakened ankle joint increases the risk of another sprain, which can evolve into chronic ankle instability. A symptom of an unstable ankle is the feeling that the joint gives way during normal activity, which is often a sign of an overstretched ligament. Treatment options include performing a series of neuromuscular exercises to strengthen the ankle joint, along with wearing a protective brace for stability. If the ligament is still too loose, surgery becomes an option. The ligaments, which hold the joint in place, can be shortened and tightened, or in some cases, replaced. Ankle instability can also cause problems with muscle coordination, and for this reason strengthening exercises may be helpful. If you have experienced a recurring ankle stability problem, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a full examination of the joint and the right treatment options for you. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . 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 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?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

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 offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain is a phenomenon that affects a wide range of individuals worldwide and can have various causes. People may experience foot pain after performing activities such as lifting weights. Specifically, when an individual lifts weights or performs deadlifts and lunges, they put extra pressure on their feet. If a person does not take enough time between lifting weights to rest, they may neglect recovery time, and foot pain may be more likely to occur. If someone is lifting weights with improper form and technique, this may also be a reason to develop unwanted foot conditions. If you frequently engage in weight lifting, it is suggested that you reach out to a podiatrist today who can provide you with appropriate treatment, if necessary.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the foot specialists  from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors 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 offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Learning about the biomechanics of the feet can help an individual become more knowledgeable about how the foot works and how to prevent injury. Learning about the arch of the foot can be especially helpful. The arch of the foot is complex and has many essential functions. There are three different arches in the foot. The medial arch, the lateral arch, and the anterior transverse arch. Each of these arches is ultimately formed by the interaction of different bones, ligaments, and tendons in the feet. The arch enables the feet to perform many functions. For example, the arches in the feet provide flexibility and shock absorption when walking and running. In a way, the arch helps act as a kind of spring in the feet. If individuals did not have arches in their feet, engaging in motion would be significantly different and perhaps more difficult. If you are someone that wants to learn more about the biomechanics of your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who are over 50 years old may notice the aging process has begun. The feet may begin to widen if additional weight is gained, which may cause heel pain to develop. The fat pads are known to lose some of their elasticity and cushioning, and different shoes may need to be worn. After many years of walking and standing, corns and calluses may be noticed. This can happen as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly for long periods of time. Additionally, for the same reasons, bunions and hammertoe may gradually form, possibly causing pain and discomfort. Caring for the feet in elderly people is important in preventing many of these types of foot conditions. This can be done by wearing shoes that fit correctly, properly trimming the toenails weekly, and wearing custom-made orthotics for comfort, if necessary. If you have questions about what proper foot care is for elderly people, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can address any questions you may have.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors 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 offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.