Unfortunate news for Tennessee Titans fans...cornerback Logan Ryan has suffered an ankle injury of unknown severity during the Titans and San Francisco 49ers game.  He sustained the injury during the second quarter, and it forced Ryan off the field for the rest of the game.  The severity of the injury has not been announced, nor just how long Ryan will be out for.  It is expected that fellow teammates Brice McCain and LeShaun Sims will take his place until he returns.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are nails that have grown into the surrounding skin due to a variety of reasons. Some of these include cutting the nails too short, wearing tight-fitting shoes, and damaging the toe through trauma. In most cases, an ingrown toenail is not too serious and can be treated at home. Toe protectors, antibiotic ointments, and washing your feet can all help speed up recovery and stave off infection. To help prevent ingrown toenails, be sure to wear shoes that are properly fitted and provide enough room for your toes. When you clip your toenails, cut them straight across to help prevent them from growing into the skin. Seeing a podiatrist is highly recommended, as a podiatrist can provide better treatment options .If you are diabetic, it is strongly recommended that you see a podiatrist as the risk of infection is greatly heightened.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

The feet bear the weight of the body and are very complex, containing many bones, tendons, and muscles. The burden of this weight may contribute to pain in the feet and may also result in foot conditions such as bunions, fallen arches, and cramping muscles. Stretching the muscles by doing foot exercises may help in reducing tension. Some exercises include performing toe lifts, which can aid in strengthening the foot and help to prevent injuries. Another exercise technique is to pick up marbles with your toe one at a time, placing them in a small bowl. This may help with plantar fasciitis and injuries to the big toe. An Achilles stretch is also helpful in stretching and relaxing the muscles of the calf, resulting in an easier ability to flex the feet. Massaging the feet does not only prevent muscle sprains and spasms, but may help to increase circulation as well.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

When weight gain occurs during pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity may change. Typically, this adds pressure to the knees and feet, potentially causing edema and over-pronation. Over-pronation (in-ward rolling feet) can cause the arches to flatten because of the additional weight. Strain on the calves and feet are common results of over-pronation, in addition to pain in the feet. Edema, or swelling, commonly occurs in the feet during the latter stages of pregnancy. Treatment may consist of wearing footwear that provides shock absorption and extra support. Elevating the feet can also help provide relief, as can eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. By avoiding foods high in salt and exercising regularly, it's possible to keep the swelling to a minimum. A consultation with a podiatrist may be advised if swelling and pain persist in the feet.  

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

While not widely known, falls are the leading cause of accidental death among those aged 65 and older and the number one cause of hospitalizations. It is estimated that 31 billion dollars are spent annually on medical costs related to fall injuries. While it may seem that falls are inevitable among the elderly, they can be prevented. Discuss with a doctor any potential side effects of medication you are currently taking, as certain drugs may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that can lead to falls. Enrolling in an exercise program is a great way to not only retain but gain strength, balance, flexibility, and durability. Avoid living a sedentary lifestyle; if a fear of falling is preventing you from going outside, it is recommended to talk to someone. Wear shoes that are properly fitted and provide traction. Make sure your home is clear of debris on the floor and has good lighting and handrails. During the winter months, it is also recommended to keep a cell phone on you. If you need to prevent ice buildup on your outdoor pathways, use plenty of salt or ice-melting products to get rid of ice. Finally, letting someone know where you are going in the winter and giving them an estimate of how long you will be is a good idea.

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 one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

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 offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.