Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch too much or tear. Depending on the severity of your sprain, you may experience symptoms that range from mild pain and swelling to debilitating pain that makes walking nearly impossible. The pain of an ankle sprain often has a sudden onset, usually after a fall or blow to the ankle, and progressively worsens over the course of a few hours. There may be swelling or bruising on or around the ankle. You may also have difficulty moving the affected ankle. Instability at the ankle joint can make it difficult to walk. If you believe you may have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact 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.

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 offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

We often think of flexibility as being an important part of physical fitness - but when was the last time that you thought about the flexibility of your feet? The feet are often neglected when it comes to stretching and improving flexibility. This is unfortunate, as the feet can greatly benefit from being flexible. Our feet absorb shock when we walk or run while also acting as rigid levers for pushing off the ground. By molding and adapting to the surfaces that we walk on, our feet help keep us balanced. When the feet are too rigid, stiff, and inflexible, their ability to absorb shock, push off from the ground, and balance ourselves may be impaired. For this reason, stretching your feet daily is very important. To learn about how to stretch your feet to improve their flexibility, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Jobs that require standing on your feet most of the day can be problematic for your feet. Painful blisters, bunions, plantar warts, sore muscles, and worse conditions can develop if you do not take care of your feet. First and foremost, choose comfortable shoes that fit well, offer adequate arch and heel support, and afford plenty of room in front, and on top, of the toes. Foot orthotics or insoles can also help provide additional cushioning and even improve the way you stand to ease stress on the entire body. Secondly, don’t skip any scheduled breaks; these respites are important to get off of your feet and relieve the strain they’ve been under. Thirdly, strengthening the muscles in your legs with regular exercise, weight lifting, and walking will increase your endurance and help prep your body for prolonged standing. Consult with a podiatrist for more information and guidance on how to prioritize your foot heath while on the job.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

The cuboid bones are located in the mid area of the foot and can be affected by a condition known as cuboid syndrome if damaged. This condition can occur due to poor foot structure, which may include flat feet or high arches. Additionally, it can develop following a severe ankle sprain and generally causes pain in the outside of the foot. Patients who have developed cuboid syndrome may find mild relief when the affected foot is elevated, as this often helps to alleviate a portion of the swelling and inflammation. Additionally, it is beneficial to refrain from sporting activities as the healing process occurs. If you have pain in your foot, and believe it may be cuboid syndrome, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment options.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.