The foot injury that is known as an ankle sprain often produces severe pain and discomfort. It can occur as a result of suddenly twisting the ankle beyond its normal range, which can affect the ligaments. There are three types of ankle sprains. These are categorized into grades, with grade one consisting of minor ligament tears. The patient is often able to walk, and may experience minimal pain. Bruising and swelling may accompany a grade two sprain that is often tender when touched. A complete ligament tear can be indicative of a grade three sprain which makes walking difficult. Many ankle sprains can be prevented when you wear shoes that fit properly, and it can help to warm up and cool down before and after exercising. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment techniques.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 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 Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The risk of developing slow-healing open sores on the feet, also known as foot ulcers, is particularly high among people with diabetes. They often form on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe. If you are diabetic and have a foot ulcer, it is highly suggested that you get it treated by a medical professional. In addition to following your doctor’s instructions, you can also better care for your diabetic foot ulcer at home by keeping pressure off of the affected foot, regularly cleaning the ulcer and changing your bandages, and taking your medications as directed. To prevent future foot ulcers, you should try to keep your blood sugar under control through diet, exercise, medication, and avoiding smoking. Wear shoes when you are on your feet to avoid potential injuries, and inspect the feet daily to detect any cuts, scrapes, or sores early. For more information about treatment and prevention of diabetic foot ulcers, speak with a podiatrist today. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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 medical condition that is referred to as Achilles tendinopathy is a type of Achilles tendon injury. The Achilles tendon is located in the calf, and connects the heel bone to the calf muscles. The common cause of this type of injury is overuse, and it can occur in patients who are not involved in sporting activities. Additional causes of Achilles tendinopathy include arthritis, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or taking specific types of antibiotics. Common symptoms that are often associated with this ailment can consist of swelling, pain in the back of the heel, and difficulty walking. Relief may be found when the activity that caused the injury is temporarily stopped, and it may be beneficial to engage in physical therapy, or to wear shoe inserts. If you have pain in the back of your heel, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you get proper treatment.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

A heel spur is defined as a portion of bone that develops where the plantar fascia connects to the heel bone. It is often linked to the medical condition that is known as plantar fasciitis, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Mild relief may be found when extra weight is lost and this may ease the pressure on the heel. There are some patients that find it helpful to use shoe inserts, or to wear a night splint. This may alleviate some of the pain that a heel spur can cause. The healing process may be accelerated when the affected foot is rested, and when regular running activities have temporarily stopped. If you have pain in your heel, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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.