Tuesday, 24 October 2023 00:00

All About Broken Ankle

Broken ankles or “ankle fractures” are injuries that occur when the bones that make up the ankle joint are broken. Ankle injuries are some of the most common bone and joint injuries. The ankle joint is made up of three bones that join. The tibia is the main bone, and it makes up the inside of the anklebone. The fibula is a smaller bone, and it makes up the outside of the anklebone. A membrane called the joint capsule is lined with a layer called the synovium, which covers the entire joint. The synovium produces synovial fluid which allows for the joint surfaces to move.

An ankle becomes broken when the joint is stressed beyond the strength of its limits. When an ankle is fractured, ligaments may also tear at the same time. Fractures often occur to the ankle rolling or twisting in an unusual way. At times, a fracture may even be caused by an extreme force applied to the joint.

Symptoms of a broken ankle include pain, swelling, bruising, discoloration, numbness, and an inability to move the toes. If you have a broken ankle, you may also hear something tear or snap when you initially suffered the injury. If you have pain from a broken ankle, beware that the pain will not always come from the exact area of the fracture; you may also experience pain from associated foot fractures. The swelling you may experience can suggest that soft tissue damage may have occurred due to the injury.

There are differences between an ankle fracture and an ankle sprain. The difference is that a fracture or break in the bone is required to classify an injury as a broken ankle. An ankle sprain occurs when there is a tear or disruption of ligaments in the ankle. In some cases, the prognosis of an ankle sprain may be worse than that of a fracture.

X-rays are the most common way to diagnose a broken ankle. X-rays show if the ankle is broken and where exactly the fracture is located. It will also show how many pieces of broken bone there are. A second method of testing to see if an ankle is broken is a stress test. To do this, the doctor will put pressure on the ankle and perform a stress test to determine if the fracture requires surgery. Other methods for diagnosis include CT scans and MRI scans.

If you are suffering from a broken ankle, consult with your podiatrist immediately to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Tuesday, 17 October 2023 00:00

Definition and Reasons for Developing Hammertoe

Hammertoe, a relatively common foot condition, is often the source of discomfort and inconvenience for many individuals. This deformity occurs when the middle joint of one or more of your smaller toes becomes bent and stuck in an abnormal position. The affected toes often resemble the shape of a hammer, hence the name. Hammertoes can develop for a variety of reasons, including genetics, foot structure, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. High heels and shoes that squeeze the toes together can exacerbate the problem. Hammertoes can lead to pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. While the condition can be hereditary, early intervention through wearing proper footwear and certain medical treatment can help prevent or alleviate the discomfort associated with hammertoes, allowing individuals to maintain healthier and happier feet. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

Painful and/or difficult toe movement
Swelling
Joint stiffness
Calluses/Corns
Physical deformity

Risk Factors

Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best 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.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the tendons, muscles, or ligaments that are responsible for holding the toes in their normal position. This condition may be caused by poor footwear, foot structure, trauma, and disease. The most common solution for hammertoe is to relieve the pain by changing your footwear and wearing orthotics. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

The shoes that are most likely to cause hammertoe are high heeled shoes or shoes that are too tight in the toe box. Tight shoes will force your toes to crowd together in a curled position. This position will likely continue when you take your shoes off. Another cause is trauma. When you stub your toe, you are increasing the chance that you will develop hammertoe.

There are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop this condition. Women are more likely to have the condition compared to men, and it is also more likely to appear in those who are older in age.

Many different foot problems can be avoided by wearing shoes that have adjustability, adequate toe room, and low heels. Furthermore, if you want to buy new shoes, you should look to purchase them at the end of the day and make sure you know your correct size. The importance of buying shoes at the end of the day is that your feet swell as the day progresses. You should also ensure that you are wearing your correct size because your shoe size may change as you grow older.

To diagnose someone with hammertoe, your podiatrist will need to conduct a thorough examination of your foot. Your doctor may even order an x-ray to evaluate the bones and joints of your feet and toes.

If you have hammertoe, your podiatrist may recommend that you wear shoes that fit you better along with inserts to place inside them. Additionally, he or she may suggest special exercises for you to perform to stretch your toes. One helpful exercise it to pick up marbles with your feet or crumple a towel with your toes.

Prior to meeting with your podiatrist, it will be helpful to make a list of all the symptoms you are experiencing. You should also make a note of medications you are taking and important personal information about your medical history.

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Tuesday, 10 October 2023 00:00

Tendonitis Across the Top of the Foot

Extensor tendonitis is a common foot issue that causes discomfort across the top of the foot. This condition stems from irritation or inflammation of tendons that are critical for lifting the toes. Repetitive friction and pressure, often due to ill-fitting shoes, are common causes of extensor tendonitis. The primary tendons involved are the extensor hallucis longus, which lifts the big toe, and the extensor digitorum, for the other toes. Extending from lower leg muscles, these tendons cross the front of the ankle, span the upper foot, and attach to toe tips. Their limited protection renders them susceptible to injuries and leads to pain. Overuse or excessive pressure causes inflammation and swelling in these tendons. In time, this can weaken them and cause scarring that reduces flexibility and strength. Risk factors include tight shoes, prolonged weight-bearing, and calf muscle tightness. Pain from extensor tendonitis usually worsens with activity but subsides during rest. Common signs are swelling, tenderness, and bruising. If you are experiencing symptoms of extensor tendonitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

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.

Foot Pain

Our feet are arguably the most important parts of our bodies because they are responsible for getting us from place to place. However, we often don’t think about our feet until they begin to hurt. If you have pain in your feet, you need to first determine where on the foot you are experiencing it to get to the root of the problem. The most common areas to feel pain on the foot are the heel and the ankle.

Heel pain is most commonly attributed to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse in the morning, and it tends to go away throughout the day. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should rest your foot and do heel and foot muscles stretches. Wearing shoes with proper arch support and a cushioned sole has also been proven to be beneficial.

Some common symptoms of foot pain are redness, swelling, and stiffness. Foot pain can be dull or sharp depending on its underlying cause. Toe pain can also occur, and it is usually caused by gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and corns.

If you have severe pain in your feet, you should immediately seek assistance from your podiatrist for treatment. Depending on the cause of your pain, your podiatrist may give you a variety of treatment options.

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Monday, 09 October 2023 00:00

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

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Tuesday, 03 October 2023 00:00

Aesthetic Concerns of Cracked Heels

Dry, cracked heels are a common issue that can cause discomfort. These fissures in the skin often result from dryness, pressure, or various lifestyle and medical factors. While not usually a severe health concern, untreated cracked heels can become painful. This condition typically starts with dry skin. Daily activities such as standing, walking, or running exert pressure on the feet, causing the heel pads to expand. When combined with dryness, the skin can crack, creating openings for bacteria and viruses. Other potential causes of cracked heels include lifestyle choices that can include walking barefoot, taking hot showers, or using harsh soaps. Wearing ill-fitting shoes with poor support can also contribute to cracked heels. On a medical front, factors like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, fungal infections, and hypothyroidism may also lead to developing cracked heels. Preventing cracked heels involves addressing dry skin and its underlying causes. Moisturizing is key, and products such as custom shoe inserts, padded socks, and heel relief sleeves can help protect and hydrate the skin. To treat existing dry, cracked heels, it is helpful to focus on hydration and protection. If this problem persists or causes pain, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a more advanced treatment plan.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

Invest in a good foot cream
Try Using Petroleum Jelly
Ease up on Soaps
Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

Moisturize After Showering
Skip a Shower
Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.

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Tuesday, 03 October 2023 00:00

Solutions for Cracked Heels

Cracked heels may make you want to think twice about showing off your feet in warmer weather. However, cracked heels may be harmful to more than just the appearance of your feet. If deep fissures and cracks develop in your heels, they may make walking and standing painful for you. Additionally, these openings make way for germs to enter through your skin and cause infection.

There are several different causes of cracked heels. One of the most common reasons for this ailment is dry skin. This problem may make your keeps feel rough tight and itchy. Dry skin may be caused by cold air, extremely hot water, harsh soaps, and aging. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis may eventually lead to dry skin. In some cases, complications may arise from cracked heels. Some of these complications are a loss of feeling in the heel, cellulitis, or a diabetic foot ulcer.

There are ways you can try to prevent getting cracked heels. One of the best ways to do so is to avoid wearing flip flops and sandals because these shoes increase your risk of drying out your feet. You should also avoid wearing shoes with a tall skinny heel, because these shoes cause your heel to expand sideways. At night, you should slather on a thick moisturizing cream on your feet and then cover them in socks to keep your feet moisturized overnight. Drinking water to stay hydrated is also a good way to ensure that your skin doesn’t become dry.

If you suffer from a severe case of cracked feet, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to see what treatment methods are best for you.

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Tuesday, 26 September 2023 00:00

Early Intervention for Flat Feet

Children with flat feet do not always naturally outgrow this condition, contrary to what parents may be told. Research supports the belief that untreated flat feet can lead to long-term problems. While children may not experience foot pain due to their soft and forgiving bones, they may complain of leg, knee, and growing pains. When left untreated, flat feet can result in painful adult flat feet in the future. Early intervention is crucial to prevent these issues. Treatment options may include orthotics, strengthening exercises, ballet, and surgery if necessary. Monitoring a child's flat feet without intervention might lead to further complications and becoming unresponsive to treatment later. Recognizing the potential long-term consequences of untreated flat feet is essential for both foot health and overall body posture. Early intervention can help children develop the correct foot structure and prevent future problems. If you have a child with flat feet and want to learn more about early intervention, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.

Symptoms

Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe
Swelling around the inside of the ankle
Flat look to one or both feet
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flatfoot

Flatfoot is a foot disorder that is not as straightforward as many people believe. Various types of flatfoot exist, each with their own varying deformities and symptoms. The partial or total collapse of the arch, however, is a characteristic common to all types of flatfoot. Other signs of flatfoot include:

“Toe drift,” or the pointing outward of the toes and the front part of the foot
The tilting outward of the heel and the tilting inward of the ankle
The lifting of the heel off the ground earlier when walking due to a tight Achilles tendon
Hammertoes
Bunions

One of the most common types of flatfoot is flexible flatfoot. This variation usually starts in childhood and progresses as one ages into adulthood. Flexible flatfoot presents as a foot that is flat when standing, or weight-bearing. When not standing, the arch returns. Symptoms of flexible flatfoot include:

Pain located in the heel, arch, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
Overpronation, or an ankle that rolls in
Shin splint, or pain along the shin bone
General foot aches or fatigue
Pain located in the lower back, hip, or knee

Your podiatrist will most likely diagnose flatfoot by examining your feet when you stand and sit. X-rays may be taken to define the severity and help determine the treatment option best for your condition. Nonsurgical treatments can include activity modification, weight loss, orthotics, immobilization, medications, physical therapy, shoe modifications, and ankle foot orthoses (AFO) devices. If nonsurgical methods prove ineffective, surgery may be considered. Multiple surgical procedures can correct flatfoot; and depending on your specific condition, one may be selected alone or combined with other techniques to ensure optimal results.

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Featured Articles

All About Broken Ankle

Definition and Reasons for Developing Hammertoe

Hammertoe

Tendonitis Across the Top of the Foot

Foot Pain

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

Aesthetic Concerns of Cracked Heels

Solutions for Cracked Heels

Early Intervention for Flat Feet

Flatfoot

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