Items filtered by date: May 2024

Ankle sprains are the most common injury sustained by volleyball players. They often result in significant lost playing time and affect overall performance. Ankle sprains typically occur when a player overstretches or tears the ankle joint ligaments while diving for the ball or landing the wrong way after a jump. A sprain can also result from landing on another player's foot. Treating and preventing ankle sprains is essential to avoid long-term problems, such as chronic pain, arthritis, and ongoing instability. Immediate treatment focuses on reducing pain, swelling, and stabilizing the ankle joint. Depending on the severity of the sprain, recovery times and treatment plans will vary. To further prevent future sprains, an ankle brace may be recommended during play along with maintaining a routine of rehabilitation exercises aimed at rebuilding strength and balance. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or instability in your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment plan.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM from Crestwood Podiatry and Wound Care Clinic. Our podiatrist 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 office located in North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen ankles can arise from various factors, ranging from genetics to underlying health conditions. It is important to delve deeper into the potential causes of swollen ankles, because they can signal serious underlying health issues. For instance, obesity, diabetes, infections, and venous insufficiency can lead to fluid retention in the ankles, which makes them become swollen. Other serious conditions that can result in swelling in the ankles include congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, and liver or kidney problems. Pregnancy, medications, insect bites, and sprains can also cause the ankle to swell. Prolonged standing or consuming excess salt are other other factors. Depending on the underlying cause, interventions may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or targeted therapies. If you have noticed that your ankles are swelling abnormally, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Edward Sharrer, DPM from Crestwood Podiatry and Wound Care Clinic. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and the feet are often affected. Elderly individuals usually experience common foot ailments that can significantly impact their mobility and quality of life. Among these ailments are bunions, which are painful bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often causing discomfort and difficulty in wearing shoes. Another prevalent issue is plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, leading to heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Additionally, corns and calluses frequently develop due to friction and pressure, causing thickened and hardened areas of skin that can be painful to walk on. It is vital for elderly individuals to seek proper care and treatment for these foot ailments to alleviate discomfort and maintain their mobility and independence for as long as possible. If you are elderly and have developed foot pain or specific foot conditions, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you relief options, in addition to guiding you on exceptional foot care practices.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM from Crestwood Podiatry and Wound Care Clinic. Our podiatrist 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 office located in North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters on the feet commonly develop due to friction and pressure. This can occur when wearing new or ill-fitting shoes, or from intense activities like running or hiking. Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form under the skin to cushion and protect deeper tissues from damage. While blisters often heal on their own, improper care can lead to infection and further complications. A podiatrist can help manage blisters on the feet, both by treating existing blisters and helping with prevention techniques. They can safely drain large or painful blisters in a sterile environment, apply appropriate dressings, and prescribe topical treatments to prevent infection. Additionally, podiatrists can provide valuable advice on selecting the right footwear and using special padding or insoles to reduce friction points. Podiatrists may also recommend specific socks or taping techniques to protect sensitive areas of the feet, which can prevent future blisters and ensure healthy foot care practices. If you have painful or recurrent blisters on the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM of Crestwood Podiatry and Wound Care Clinic. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.