My Ankle Hurts

Ankle pain while walking can significantly impact your daily activities, and several conditions may be the culprit. Fractures, often resulting from trauma like a fall, typically cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight on the foot. Treatment may include immobilization or surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture. Tendon sprains or tears, often caused by overuse or sudden movements, lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the ankle. A podiatrist may recommend compression or targeted exercises to help with healing. Ligament sprains or tears occur when the ankle twists or rolls, causing pain, bruising, and swelling. Treatment typically involves rest and elevation. Dislocations, where the bones in the ankle are out of place, can cause severe pain, swelling, and visible deformity. Immediate treatment involves realigning the joint, followed by rehabilitation. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors 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 tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • 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 offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain

What Is a Lisfranc Injury?

A Lisfranc injury refers to damage to bones in the midfoot, specifically the joint complex where the bones of the foot meet. This type of injury often occurs from a traumatic event, such as a car accident, sports injury, or a fall from height, where excessive force is applied to the foot. It can also happen in lower-impact scenarios, like twisting the foot awkwardly while walking or running. Symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In severe cases, there may be visible deformity. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Minor injuries may be treated with immobilization, while more severe cases may require surgery to realign the bones and stabilize the joint. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose a Lisfranc injury through a physical exam and imaging, and develop a treatment plan to help restore function and alleviate pain. If you suspect a Lisfranc injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for the right care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Nerve Pain in the Heel

Heel pain can sometimes be traced to nerve compression, specifically when nerves in the heel become pinched between surrounding bones, ligaments, and connective tissue. This is known as medial and lateral plantar nerve entrapment. It can lead to nearly constant pain that worsens with activities like standing, walking, and running. High-impact activities and certain footwear can intensify the heel pain, making it challenging for people to perform daily tasks comfortably. Unlike other nerve issues, this type of entrapment typically does not cause burning or tingling.  Instead it produces a more constant, deep ache. Diagnosis of this condition requires a thorough examination by a podiatrist, who may recommend supportive orthotic devices to stabilize the foot and alleviate pressure. Wearing splints can also help manage symptoms. In more severe cases, additional treatments like cryotherapy or surgery might be considered. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, exam, and treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Heel Pain

Pain Relief and Recovery Tips for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. This tissue supports the arch of the foot, but repetitive stress or strain can cause tiny tears, leading to irritation and discomfort. The hallmark symptom is sharp heel pain, especially noticeable with the first steps in the morning, or after periods of inactivity. People who are on their feet for long periods, have flat feet or high arches, or wear unsupportive footwear are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and supporting the arch. Stretching exercises, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications are common approaches. Severe cases may benefit from targeted exercises, steroid injections, or, in rare instances, surgery. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

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