Ankle sprains are fairly common injuries caused by overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint. They often result from a sudden twist or roll of the ankle, typically during sports, running on uneven ground, or even daily activities. People with previous ankle sprains, weak ankle ligaments, or wearing improper footwear are more prone to this injury. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, and tenderness surrounding the ankle, especially when bearing weight, in addition to a reduced range of motion or joint instability. Immediate treatment usually involves rest and elevation to control swelling and pain. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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 North Bay Ankle & Foot 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 Petaluma and Sonoma, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Turf toe, also known as a hyperextension injury of the big toe, occurs when the toe is forcibly bent upward, straining or tearing the ligaments around the joint. This injury is common in athletes, particularly those playing on artificial turf, where shoes can grip too firmly, restricting toe flexibility. Football players, dancers, and gymnasts are especially at risk due to frequent, intense foot movements. Turf toe causes pain, swelling, and bruising at the base of the big toe. Patients often feel a sudden pain when the injury occurs, which worsens with movement, especially when pushing off the toe while walking or running. Treatment includes rest and elevation. Severe cases may require immobilization or even surgery. With proper care, most individuals recover fully, but untreated injuries can lead to long-term stiffness, joint instability, and chronic pain. If you have injured your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Trauma
Sports injury
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Arthritis
Gout
Corns and calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Sprains
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
Severe pain
Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
Signs of infection
Continued swelling
Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition often develops due to muscle imbalances, which cause the tendons and ligaments to tighten and pull the toe into an abnormal position. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels or shoes that crowd the toes, as well as trauma or conditions like arthritis. Symptoms consist of pain, difficulty moving the affected toe, and the development of corns or calluses where the toe rubs against footwear. Over time, the deformity may become rigid, making it harder to correct. Relief for hammertoe may include wearing properly fitted shoes with a roomy toe box and using orthotic devices. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist to prevent worsening of the affliction and provide effective treatment options.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Pain in the affected toes
Development of corns or calluses due to friction
Inflammation
Redness
Contracture of the toes
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are a multitude of foot and ankle conditions that can impact your daily life. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, which causes sharp heel pain, occur when the tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. A bunion, a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, can cause swelling and discomfort. Corns, which are thickened areas of skin, typically develop on toes due to friction and can be painful. Issues with toenails, such as ingrown toenails or fungal infections, can lead to redness, swelling, and discomfort. While some minor problems may improve on their own, persistent pain, swelling, or changes in the nails warrant professional evaluation. Ignoring these issues can lead to further complications, so it is important to seek medical advice. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot 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)
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 Petaluma and Sonoma, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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