Ankle sprains are a foot injury many people endure at some point in their lives. It generally happens during a fall when it is twisted beyond its normal range of motion. The ligaments can become stretched or torn, and it is often painful. It can happen from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb, causing the ankle to roll outward while the foot turns inward. A mild sprain can cause the ankle to feel stable despite it being tender, swollen, and stiff. Bruising may accompany a more serious sprain, and walking is often difficult. If the ankle sprain is severe, it is impossible to walk, as the ankle can be wobbly and give out. A proper diagnosis is often performed by having an X-ray taken, which is successful in ruling out a fractured ankle. Treatment can begin with wrapping the affected ankle with a compression bandage and elevating it as often as possible. Many people use crutches for mobility, and this can help to keep the weight off of the foot. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat it.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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?
Preventing a Sprain
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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The feet are responsible for providing balance, mobility, and a steady base for the body. They also serve as shock absorbers while walking and running, and provide cushioning for the body. Each foot has 26 bones, several tendons, ligaments, and muscles that are naturally coordinated to function together. The muscles and tendons are categorized into two groups, labeled intrinsic and extrinsic. The muscles that start in the lower leg and wrap around the ankles before they attach to the foot are called the extrinsic muscles. The other group of muscles that are known as the intrinsic muscles begin and end in the foot. These muscles are layered along the bottom of the foot to form the arch. These groups of muscles work in harmony while walking and running and are not given much thought as it happens naturally. There are abnormal foot structures that can alter the natural alignment of the bones. People who have flat feet, babies that are born with clubfoot, or people who stand for long periods may develop chronic foot conditions. If you would like more information about how the feet are constructed, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Common symptoms of poor circulation are tingling sensations in the feet after sitting for long periods or if exposed to cold elements. There may be existing medical conditions that can cause poor circulation. High blood pressure can be a common reason, as it could represent limited blood flow to the organs. People who smoke may be prone to developing poor circulation, and the effects are often felt in the lower legs and feet. Poor circulation may also happen from having endured a foot injury, which may constrict blood flow. It is important for patients who lead a sedentary lifestyle to move around as much as possible. Engaging in a gentle exercise program is an effective way to accomplish this, and can provide adequate circulation to the body. If you would like additional knowledge about how poor circulation can affect the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A hammertoe occurs when one of the three middle toes bends upward at the middle joint. Corns and calluses that can develop on the hammertoe can make wearing shoes and walking uncomfortable. If lifestyle changes, such as wearing wider shoes, using shoe inserts, or doing stretching and strengthening toe exercises do not help, surgery can be considered to correct a hammertoe. Hammertoe surgery is not a good option for those who have poor circulation in their feet, have a foot infection, or have other health problems making surgery a risk. If considered a good candidate for this surgery, it is typically a procedure that can be done as an outpatient under general anesthesia or using numbing medications. If the hammertoe is still somewhat flexible, a tendon transfer involving redirecting tendons from the bottom of the toe to the top where it is bent can be done to straighten the toe. If the hammertoe is fixed or rigid, a joint resection or fusion can be done. Joint resection is when tendons and ligaments are cut to help straighten the toe and the end of the bone is cut off so the toe can be fully extended. In fusion surgery, the ligaments and tendons are also cut but the two bones forming the affected joint are also cut for straightening the toe. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if more conservative treatment is possible or whether surgery is an option for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
