Items filtered by date: September 2021

Ankle sprains can occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn, usually due to a sudden, twisting injury of the ankle. Sprains can range from mild to severe, but in all cases, a full recovery is vital to prevent future ankle injuries. For all ankle sprains, it is important to protect the sprained ankle from further injury by resting it. Applying ice, compressing, and elevating the injured ankle can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can be useful for pain management. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help during the recovery process as well. Moderate to severe sprains will usually require further treatments to ensure proper healing. These may include footwear modifications, wearing orthotics, going to physical therapy, wearing an ankle brace or support, and in particularly severe cases, undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 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 office located in Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) located at the back of the heel. It is a common cause of heel pain and occurs due to issues such as overuse, wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoes, having tight calf muscles, a heel injury, a Haglund’s deformity, or another medical conditions like gout or arthritis. Symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis include heel pain and tenderness, swelling, and ankle stiffness. This condition generally responds well to conservative treatments such as resting and icing the heel, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing orthotics and comfortable shoes. Calf stretches and specific exercises for heel bursitis can also help. If you are experiencing any heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a condition where a nerve located between the toes becomes damaged and swollen. This usually occurs due to injuries from playing sports or wearing ill-fitting shoes.  Morton’s neuromas are most common among women, people between the ages of 40 and 60, and those who have foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes. Common symptoms include sharp, stabbing, shooting, or burning pain in the ball of the foot, and tingling and numbness. The hallmark symptom of this condition, however, is the strange sensation that you are walking on a pebble in your shoe, even though there is no pebble there. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, consult with a podiatrist, who can find the right treatment for you. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Uric acid is a by-product of the body breaking down purines—which are present in chemical compounds in the body as well as in certain foods we consume. Most uric acid is excreted, but when too much of it remains (hyperuricemia), it can crystalize on joints. One of the most painful arthritic conditions is known as gout. Some believe lower temperatures in the toes makes a more conducive environment for crystals to form, and so the big toe is often where gout occurs. Gout flare-ups can typically last for days or weeks before going into remission. During a flare-up, you may experience severe pain and swelling, along with heat and redness at the site. Gout with no single cause is known as primary gout. Secondary gout is due to kidney disease or medications affecting the kidney’s ability to expel urate. A podiatrist may make a diagnosis of gout after an examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and fluid aspiration from the affected joint.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.