High ankle sprains, prevalent among athletes, are distinct from traditional ankle sprains due to the affected ligaments. These injuries typically occur during sudden twists or impacts that force the foot upwards, straining the ligaments connecting the two lower leg bones, the tibia, and fibula. These are unlike common ankle sprains, which involve the ligaments on the sides of the ankle. The injury causes pain, swelling, and instability, hindering mobility and performance. Sports that involve rapid changes in direction or jumping, such as basketball, soccer, and football, pose a higher risk. Factors like insufficient warm-up, wearing improper footwear, and fatigue exacerbate the likelihood of injury. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including rest, compression, and elevation, are critical for recovery and prevent long-term complications in athletes. If you have suffered an ankle sprain during a sporting activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine which type of sprain it is, and treat it accordingly.

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 Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and potential infection. This common condition can arise from improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, trauma, or naturally curved nails. While some may attempt self-care remedies, seeking professional assistance from a podiatrist is vital for safe, effective relief and treatment. Podiatrists possess the expertise to accurately diagnose the severity of the ingrown toenail and recommend appropriate interventions. Treatment methods may include gentle nail trimming, lifting the nail edge, or in severe cases, surgical procedures to remove the ingrown portion of the nail. Ignoring an ingrown toenail or attempting amateur treatments can make the problem worse, leading to complications such as infection or chronic pain. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment to alleviate discomfort from an ingrown toenail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Genetics can play a significant role in the development of congenital foot problems, particularly in pediatric patients. Common deformities such as clubfoot, flat feet, and metatarsus adductus often manifest at birth or during early childhood. Clubfoot is characterized by a twisted foot that points downward and inward, whereas flat feet involve a lack of arch in the foot when standing. Metatarsus adductus presents with the front half of the foot turned inward. These conditions are believed to occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although the precise causes are still not fully understood. Symptoms typically include abnormal foot shape, difficulty in walking, and discomfort. Treatment options vary from custom orthotics to surgical intervention, depending on severity. Prognosis is generally good with early treatment. If you are a parent and notice signs of foot deformities in your children, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate management.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Walking on a foot stress fracture can seem like a feasible option in certain situations, but it carries both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, continuing to walk may help maintain mobility and prevent muscle atrophy, especially if the fracture is minor and does not cause severe pain. It can also be convenient for individuals with busy schedules or obligations that require them to stay on their feet. However, walking on a stress fracture can exacerbate the injury, delaying healing and potentially causing further damage. It may prolong recovery time and increase the risk of complications such as a complete fracture or chronic pain. Additionally, ignoring the need for rest and proper treatment can lead to long-term consequences, including decreased bone density and recurrent injuries. Ultimately, while walking on a foot stress fracture may offer short-term benefits, it is essential to prioritize rest and medical guidance to ensure a full and efficient recovery. If you have endured a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide proper recovery treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Having the right pair of work boots is important for specific types of jobs. Beyond comfort, they ensure safety, durability, and even style. Before exploring boot options, it is helpful to assess your work environment to select boots with suitable safety features. Composite toe work boots are lightweight yet durable, ideal for hazardous environments. Soft toe work boots offer comfort and protection against slips in less hostile settings. Waterproof boots with breathable liners keep feet dry, while insulated boots provide warmth and cushioning in cold climates. Prioritizing safety features, comfort, and functionality helps you find the right pair of boots to support you through long work days. It is also essential to consider foot health too, and consulting a podiatrist for personalized recommendations can be beneficial. Purchasing quality work boots is investing in your safety and comfort on the job. By balancing safety, comfort and functionality, you can find work boots that meet all your needs. If your type of job requires protecting the feet from injury or puts you at risk of other foot ailments, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for help in selecting appropriate footwear.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.