Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in athletes, caused by overstretching or tearing the ligaments that stabilize the joint. They often occur during sudden movements like jumping, pivoting, or uneven landings. Each sprain is unique, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the extent of ligament damage. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Immediate care involves rest, which helps reduce swelling and pain. However, more severe sprains may require medical attention and targeted stretching to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term instability. Prevention strategies include strengthening exercises, ankle taping, wearing supportive footwear, and avoiding risky movements. If you have persistent pain or repeated ankle sprains, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to develop a treatment plan and ensure a safe return to sports.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Broken Foot
Plantar Fasciitis
Stress Fractures
Turf Toe
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
Congenital foot problems can affect a child’s mobility and overall foot function, often requiring medical evaluation and regular care. Clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus, is a common condition where the foot and ankle twist inward, often requiring casting or surgery. Metatarsus adductus involves the foot turning inward, sometimes limiting joint flexibility and requiring corrective measures if it does not improve naturally. Another congenital foot condition, metatarsus varus, causes the foot’s arch to rise and the sole to turn inward, frequently needing treatment with a cast to improve alignment. Talipes calcaneovalgus occurs when the foot bends backward with the heel turned outward, and early intervention with braces or a cast is often successful in correcting this. Each of these conditions can affect a child’s ability to walk or develop properly. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the congenital foot condition, recommend appropriate treatments, and provide ongoing care to support healthy foot development. If your child has a congenital foot problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.
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.
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.
Ignoring foot pain can have serious consequences for your balance, mobility, and overall foot health. Persistent pain often signals an underlying issue that, left untreated, may worsen over time. Conditions like stress fractures, heel pain, and psoriatic arthritis are common sources of foot pain and can severely impair foot function if not addressed. Even minor discomfort can cause changes in your gait, leading to strain in other areas of the body, like the knees, hips, and back. Determining the cause of foot pain is essential for effective treatment, as each condition requires a different approach. Addressing foot pain early can help you maintain balance, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of chronic issues, keeping you active and pain-free. If you suffer from foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. 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.
