Ankle Pain

The ankle is the region that joins the foot and leg. It consists of three joints that allow the foot to move. Pain in the ankle is typically the result of injury or inflammation from a wide variety of conditions, such as strains, sprains, fractures, or arthritis. Symptoms that often co-occur with ankle pain include swelling, bruising, numbness, tingling, stiffness, joint instability, and difficulty walking. 

The underlying cause of your ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. A diagnostic visit to this specialist typically involves providing a medical history, describing your ankle pain, and undergoing a physical examination. In some cases, the chiropodist may order imaging studies, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to rule out or confirm a diagnosis. 

The right treatment for your ankle pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. In many cases, your chiropodist may recommend that you follow the R.I.C.E. acronym: resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected ankle. Taking these actions generally decreases swelling and inflammation, reduces pain, and promotes healing. Taking over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also help with pain management. The chiropodist may also prescribe custom orthotics, immobilize the affected ankle, or recommend activity and footwear modifications. In cases of more severe injuries, surgical treatment may be necessary. 

If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is recommended that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Ankle Pain After Running

Running is an important way in which individuals across the country burn their daily calories. However, running can be taxing on your body if you are not taking care of it properly. For example, running can sometimes cause ankle pain. If you are experiencing ankle pain after a run, there are several potential reasons for the pain. You might have suffered from an ankle sprain, an ankle strain, tendinitis or a stress fracture. Regardless of the cause of your ankle pain, it is important to remember to take care of the ankle and cease activities that exacerbate the pain. You might consider taking a break from running when your ankle is causing you pain. You might also apply an ice pack to the affected area periodically, for about 10-15 minutes at a time, during the first few days of discomfort. If you are a runner and want to learn about more ways in which you can be protecting your ankles, talk to a chiropodist.

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

  • Ankle strains or sprains

  • Achilles tendon injuries

  • Fractures

  • Bursitis

  • Arthritis

  • Gout

  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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

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Heel Pain

Heel pain can range in severity from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. Usually caused by an injury, heel pain can become chronic if it's left untreated. There are many different types of injuries that can bring about heel pain. When describing your pain, it is important to note the location and type of pain, as well as when the pain started and what activities make it better or worse. 

Perhaps the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repetitive overuse or trauma. This condition causes stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel. The pain is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps after a period of rest, like when you first get up in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is also sometimes accompanied by bone spurs, calcium deposits on the heel bone that can cause sharp pain that gradually evolves into a dull ache. Other possible causes of heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, heel fractures, bursitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and Sever’s disease. 

Although treatment for heel pain depends on the underlying cause, most treatments involve resting, icing, and elevating the affected foot. Your chiropodist will also typically suggest that you wear more comfortable, supportive shoes or orthotics to help your heel heal. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient to manage heel pain. For more information about heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist.

Exercises to Alleviate Heel Pain

Many people across the country suffer from some kind of heel pain. Commonly, you might experience heel pain because of a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Although there are a multitude of different reasons why you might be experiencing heel pain, performing certain exercises might help alleviate the pain felt. One of the most common exercises is to stretch out your plantar fascia. This can be done from a seated position. Simply put one foot at a time on top of a cold water bottle and slowly roll the foot back and forth over the bottle, being careful and while gently rolling. This exercise can be performed for about one minute on one foot before alternating to the other foot. Additionally, you might try stretching your calves. This can be done by facing a wall and placing the palms of both your hands against the wall. Put one foot in front of you and another behind you. Slowly and repeatedly bend the knee of the leg in front of you as you lean forward with each bend. These are just some of the many different exercises that you might perform to alleviate heel pain. For more information, be sure to contact a chiropodist who can help.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

  • Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs

  • Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness 

  • Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time 

  • Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking

  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel

  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs. 

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Falls Prevention

Many older adults think that falls are rare and won’t happen to them, so they don’t need to take steps to reduce the risk of falling. This isn’t true, as falls are very common. Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and disabilities among older adults. Not only does falling affect one’s physical health, but it can also cause psychological harm. An older adult who has fallen may lose confidence in their abilities to get around and live independently. They may feel that the only ways to prevent falling are to avoid physical activities and stay in the house when this can in fact be counterproductive. 

Though staying in the house can be tempting for an adult that is afraid of falling, it’s worthwhile to note that over 50% of all falls occur in the home. A better way to prevent falls is to take steps to make your home safer. Remove tripping hazards, like loose cables, slippery rugs, and low furniture from the home. Install good quality lighting that will allow you to see where you are walking. In the bathrooms, use a non-slip bath mat and install grab bars in the shower to avoid slipping. When you do leave the house, don’t be ashamed to use a mobility aid, such as a cane, if necessary. 

Reducing the risk of falling continues with taking care of one’s physical health. Exercising regularly and incorporating exercises that stretch and strengthen the lower limbs is important for maintaining mobility. Vision care is another key element of falls prevention, as people with vision impairment are more than twice as likely to fall than those who don’t have vision problems. Being able to clearly see where you are going and if there are any tripping hazards in your way will help prevent falls. Managing your medications can help prevent falls. Certain medications cause side effects that impair balance, leading to falls. You should talk to your doctors about the medications that you are currently taking, their side effects, and any ways that they may interact with one another. Finally, regularly seeing a chiropodist can help maintain your foot health and mobility. A chiropodist can not only treat any existing foot problems, which can contribute to falling, but also help you prevent future issues. 

Preventing Falls in Senior Citizens

If you are a senior citizen, then you are at an increased risk of suffering a potentially dangerous fall. Falls can detrimentally affect the health of older individuals and lead to subsequent falls. However, there are a number of steps that seniors can take to prevent such dangerous episodes. Many of these steps involve the feet. For example, to prevent yourself from falling, you might be cognizant of the kinds of footwear that you are wearing. Generally speaking, high heels can make falling more likely. Instead, seniors might opt for footwear that has lower heels. You could even try shoes with non-slip soles. Shoes that have wider heels are also another good option for increasing stability and balance in the feet. Besides being intentional about the kinds of shoes that you wear, seniors can also prevent falls by engaging in regular exercise. This should be done to keep the feet strong and agile, so that they do not grow weak or unhealthy. For more tips on preventing falls in senior citizens, visit a chiropodist who can help.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Did you know that most falls occur in the home? Fortunately, there are many simple changes that you can make to the living environment to reduce the risk of falling. 

In the Bathroom:

  • Install grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, and showers

  • Put non-skid mats on all surfaces that may get wet

In the Bedroom:

  • Keep a light near the bed so that you can easily turn it on if you have to get up at night

  • Keep the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clutter-free and well-lit

  • Consider installing a bed rail for added support

In the Kitchen:

  • Use non-skid mats

  • Wipe up any spills immediately

  • Move commonly used items to areas that are easily within your reach

In the Hallways:

  • Place handrails on both sides of the stairs

  • Install good lighting in the hallways and around the entire home

  • Keep hallways free of clutter

  • Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs

In Other Living Areas: 

  • Keep loose cables, cords, and wires near the wall and away from walking surfaces

  • Make sure that all carpets and rugs are secure firmly to the floor

  • Arrange your furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk

  • Use chairs and couches that you can easily get up from

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

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Poor Circulation

Poor circulation refers to inadequate blood flow to an area of the body. Poor circulation to the lower limbs can be a particularly dangerous condition that can cause complications such as blood clots, chronic pain, swelling, mobility difficulties, infections, and amputations. 

The symptoms of poor circulation in your lower legs and feet include coldness, tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation. Your legs and feet may also feel painful, achy, or heavy. The skin may turn blue or purple, stop growing hair, and become easily damaged. Cuts, scrapes, and sores on the feet can develop into poorly healing wounds, which are at risk of infection. 

Poor circulation can be more likely depending on various genetic, lifestyle, and medical factors. People who are older, live a sedentary lifestyle, or are obese are at an increased risk of poor circulation. Diseases such as diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, and venous insufficiency can also make poor circulation more likely to occur.

If you are experiencing symptoms of poor circulation in your lower legs and feet, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Poor Blood Circulation and the Feet

The body’s circulation system sends blood, oxygen, and nutrients through the body. When blood flow to a specific body part is reduced, it is called poor circulation. This can happen with the feet. Poor circulation is not the condition itself, but what results from poor circulation that causes other health problems. Underlying conditions that can result in poor circulation to the feet include obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial disease. When one has poor blood circulation in the feet they might experience tingling, numbness, a throbbing or stinging pain, muscle cramps, nerve damage, and ultimately tissue damage. People with diabetes can have difficulty detecting signs of poor blood circulation because diabetic neuropathy might set in and cause reduced sensation to the extremities. Since poor blood circulation is a symptom of numerous conditions, diagnosing the underlying cause is important. If you have diabetes or experience the other symptoms of poor blood circulation, visit a chiropodist for help in determining what the problem is and how to best treat it.

When blood flow to a specific part of the body is reduced, you may experience symptoms of poor circulation. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, like your legs and feet. Please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

Poor circulation isn’t a condition in itself. Instead, it results from other health issues. Therefore, it’s important to treat the underlying causes:

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

  • Diabetes 

  • Blood clots

  • Varicose veins

  • Obesity

  • Raynaud’s disease 

Symptoms

Symptoms of poor circulation may include: 

  • Numbness

  • Tingling

  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs

  • Pain

  • Muscle Cramps

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will perform a physical exam to detect pain and swelling, as well as an antibodies blood test to detect inflammatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease. It’s important to disclose any known family history of poor circulation and any related diseases. A blood sugar test, blood pressure test, ultrasound, or CT scan may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatments for poor circulation depend on what is causing it. Compression socks may be used to reduce pain and swelling. An exercise program may be recommended to improve circulation. Various medications may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions that may contribute to poor circulation.  

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

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Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

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