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Ankle Injuries Are Common in Athletes

Ankle injuries are common in athletes and can range from mild sprains to severe ligament tears or fractures. They often result from sudden twists, awkward landings, or collisions during sports activities. Risk factors include inadequate warmups, wearing poor footwear, previous injuries, and playing on uneven surfaces. These injuries can lead to swelling, pain, instability, and reduced performance, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can provide an expert diagnosis, develop personalized treatment plans, and recommend braces, orthotics, or rehabilitation exercises to promote recovery and prevent reinjury. If ankle pain or instability is affecting your activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive professional care, restore strength, and return to athletic activities with confidence and safety.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain

When Cracked Heels Need Professional Treatment

There are several reasons why cracked heels occur. You may be walking around barefoot too much, standing on hard surfaces for extended amounts of time, or wearing open-back shoes or flip flops that can allow fat pads under the heel to spread out sideways and increase the chances of cracks developing. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, or even obesity can increase your risk of developing cracked heels as well. Nutritional deficiencies, exposure to certain harsh chemicals or detergents, and dry skin due to aging can all pave the way for cracked heels. Most mild cracked heels are often just a minor annoyance and can be treated with proper foot care. Left untreated, however, they may deepen, bleed, become painful or even infected—which is particularly dangerous for those with compromised immune systems or diabetes. If you are struggling to heal your cracked heels, or they are severely cracked, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist for proper treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Falls Prevention Tips for Seniors

Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors and often result from changes in balance, muscle strength, vision, or hearing. Chronic conditions and medication side effects can also affect coordination and stability. Additionally, household hazards like loose rugs or poor lighting increase the risk. Preventing falls starts with wearing supportive, non-slip shoes, improving home lighting, and engaging in exercises that build strength and balance. Regular foot care also plays an important role in stability and confidence while walking. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, recommend proper footwear, and address pain or mobility issues that contribute to falls. If you have fallen and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional falls prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Falls Prevention

Women’s Perspective on Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma, a painful condition affecting the nerves in the foot, is notably prevalent among women. This ailment, characterized by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, often manifests between the third and fourth toes. Women, who frequently wear high-heeled shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box, are more susceptible to the compression and irritation that contribute to Morton's neuroma. The pressure exerted on the forefoot, coupled with the repetitive stress from wearing such footwear, can exacerbate the condition. Additionally, activities that involve footwear with tight toe spaces, such as ballet or certain athletic pursuits, may increase the risk. Recognizing the connection between footwear choices, lifestyle, and the development of Morton's neuroma is vital for women. Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that is treated by podiatrists. If you have pain between the third and fourth toes, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma


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