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Ankle pain can be a result of problems that affect the bones, muscles and tissues that support the ankle. One common issue that may occur is an Achilles tendon rupture. This occurs when the tendon that connects the heel bone to the calf is torn as a result of overstretching or overuse. The most common ankle injury is an ankle sprain. Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect the bones become overstretched or torn. Another common problem that can occur is arthritis, the result of the cartilage wearing down, which causes the bones to rub together. Patients who have experienced an injury that limits their ability to move their ankle, or those who can’t put weight on their ankle, or whose pain or condition is worsening, should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Patients who believe they have fractured their ankle should seek immediate medical attention as well.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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?
Preventing a Sprain
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 Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Morton’s neuroma is often caused by high heels or tight shoes which can pinch toes together, causing nerves to become compressed or aggravated and thickened in response to the irritation. Aside from improper footwear, other factors—such as having flat feet, bunions, hammertoes, high arches, or participating in certain sports activities—may also put pressure on the nerves between the toes and contribute to the development of Morton’s neuroma. This condition most typically occurs between the third and fourth toes, but may also develop between the second and third toes. Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma may include a feeling of having a marble or pebble in your shoe, a burning sensation in the ball of your foot, numb toes, pain radiating from your toes, or trouble walking. Sometimes people with Morton’s neuroma have no symptoms at all. If you suspect you may have Morton’s neuroma, seek the care of a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis and treatment.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors 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?
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 Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
When the skin on the heels dries out, it loses its elasticity and thickens. The pressure of everyday activities like walking and standing often proves to be too much for dried out skin, and cracks are more likely to appear. Cracked heels can be uncomfortable, especially if the cracks are deep. Putting weight on the heels may even become painful. The potential causes of cracked heels include having naturally dry skin, living in a dry climate, standing for prolonged periods of time, being overweight, and wearing shoes that expose your heels to the air. Fortunately, there are many medical treatments and home remedies for cracked heels. For more information about treatment options, please consult with a podiatrist.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through an area called the tarsal tunnel along the inside of the ankle, is compressed. This often occurs with other foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis or acquired flat foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome causes sharp, shooting, electrical, dull, or burning pain sensations on the inner side of the ankle and in the heel. Treatment is almost always non-surgical and includes wearing comfortable shoes or orthotics, doing stretching exercises, modifying your daily activities to limit standing and walking while you heal, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain. To learn more about treatment options for tarsal tunnel syndrome, please consult with a podiatrist.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.
Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
By monitoring a child’s foot development in the early years—and intervening if any structural abnormalities or dysfunction is present—the child’s quality of life can be vastly improved, and serious foot complications later in life may be avoided. Some milestones in a child’s early development are: sitting up by themselves at approximately 6-7 months, beginning to walk at roughly 12 months, and walking heel-to-toe by age 3 instead of on their toes as some toddlers do while learning to walk. Toe walking after age 3 may just be a habit, or due to a tight Achilles tendon, or it could possibly be an indicator of a muscular, neurological, or developmental issue the child may have. If you are concerned about your child’s foot development, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and consultation.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
