Items filtered by date: June 2022

Ankle pain refers to any kind of discomfort or pain in the ankles. Such discomfort may come from an injury, a sprain, or a medical condition. An ankle sprain is one of the most common causes of ankle pain. A sprain is when the ligaments, or tissues connecting bones, tear or become overstretched. Most of these strains occur when the foot rolls and the outside ankle twists towards the ground. Ankle sprains often swell and bruise. Pain can last for up to 14 days, but it may take several months for the injury to heal fully. Ankle pain can also be a result of a health condition, such as arthritis, gout, or an infection in a joint. Rest can help ankle pain and once the pain subsides, gentle exercise of the ankles can help gain mobility back and reduce swelling. If the pain is from arthritis, there is no cure, but it can be managed by continuing to move, practicing stretching and strengthening exercises, and keeping body weight in a healthy range. If one has broken their ankle, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to see how bad the break is and if the ankle needs to be set or if surgery is necessary. If after giving an injury time to heal, and making lifestyle modifications, the pain worsens, or it becomes impossible to bear weight on the affected foot, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment plan customized for you. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. 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
• Bursitis
• 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 our office located in Sioux Falls, SD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Fallen arches are another name for flat feet. It is noticed while standing and the entire foot lies flat on the ground. Many people have genetic traits for this condition and some people experience discomfort with it. The arch plays a crucial role in maintaining balance in the body and may be improved by performing specific exercises. A towel scrunch is done by sitting on a chair and putting a towel on the floor by your feet. This is followed by grabbing the towel with the muscles in the feet. This is repeated several times and completed with the other foot too. An effective foot and arch stretch is referred to as stair heel raises. This is accomplished by standing on a step and lowering the heel until a gentle stretch is felt. A toe extension can benefit the muscles in the top of the foot that helps to control the toes. This is achieved by pushing on the toes with the fingers and holding for several seconds. If you would like to know more information about flat foot exercises, please confer with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

A broken foot can happen for a variety of reasons. These can include falling, dropping a heavy object on it, or possibly from twisting it. An X-ray is typically taken which can determine the severity of the break. This is followed by wearing a cast or boot for approximately six weeks. This is a successful method in stabilizing the foot as the healing process occurs. A broken foot is often accompanied by pain and swelling, and it can help to frequently elevate the foot. After the foot has healed, some patients can benefit from performing specific stretches that may help to improve range of motion. These can consist of pointing and flexing the affected foot, followed by turning the feet in and out. If you have broken your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can diagnose and treat it.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

The long bones of the foot that connect the heel and the toes are called metatarsals. When the rounded head of a metatarsal bone is under pressure, it can become inflamed and painful with every step you take. The two main causes of this type of pain, also termed metatarsalgia, are the foot hitting a hard surface when you walk or run and faulty biomechanics of the foot itself. In many cases, the activity you are undergoing, such as running or walking long distances, or the shoes your wear may be the culprit. Pounding on pavement over long periods can bruise the metatarsals. Wearing high heels with pointy toes puts extreme pressure on these bones. Other causes include foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes that can affect your gait, being overweight, stress fractures that change the distribution of weight, and high arches. If metatarsal pain has begun to interfere with your daily life, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis and options for treatment. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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.

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