An ankle sprain is a common musculoskeletal injury that occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear due to sudden twisting or rolling of the joint. Causes often include sports activities, uneven surfaces, wearing improper footwear, or missteps during daily movement. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, weak ankle muscles, poor balance, and high-impact activities. Symptoms typically involve pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight. A mild or Grade I sprain involves slight ligament stretching. A moderate or Grade II sprain includes partial tearing with noticeable swelling. Lastly, a severe or Grade III sprain is a complete ligament tear causing instability. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and rehabilitation. If you have endured an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

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 our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are common in cooler weather because cold air and indoor heating dry out the skin. The skin on the bottom of the heel is naturally thick to handle body weight and pressure. When it becomes too dry, it loses flexibility and can split. These splits, often called fissures, are deep cracks that may cause pain, bleeding, or infection. Standing for long periods, wearing open-backed shoes, and taking long, hot showers can make the problem worse. People with diabetes or poor circulation may have a harder time healing and can face more serious complications. A podiatrist can examine the heels, safely trim thick, hardened skin, and provide professional treatment that helps restore moisture and protect the skin. Early medical care can reduce pain and prevent infection. If you have cracked heels that cause pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and safe 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 one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cankles describe a condition in which the ankle and lower leg appear to blend without a visible curve or separation. They often develop when swelling or fat accumulation occurs due to fluid retention, circulation issues, weight changes, or long periods of standing or sitting. Symptoms include a heavy, tight feeling, aching skin that feels stretched, and shoes that feel suddenly snug. The ankle bones may be difficult to see, and the lower leg can look uniformly thick. A podiatrist begins with a detailed exam and medical history to determine contributing factors, such as vascular changes, inflammation, or foot mechanics. Diagnostic imaging and circulation testing may be involved. Treatment can include compression guidance, custom orthotics, lifestyle changes, and coordination with other providers when needed. Early attention may reduce progression and improve comfort during daily activities. If you think you have cankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 tendonitis
• 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 offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many people overlook their toes, yet changes in appearance or sensation can reflect health problems. Curved or spooned nails may point toward anemia or thyroid disorders. Meanwhile, burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes can signal nerve damage often associated with diabetes. Dark streaks under a toenail require evaluation to rule out skin cancer. Pale or white nails may be linked to kidney or liver disease, and swollen, painful joints can indicate arthritis or gout. Thickened or yellow nails suggest fungal infection or trauma, and cold or bluish toes may indicate circulation problems. Because the feet contain small blood vessels and nerves, medical conditions may appear there early. A podiatrist evaluates skin, nails, joints, and circulation, orders testing, and recommends medical or surgical care to treat the cause and prevent complications. If your toes change in appearance, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.