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April 2022

The words sprain and strain are very similar. So too, are several symptoms of an ankle sprain and ankle strain. Ankle sprains involve the ligaments which hold the bones of the ankle together and support it, while strains involve ankle muscles, often where the muscle attaches to a tendon. In a sprain, the pain is immediate and there may be bruising, while pain from a strain can sometimes come on gradually and a bruise is typically not visible. Both injuries can produce localized swelling, inflammation, and redness. Yet, there may be a noise—an audible popping sound the moment the ligament is injured—in an ankle sprain, which does not occur when you strain the muscles in your ankle. However, you may experience cramps, spasms, or weakness in the muscle when you’ve strained your ankle, which usually doesn’t occur if you’ve sprained the ligaments of your ankle. Both conditions can make it difficult or impossible to move your ankle or to place weight on it. If you are experiencing any type of pain, inflammation, redness, or swelling in your ankles, contact a podiatrist to have your condition properly diagnosed and treated.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains
Wednesday, 20 April 2022 00:00

Are Orthotics Right for You?

Orthotics are shoe or heel inserts that can be custom made by a podiatrist if you are having foot, leg, or back pain. Orthotics are generally used to help correct foot abnormalities, ease pain in feet and ankles, and reduce the risk of injury. Continued heel and foot pain are customary complaints that are diagnosed and can lead to a trial use of orthotics. A podiatrist will usually examine your feet, ask you to walk and perform movements to look at how your feet and ankles are positioned and how the feet strike the ground, and possibly order further imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI to help them identify problem areas. Arthritis, lack of cushioning, bunions, bursitis, flat feet, and hammertoes are all examples of conditions that orthotics might help. Though you can buy over-the-counter foot pads, do home exercises, and/or try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to try and help with pain and associated problems, you might be prescribed orthotics if these do not help. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for any issues that cause discomfort that might be related to your feet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Tuesday, 12 April 2022 00:00

What Might Be Causing Your Heel Pain

Heel pain—and pain at the back of the feet—in older adults can typically be caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, or various types of bursitis. Plantar fasciitis causes pain and stiffness at the bottom of heel, when the plantar fascia tissue that attaches there becomes damaged/torn and inflamed. It can typically be treated by night splinting to keep the plantar fascia in a neutral position, custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and more. Bursitis is an inflammation of one of the bursas in the feet. Bursas are sacs filled with fluid that provide cushioning between bones and tendons and help reduce friction between bones. Bursitis in the feet can occur either where the plantar fascia or the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, or in response to pressure from shoes at the back of the foot. These conditions can often be treated with footwear modifications, heel pads, gel wraps, orthotics and padding, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, night splints, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cold or warm compresses and more. If you have any type of pain in your heel, call a podiatrist. They are experts at diagnosing and treating all forms of heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Glen Robison of AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain
Sunday, 10 April 2022 00:00

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.

Tuesday, 05 April 2022 00:00

Arthritis Can Be Found in the Toes

The joints in the body are affected when arthritis is present. The toes are a common place for this condition to develop, and it is often accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. Some of the symptoms that patients experience can include loss of toe function, swelling, and inflammation. The most common form of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis, and it affects the cartilage between the joints of the toes. Mild relief may be found when shoes are worn that have adequate room for the toes to move in, and it may also help to use a contrast bath. This is defined as putting the foot in a tub of ice water for several seconds, followed by putting the same foot in a bucket of warm water for the same amount of time. For severe arthritis in the toes, medical attention may be needed for relief. If you have symptoms of arthritis in the toes, please speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment solutions.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Glen Robison from AZ Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mesa and Globe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot
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