For anyone who has suffered from swollen ankles, you know how uncomfortable this can be. Such swelling can make it hard to walk, and the skin on the ankle may feel tight and stretched. Swelling of the ankles can result from a variety of things including injury, like a broken leg or sprained ankle, inflammation, and fluid retention. Ankles are a common lower extremity to experience swelling because of the accumulation of fluids in the body and gravity. Those more likely to experience swelling in their ankles include seniors, those who are overweight, and those who spend a prolonged time on their feet or in hot weather. Pregnant women are another group of people who are prone to ankle swelling because of their natural fluid retention, pressure on veins from the extra weight they are carrying, and a fluctuation of hormones. Swollen ankles are typically temporary, and resting and elevating the feet can resolve the problem. However, if the swelling is from an underlying health condition, like diabetes, a blood clot, heart failure, or even a problem with high blood pressure during pregnancy, it can be a more serious situation requiring immediate medical care. If you are experiencing swelling in your ankles and it is causing you persistent or worsening pain, or if you have other symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to understand what is underlying the swelling and obtain treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. 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 Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that the number of people who are obese has doubled across the globe in the last forty years, and being overweight often affects foot health. This can be a result of the added weight the feet must support, and daily activities may be difficult to complete. Higher body mass index may lead to developing certain foot conditions that can include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendon injuries. Overweight people can walk slower and have shorter stride lengths. Stress may be increased on the soft tissues and joints, which may lead to developing overuse injuries. Additionally, the ankles may lose strength from carrying the extra weight. Flat feet may develop for the same reason, and this can be another reason to lose excess weight. As this is being accomplished, it may be easier to build strength in the intrinsic muscles that can help to stabilize the arches. If you are overweight and have foot problems, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition. 

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

A puncture wound can be a small hole in the foot that can be caused by stepping on a sharp, pointed object. It often produces discomfort, and the foot can also become bruised and swollen. Additionally, some patients have difficulty moving the affected area, and it is beneficial to seek medical attention. An animal bite also may cause a puncture wound, and an X-ray may be taken that can determine the depth of the wound. It is important that the wound is properly cleaned, and this can begin with removing existing dirt and debris. This can be followed by applying medicine to the wound, which may help to prevent a bacterial infection. Symptoms may be managed by frequently elevating the foot and keeping it above heart level. This is often effective in reducing swelling and pain that may be present. If you have additional questions about how to perform proper wound care for the foot, it is suggested that you ask a podiatrist who can help you with useful information.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

If you regularly suffer from foot pain, it is beneficial to spend some time investigating the best type of insoles, which are also referred to as orthotics, to address the situation. Foot pain can have many causes, so the first order of business is to determine the source of discomfort. Many people with plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, bunions, or flat feet are candidates for shoe inserts, which are premade, one-size-fits-all types. Custom orthotics, however, are produced from a mold of your feet and designed to address the specific foot problem you have. While store-bought inserts are less expensive, a custom orthotic is well worth the extra cost. In addition, because the custom orthotic fits your foot perfectly, it also feels comfortable inside your shoe. Finally, a premade orthotic insert may change your gait and do more harm than good. For help with finding the right orthotics for your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough examination of your foot problem.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. 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 office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.