If you are in pain after spraining your ankle and notice swelling on the outside of it, or if you heard a popping sound the instant the injury occurred, you may have a torn ankle ligament. There are four major ligaments that hold the ankle together. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) on the outside of the ankle is the weakest and therefore typically the first to become injured. It can become overly stretched in a sprain, partially torn, or even completely torn (ruptured). Small tears of the ATFL will cause pain, tenderness, and swelling, but walking is usually still possible. Larger ATFL tears will cause greater pain, swelling and bruising, and you may have difficulty walking. A complete tear of the ATFL can cause severe pain, larger areas of swelling, and you may not be able to walk at all. You may have been able to hear an audible popping sound at the moment of trauma as well. This type of injury may cause damage to the calcaneal fibular ligament (CFL) on the outside of the ankle as well. Ankle sprains can be serious injuries and many require professional care to heal properly and stave off further complications. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye 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 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 one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatrists are physicians and surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and injuries of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Becoming a podiatrist requires extensive education. Aspiring podiatrists first get a bachelor’s degree which is usually focused on biology, chemistry, and anatomy, along with the necessary prerequisites for attending an accredited medical school, where they will graduate with a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). This is followed by a medical and surgical residency at an approved health care facility. Some podiatrists continue their education with a post-graduate fellowship. To become a licensed podiatrist in the United States, the doctor must pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination. Additionally, podiatrists may opt to become board certified with certain organizations, including the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). Podiatrists usually engage in continuing medical education to maintain their license to practice and to stay abreast of industry trends. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. This chemical can build up and crystallize in the joints, particularly the big toe joint, causing sudden and severe joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation. If you have had a previous gout flareup, or have a family history of gout, learning and utilizing certain prevention strategies can help you avoid future painful flare ups. Consuming a diet low in purines, a chemical found in red meat, shellfish, and other types of food, which is converted to uric acid in the body, can also lower your risk of gout. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can reduce uric acid crystal formation in the kidneys. Losing excess weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and sugary beverages may also help. Certain medications may be prescribed by your doctor to lower uric acid levels in the body. To learn more about preventing and managing gout, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek the care of a podiatrist. There are a number of conditions that trigger heel pain, with the leading cause being plantar fasciitis. This is a condition in which the plantar fascia—the long band of connective tissue spanning the bottom of the foot from heel to toe—becomes inflamed and painful from overuse, improper footwear, or other factors. Pain in the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, is typically due to overuse and repetitive strain. When the fat pads that cushion the heel bone thin down with age (fat pad atrophy) pain can be felt in the heel. A painful bump or redness at the back of your heel are symptoms of Haglund’s deformity. This condition occurs when a bony enlargement causes inflammation in the soft tissue and bursa sac near the Achilles tendon. Psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation, stiffness, and pain in joints where tendons and ligaments connect with bones, such as the heel. Heel pain may even be a symptom of heel spurs. If you experience any pain, stiffness, or other discomfort in your heel, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM of Buckeye Foot Care. 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 one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stress fracture of the foot can be the result due to an an overuse injury. Many athletes are prone to developing stress fractures which can become worse if they are not treated. They can happen from increasing mileage and speed too soon, or possibly from training on uneven surfaces. Additionally, people who enjoy jogging may experience this type of injury, and often run through any pain and discomfort they may have. Appropriate treatment often begins with temporarily refraining from the activity that caused the fracture and resting the affected foot as often as possible. This is preceded by confirming the stress fracture, which is generally determined by having an X-ray performed. Many daily activities may be compromised with the onset of a stress fracture, and it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can begin effective treatment methods with you.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.