Items filtered by date: January 2024

Experiencing ankle pain at night is a common and distressing phenomenon that disrupts sleep and affects daily life. The root causes of this discomfort are diverse, ranging from common injuries to underlying health conditions. One prevalent contributor is ankle sprains or twists that may stem from injuries or small ligament tears and result in persistent pain and swelling. Plantar fasciitis, a leading cause of ankle pain, affects millions in the United States. It results in heel pain and is linked to chronic overload, whether from lifestyle or exercise. Ligament sprains, occurring during sudden foot movements or twists, are another common trigger of ankle pain, with exercise, walking, or missteps being potential instigators. Stress fractures, though not complete, can lead to nighttime ankle pain due to repeated stress on foot bones. Conditions such as gout, poor circulation, and arthritis also play a role in causing ankle discomfort. Addressing the root cause of nighttime ankle pain is pivotal for obtaining relief and restoring a peaceful night's sleep, promoting overall well being. For an exam and diagnosis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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
• 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 Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gait analysis is a valuable tool for runners, regardless of their experience level. It helps runners understand their running style, which is essential for selecting the right shoes. The primary focus of gait analysis is assessing pronation, which is how the foot rolls during walking and running. Pronation acts as a natural shock absorber, distributing impact forces. Gait analysis matches pronation type with appropriate shoe types to counterbalance overpronation or under pronation, reducing injury risk and enhancing running efficiency. It helps choose between neutral or stability, supportive running shoes and identifies inefficiencies in foot, leg, and body movements that may lead to injuries or affect performance. Gait analysis can also identify other issues, such as slow cadence, heel striking, lack of core strength, and flexibility problems. Addressing these issues through strength-building, flexibility work, and proper shoe selection can prevent injuries and improve efficiency. If you are a runner or plan on embarking on running as a new sport, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis and recommendation for the proper type of running shoe for you.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains, a common injury, often result from the foot turning inward, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness, primarily in the outer ankle area. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and sometimes X-rays. Treatment for mild sprains includes protection, rest, compression, and elevation along with early weight bearing. Moderate to severe sprains may require immobilization, and severe cases may need surgery. Inversion injuries typically involve the foot turning inward. It can cause tears in the outer ligaments, beginning with the one in front called the anterior talofibular. Conversely, eversion injuries occur when the foot turns outward, and may result in fractures of the inner ankle bone or ligament injuries. Recurrent sprains can increase the risk of future injuries. Clinical evaluation primarily diagnoses ankle sprains, and stress testing helps assess ligament integrity. X-rays are performed if fractures are suspected. If you feel you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fibroma, a condition affecting the feet, involves the formation of non-cancerous, fibrous tissue growths within the plantar fascia, which is the ligament spanning the bottom of the foot. These nodules, often slow-growing, manifest as small lumps beneath the skin, leading to discomfort and potential limitations in foot mobility. The exact cause of plantar fibromas remains elusive, but factors such as genetics and trauma to the plantar fascia are considered contributory. The condition tends to be more prevalent in individuals with a family history of plantar fibromas, emphasizing a genetic predisposition. Additionally, repetitive stress or injury to the plantar fascia, often incurred through excessive standing or walking, can trigger the development of these fibrous nodules. Understanding the definition and potential causes of plantar fibroma lays the foundation for informed discussions with podiatrists and the exploration of appropriate management strategies for this relatively common yet nuanced foot condition. If you have these kinds of growths on your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose and treat plantar fibromas.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Podiatrists are specialized healthcare professionals who focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle disorders. There are various compelling reasons to schedule a visit to a podiatrist. First, persistent foot or ankle pain should not be ignored, as it can be an indicator of an underlying issue. Podiatrists are experts in identifying and addressing the source of your discomfort. They can diagnose conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, or heel spurs, and develop personalized treatment plans. If you are experiencing mobility issues, a podiatrist can help. They can provide custom orthotics or recommend appropriate footwear to improve your gait and balance. Diabetes can take a toll on the feet, leading to complications like neuropathy and ulcers. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist are essential for early detection and preventative care. In short, consulting a podiatrist is beneficial for anyone seeking to maintain their overall foot health, in addition to alleviating foot pain. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist if you are interested in learning more about the field of podiatry. 

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.