There are several injuries that may be experienced, which can precede uncomfortable ankle pain. These may include falling or tripping in which a fracture can occur, or a medical condition such as ankle arthritis. Throbbing, aching, or feeling a burning sensation may be a few of the noticeable symptoms that many people have, and it may progress gradually or be felt immediately. If you have stepped off a curb unexpectedly, tripped while participating in a sporting activity, or changed direction suddenly while running, you may have endured a form of ankle pain. It’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible, so a correct diagnosis can be performed and treatment can begin.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. 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 our office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you are afflicted with the medical condition referred to as gout, it may be a result of specific lifestyle habits. It will typically affect the joint in the bottom of the big toe, and is considered to be a form of arthritis. It may develop when the uric acid levels in the blood are elevated, and crystals may commonly form in the joints of the feet. This may produce severe pain and discomfort, and performing daily activities that include walking and running may prove to be extremely difficult. In addition to genetic traits contributing as a factor, there are several reasons why excess uric acid may form in the blood. These may include ingesting an overabundance of alcohol, eating too much red meat or shellfish, or having an inadequate amount of vitamin C in your diet. Treatment techniques may include elevating the foot to reduce any swelling, or using anti-inflammatory medicines that may provide moderate relief. If you are afflicted with this condition, it’s strongly suggested to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so a proper diagnosis can be performed and correct treatments options can begin.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Research has shown that wearing shoes that fit properly may aid in preventing uncomfortable foot conditions from developing. Ingrown toenails may occur if the shoes that are worn fit too tightly, possibly causing the toenails to grow into the skin. It’s important to have your feet measured before purchasing shoes, and it may be beneficial to do this at the end of the day when the feet are typically at their largest. The shoe may feel comfortable when the ball of the foot fits properly in the widest portion of the shoe and there is adequate room for the longest toe to move about in. Many people make the mistake of expecting the shoes to stretch and become broken in as they are worn, and this may produce foot conditions such as corns or blisters. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information about what to look for when buying shoes.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.