Items filtered by date: July 2024

Recovering from a sprained ankle involves more than just rest and elevation. Therapeutic exercises can play a significant role in speeding up recovery and ensuring that your ankle is strong and stable. When ligaments in the ankle do not heal correctly, they remain weak and are prone to future injuries. A podiatrist can recommend a range of exercises to aid your recovery, and it is essential to follow their advice to avoid chronic ankle pain. One such exercise is the ABCs, where you sit with your foot in the air and trace the alphabet with your toes to improve your range of motion. The dorsiflexion stretch involves using a towel to gently pull your toes towards you, which increases flexibility. Toe curls and eversion exercises with a towel help in strengthening and stabilizing the ankle. Each exercise should be performed slowly and without pain to avoid aggravating the injury. Additionally, it is beneficial to check with your podiatrist before undertaking any kind of ankle exercise routine. If you have a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Brock Liden, DPM from Ohio. 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 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 office located in Circleville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle arthritis can significantly impact daily life, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling surrounding the ankle joint. Symptoms often worsen with activity and can limit mobility. Individuals may notice a reduced range of motion and find it difficult to walk or climb stairs without discomfort. Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight and choosing appropriate footwear, can help manage symptoms. For more severe cases, surgical interventions like ankle fusion or ankle replacement may be help restore function and reduce pain. Podiatrists can provide a tailored treatment plan to manage symptoms effectively and enhance your overall mobility and comfort. If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain or suspect arthritis, it is suggested 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 Brock Liden, DPM from Ohio. 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
• 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 Circleville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Acquired adult flat feet, also known as progressive collapsing foot deformity, is a condition where the arches of the feet gradually flatten over time. This can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. The condition is often caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, where the tendon that supports the arch weakens or tears. Other contributing factors include obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and injuries. Symptoms typically start with pain along the inner foot and ankle, followed by visible flattening of the arch and outward rolling of the ankle. If left untreated, the condition can lead to severe deformity and arthritis.  Relief options can include orthotic devices, and in advanced cases, surgery to repair or reconstruct the affected tendons and bones. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Brock Liden, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often without causing any discomfort. However, when the plantar fascia ligament, which connects the heel to the toes, undergoes excessive tension or strain, it can become inflamed. This may lead to a condition known as plantar fasciitis, which can cause the heel spur to press into the swollen ligament and cause significant pain. While heel spurs themselves are generally painless, they frequently accompany plantar fasciitis, with about 70 percent of cases showing the presence of a heel spur. Preventative measures include wearing shoes with proper arch support, using heel pads, maintaining a healthy weight, and performing calf stretches before engaging in strenuous activities. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, which may include custom orthotics, physical therapy, and recommendations for supportive footwear. Surgery may be needed to address severe cases, though it carries risks such as increased pain, nerve damage, and fallen arches. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Brock Liden, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Circleville, OH . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Big toe pain frequently affects the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. One common cause of big toe pain is biomechanical issues, where improper alignment of bones, ligaments, and tendons leads to increased pressure on the joint. This misalignment may be due to poor posture or wearing ill-fitting shoes. It can shift weight distribution and result in inflammation and cartilage damage. Conditions like bunions and turf toe exemplify biomechanical problems. Bunions occur when the big toe pushes against the second toe creating a bump on the side of the foot. Turf toe is an injury from overextending the big toe by pushing off it with force, common among athletes. Another significant cause of MTP joint pain is arthritis, including gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals accumulating in the joint, leading to flare-ups of intense pain. Osteoarthritis involves cartilage breakdown that causes bones to grind together. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune conditions that result in joint inflammation. Risk factors for MTP joint pain can include chronic inflammatory conditions, poor footwear choices, and abnormal foot positioning. If you are experiencing joint pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brock Liden, DPM of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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