April 2023

An unexpected fall may result in an ankle sprain. It can happen from suddenly stepping off of a curb and occurs when the ligaments stretch beyond their normal range of motion. Swelling, pain, and an inability to walk are often associated with an ankle sprain and generally require prompt medical attention. A lateral ankle sprain happens when the foot rolls inward while damaging the outer ankle. It is less common to injure the inner ankle, and a syndesmotic sprain may happen during a contact sport. Sprains are categorized into three grades, based on severity. When the ligaments are mildly stretched and accompanied by minimal pain and swelling, this may be a Grade 1 sprain. A partially torn ligament may produce moderate pain, and will fall into the Grade 2 sprain. Finally, a Grade 3 sprain consists of intense pain, and the patient is unable to walk. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment methods.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

The most common cause of blisters on the foot is friction, usually between the foot and the shoe. Damage to the top skin layer can cause it to separate, leaving space for fluid to protect the underlying layers. Walking in tight shoes or wearing shoes without socks are common causes of friction blisters. They are nature’s way of protecting skin that is in danger of being damaged. Most friction blisters do not need medical attention, and if protected by a bandage, they will likely heal on their own in a few days. However, if a blister becomes infected, this may cause redness and swelling, and the blister may fill with pus or blood rather than a clear fluid. At this point, it is wise to seek medical help from a podiatrist, who can examine the blister and offer treatment options. Certain medications and protective bandages may be prescribed. It will also be beneficial to cease wearing the shoes that caused the blister to form. For further guidance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

The sesamoid bones are connected to other bones by tendons, and they are the only ones that are not connected to other bones by joints. They may also be found embedded in the muscles throughout the body, and two of them are located in the foot. They are found underneath the foot, and they help to move the big toe. Additionally, they support the weight of the body, and sesamoiditis may occur when the surrounding tendons become inflamed or irritated. Ballet dancers, runners, and baseball catchers may be prone to developing this condition, which can be a result of excess force that is placed on the feet while participating in these activities. People who have high arches or who have medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, may get sesamoiditis, and the bones may become weakened. Common symptoms that can accompany this condition include bruising, swelling, and it may be difficult to straighten or bend the big toe. Treatment generally begins when the activity is stopped that caused this condition, and elevating the foot may reduce the swelling. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose sesamoiditis, and guide you toward the right treatment solutions.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

If an individual does not take proper care of the bones in the feet, then they could be subject to many different conditions. For example, bones may break or fracture. They could even be subject to a stress fracture. In particular, the bones in the feet might also be dislocated. A dislocation can form when the bones in the joint are completely separate. As a result, the bones can move out of their natural position. This dislocation phenomenon can occur in the bones of the toes. If there is a case of a dislocated toe, then a medical professional might treat this in several different ways. For example, the dislocated toe might be addressed by wearing a splint or cast. The affected toe may also be addressed by buddy-taping it to another toe. If you are someone that is concerned about dislocated toes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who will be able to help you with the correct treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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