January 2025
Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00
Foot and Ankle Fractures
When the foot or ankle experiences trauma, a fracture may occur. Causes of foot and ankle fractures can vary; in some cases, an obvious impact to the foot or a fall can be behind a fracture. Alternatively, fractures can also occur because of increased stress on the bone over time. The location of the fracture can often give your podiatrist information on how the fracture occurred.
Pain, especially when bearing weight, is a telltale sign of a fracture. Limping due to this pain is a further sign of a foot or ankle fracture. Other symptoms include inflammation, bruising, deformity, and tenderness. A deformity may occur due to a shift in bone alignment or a joint dislocation near the fracture. While pain is a significant symptom of breakage, a patient who has nerve damage or who has diabetes may not feel this pain. In this instance, your podiatrist will look for additional signs to determine whether a fracture has occurred.
If you are experiencing severe pain, cannot walk without limping, have an open wound near the suspected break, or have numbness or tingling in the toes, you should see your podiatrist.
Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00
Complex Foot and Ankle Injuries
Complex injuries of the foot and ankle involve multiple fractures, dislocations, or significant damage to soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, or nerves. These injuries are considered complex due to their intricate anatomy, weight-bearing function, and the challenge of restoring mobility, stability, and alignment. Polytrauma, where multiple injuries are affecting different areas of the body, can complicate foot and ankle injuries further, as they may be overlooked initially while treating life-threatening conditions. Such scenarios often occur in car accidents, falls, or severe sports injuries, where the foot and ankle are subject to extreme forces. Addressing complex injuries requires prompt medical attention from specialists such as podiatrists. Advanced imaging like CT or MRI scans may be necessary to fully assess the damage. Treatment typically involves surgery, targeted exercises, and long-term care to optimize recovery and restore function. If you have sustained any foot or ankle injury, it is strongly suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.
Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Muscle strains
- Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
- Stress fractures
Symptoms
Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:
- Bruising
- Inflammation/ Swelling
- Pain
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.
Treatment
Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.
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.
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00
Ankle Pain
Pain experienced in the ankle can be caused by a multitude of conditions. While the most common cause is an ankle sprain, other possible problems can include arthritis, gout, ankle instability, an ankle fracture, nerve compression, or tendinitis. In more serious cases, ankle pain can be a sign of improper alignment of the foot or an infection.
Ankle pain can often be accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, stiffness, and warmth in the affected area. Pain can be described differently depending on the condition: short, stabbing pain and a dull ache are some examples. If such symptoms are persistent and do not improve after time, be sure to schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist.
Depending on the condition causing your ankle pain, different treatments may be prescribed by your podiatrist. For ankle sprains, the first step in treatment involves rest, ice, elevation, and compression. Be sure to avoid placing pressure on the ankle, use an ice pack several times a day, and use a compression bandage and elevation to reduce swelling. Other, more serious conditions may require the assistance of certain drugs and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, or even cortisone injections.
Depending on the severity of your ankle pain and the condition behind it, recovery from ankle pain may take some time.
Consult with your foot and ankle doctor to best determine the cause of your ankle pain and the appropriate treatment.
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00
Five Types of Ankle Injuries
There are five common types of ankle injuries, each of which can significantly impact mobility and require medical attention. The inversion sprain, caused by the ankle rolling inward, stretches the lateral ligaments and is the most frequent type of ankle injury. In contrast, an eversion sprain occurs when the foot twists outward, affecting the more stable medial ligaments, often resulting in a more severe injury. High ankle sprains involve the syndesmotic ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula and are typically seen in sports when the leg and foot twist outward. Fractures, which involve breaks in one or more ankle bones, can range from minor to severe, often requiring surgery and extensive recovery time. Lastly, an ankle dislocation occurs when the joint is forced out of alignment, frequently accompanied by fractures. This severe injury typically necessitates surgery to restore proper function. A podiatrist can assess these injuries, guide treatment plans, and monitor recovery to help patients regain strength and prevent future complications. If you have an ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. 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 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.
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00
Foot Pain
Our feet are arguably the most important parts of our bodies because they are responsible for getting us from place to place. However, we often don’t think about our feet until they begin to hurt. If you have pain in your feet, you need to first determine where on the foot you are experiencing it to get to the root of the problem. The most common areas to feel pain on the foot are the heel and the ankle.
Heel pain is most commonly attributed to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse in the morning, and it tends to go away throughout the day. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should rest your foot and do heel and foot muscles stretches. Wearing shoes with proper arch support and a cushioned sole has also been proven to be beneficial.
Some common symptoms of foot pain are redness, swelling, and stiffness. Foot pain can be dull or sharp depending on its underlying cause. Toe pain can also occur, and it is usually caused by gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and corns.
If you have severe pain in your feet, you should immediately seek assistance from your podiatrist for treatment. Depending on the cause of your pain, your podiatrist may give you a variety of treatment options.
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00
Is Foot Pain Keeping You Up at Night?
Nighttime foot pain can disrupt sleep and make restful nights a challenge for many people. This type of discomfort frequently stems from plantar fasciitis, where the plantar fascia, the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to stress or overuse. Another potential cause is Morton’s neuroma, which occurs when the nerves between the toes are pinched, leading to sharp, burning sensations. Peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes, may cause tingling, numbness, or stabbing pain during the night. Lifestyle factors, such as prolonged standing, wearing improper footwear, or other weight-bearing activities, can aggravate symptoms. Structural foot conditions, including flat feet or high arches, may increase susceptibility to nocturnal foot pain. A podiatrist can assess the underlying cause of nighttime foot pain and offer professional guidance on managing your symptoms. If frequent foot pain is interrupting your sleep, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
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.
Wednesday, 08 January 2025 00:00
Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle
Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00
How to Treat Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that cause bone protrusions on the heel bone. Heel spurs are usually associated with plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fasciitis in the foot becomes inflamed. Typically, heel spurs don’t cause any symptoms. However, they can produce chronic or intermittent heel pain. Those who have had the condition often describe the irritation as a stabbing pain.
There are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop heel spurs. People who have abnormal walking gaits, run and jog on hard surfaces, are obese, or wear poorly fitting shoes are more likely to develop heel spurs.
Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid developing heel spurs. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles. Another preventative technique is to choose running shoes if you plan on running, and walking shoes if you plan on walking. Shoes are made for different activities and it is important to research a shoe before you purchase a pair.
The pain associated with heel spurs often decreases the more you walk. However, a recurrence of pain after an extended period of rest or walking is likely to occur with this condition. Those with severe heel spur pain may opt to go the surgical route for treatment. However, more than 90% of those with the condition get better without surgical treatment. If you have a heel spur and want to know if surgery is right for you, you should go to your podiatrist and he or she will be able to conduct a pre-surgical test or exam to determine if you are an optimal candidate for surgery.
Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00
Facts About Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, typically as a result of prolonged stress or strain on the foot. The most common cause of heel spurs is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Other factors that contribute to heel spurs include wearing improper footwear, obesity, repetitive activities that put pressure on the feet, and abnormal foot mechanics such as flat feet or high arches. While heel spurs themselves are often painless, they can lead to complications such as chronic pain, difficulty walking, and inflammation. In some cases, the spur may press on nearby nerves, causing sharp or shooting pain. If left untreated, heel spurs may limit mobility and interfere with daily activities, leading to long-term discomfort and reduced quality of life. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment solutions.
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 Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. 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 one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
