Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries in the foot, but they affect different structures. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help stabilize joints, such as the ankle. A strain involves a muscle or a tendon, which connects to bones and helps create movement. Strains may develop from sudden movements, heavy loading, or repeated stress while walking, running, or playing sports. Both injuries may cause pain, swelling, bruising, weakness, and difficulty moving the foot or bearing weight. Because these injuries can resemble fractures or other foot problems, a podiatrist performs a careful exam and may order imaging to confirm the diagnosis. This is followed by formulating a treatment plan that protects stability and long-term function as the injury heals. If you have injured your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM 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 our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures of the foot are small hairline cracks in the bones that develop from repeated pressure and overuse rather than a single traumatic injury. These injuries commonly occur in athletes and anyone who participates in high-impact activities that place repeated stress on the feet. Causes often include sudden increases in activity, wearing improper footwear, and inadequate rest between training sessions. Risk factors may include low bone density, poor foot mechanics, and participation in running, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, recommend imaging if needed, provide supportive treatment, and guide proper recovery. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat foot stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

A broken, or fractured, toe occurs when one of the small bones in the toe cracks or breaks due to trauma or repeated stress. Proper treatment of a broken toe is important to ensure the bone heals in the correct position and to prevent long-term pain or deformity. A podiatrist will perform a physical examination and often order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. This also determines whether the fracture is displaced, meaning the bone has shifted out of place. Stable fractures are commonly treated with protective taping to a neighboring toe, called buddy taping. Sometimes a stiff-soled shoe or walking boot will be used to limit motion. More severe fractures may require a realignment of the bone or surgery to insert a small pin for stability. If you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often after a sudden twist, roll, or awkward landing. This injury is common in athletes but can happen to anyone walking on uneven ground or wearing unstable footwear. The ankle may swell quickly and appear bruised or puffy around the joint. Pain can range from mild soreness to sharp discomfort that makes it difficult to bear weight. Symptoms include instability, weakness, or a sense that the ankle could give way. Without proper care, repeated sprains can lead to chronic weakness and long-term joint problems. A podiatrist begins with a detailed examination and may use imaging to assess the extent of ligament damage. Treatment includes bracing, compression, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to restore strength and balance. If you have an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Daniel Bell, DPM 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 our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.