Ankle pain refers to discomfort in the joint formed by the tibia, fibula, and talus bones, which work together to support movement and balance. Pain can result from injuries to any of these bones, or the ligaments and cartilage between them. Common causes include awkward turning, twisting, or rolling of the ankle, as well as repetitive strain from overuse. This condition is especially common among athletes and active individuals. Risk factors include wearing improper footwear, uneven surfaces, and poor conditioning. Symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, bruising, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of pain, provide targeted treatment, and recommend supportive footwear or orthotics. Early care can prevent further injury and restore mobility. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Lauryn Smith-Winton, DPM from S.W. Podiatry Group. 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 Waldorf, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers can be frustrating because they often linger, even with careful treatment. High blood sugar slows healing by damaging blood vessels and reducing oxygen flow to the skin. Nerve damage can also play a role, since patients may not feel pressure or injury, allowing wounds to worsen unnoticed. Infection is another common factor that keeps ulcers from closing. Poor circulation in the lower legs and feet further limits the body’s ability to repair tissue. Inconsistent offloading, such as walking on the wound, can delay progress as well. Effective care usually requires a combination of wound cleaning, pressure relief, blood sugar control, and sometimes advanced therapies. Regular monitoring is important to catch changes early. If a foot ulcer is not improving or keeps returning, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and timely treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Lauryn Smith-Winton, DPM from S.W. Podiatry Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

A toe fracture is a break in one of the small bones that make up the toes. These injuries often occur when the toe is stubbed against a hard object, when something heavy falls on the foot, or during sports activities. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Some people notice that the toe appears crooked or becomes tender to touch. Because these symptoms can resemble a sprain or severe bruise, proper diagnosis is important. A podiatrist will examine the toe and may order an X-ray to confirm whether a fracture is present and determine its severity. Treatment depends on the type of break. Many fractures are treated with protective taping, supportive footwear, and limited activity while the bone heals. More serious fractures may require additional stabilization. If you suspect a broken toe or have persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Lauryn Smith-Winton, DPM from S.W. Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Fastpitch softball is a competitive form of softball in which the pitcher delivers the ball at high speed using a fast underhand motion. The game moves quickly and requires players to sprint, pivot, slide, and react in seconds. These fast, powerful movements place repeated stress on the lower extremities, especially the feet and ankles. Players often experience ankle sprains, Achilles tendon irritation, plantar fascia strain, and stress injuries in the bones of the foot. Quick directional changes and sudden stops can also strain muscles and tendons in the lower leg. Cleats that fit properly and provide good support help reduce excess movement inside the shoe. Additionally, stretching and warm-up activities may prepare the muscles and tendons for the demands of play. If pain in the foot, ankle, or lower leg continues during the season, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Lauryn Smith-Winton, DPM of S.W. Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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