Ankle Pain and Its Various Causes

Ankle pain may be caused by a variety of injuries, foot conditions, or systemic diseases. Injuries that commonly cause ankle pain include sprains, strains, and fractures. Achilles tendinitis, chronic bursitis, and flat feet are examples of foot conditions that may lead to ankle pain. Systemic diseases like arthritis, gout, poor circulation, and peripheral neuropathy can also cause ankle pain. Ankle pain will vary in intensity based on the nature of the condition. It may worsen over time, and be accompanied by swelling, redness, inflammation, redness of the skin, and warmth. The ability to put weight on the ankle may also be mildly or completely hindered. Patients who are suffering from ankle pain should consult with a podiatrist because podiatrists are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating all kinds of ankle pain.  They are also able to use various diagnostic and treatment methods from conservative care to surgical reconstruction to treat the underlying condition.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Warren Levy, DPM from Armitage Podiatry Center. 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 Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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The Different Types of Toenail Fungus

A fungal infection of the toenails is a common condition that affects as much as 10% of the population. There are various types of toenail fungus, better known among medical professionals as onychomycosis. The most common type is distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis. It frequently affects the big toenails and causes yellow, white, or brown discoloration that starts at the end or side of a toenail before spreading to the rest of the nail. Proximal subungual onychomycosis starts at the base of the toenail and spreads outwards. Superficial onychomycosis first infects the top layers of the toenails and then spreads to deeper layers. Regardless of the type of toenail fungus you may have, treatment methods such as oral and topical antifungal medications or laser therapy can help. To learn more about toenail fungus and available treatment options, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you. 

For more information about treatment, contact Warren Levy, DPM of Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

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Helpful Tips for Maintaining the Health of Your Feet

Many people take their feet for granted, despite their importance despite the fact they are the foundation of the body. There are simple techniques that can improve the overall health of your feet which will have a positive effect on the rest of your body. These helpful tips can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly every day, followed by applying a good moisturizer. When the toes are trimmed properly, painful foot conditions such as ingrown toenails may be prevented. Maintaining a hygiene routine for your feet may play a significant role in preventing athlete's foot, which can make the feet feel itchy and uncomfortable. If you would like additional information about the importance of practicing everyday foot care techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Warren Levy, DPM from Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Flexible Flatfoot FAQs

There are two types of flat feet: rigid and flexible, with flexible being the most common. Unlike rigid flatfoot where the arch is never present, the arch in flexible flatfoot is present when the foot is elevated and flattens upon standing. Flexible flatfoot in children is generally not concerning because their arches typically develop between the ages of 7 and 10. It is said that up to 25% of kids will continue to have flexible flatfoot as adults. While flexible flatfoot in children and adults may not always produce symptoms, the condition may cause tired, achy feet after walking, leg cramps, overpronation—where the ankles roll inward while walking—and foot or ankle pain. Flexible flatfoot may be inherited and indicative of loose ligaments and flexible joints throughout the body. If flatfoot develops during adulthood, it could be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or neuropathy. Contact a podiatrist for more information about flat feet and to explore various treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Warren Levy, DPM from Armitage Podiatry Center. 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 Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Can Wearing Flip Flops Cause Foot Damage?

Many people take their feet for granted, despite the fact they are considered to be the foundation of the body. Frequently wearing flip flops may cause foot injury and pain, in addition to contributing to poor foot mechanics. The muscles in the foot may also be negatively affected, and this can lead to serious foot problems. Existing foot conditions like arch and heel pain, may worsen when flip flops are worn. If you would like more information about the harmful effects of wearing flip flops, please consult with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Warren Levy, DPM from Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

  • They Slow You Down
  • May Cause Blisters and Calluses
  • Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

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