Items filtered by date: February 2021

Many patients experience ankle pain at some point in their lives. It could occur as a result of enduring an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains typically cause severe pain and discomfort and should be treated by a professional. Suddenly stepping off of a curb or walking on uneven surfaces may result in a sprained ankle. The amount of force involved generally governs the severity of the sprain. Minimal tearing of the ligaments can be referred to as a grade one ankle sprain. This can produce mild tenderness and walking is usually not hindered. An incomplete tear is known as a grade two sprain. This is accompanied by swelling, bruising, and moderate pain. In a grade three sprain, the affected ligament tears completely, the ankle is unstable, and walking is likely impossible. Mild relief from any type of ankle sprain consists of frequently elevating the affected foot, and it is beneficial to wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage for stability. If you have sprained your ankle, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment options.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a foot fracture. Both injuries have very similar symptoms, including pain, swelling, and bruising. A fracture will often be so painful that you may not be able to walk. Sprains can also make walking difficult, depending on the severity of the injury. At the time that you injure your foot, you may hear a noise. A popping sound can indicate a sprain, while a cracking sound can indicate a fracture. Treatments for the two conditions are different, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis. If you have injured your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a medical condition that is a form of arthritis. It typically affects the joints in the big toe, and is the result of uric acid crystals being lodged in the toe joint. This ailment causes severe pain and discomfort, and can develop due to a variety of reasons. These can include genetic factors, age, and eating foods that have high purine levels that may lead to gout. Additionally, existing medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and kidney disorders may lead to the development of gout. It is beneficial to incorporate healthy foods into your diet, as this may help to prevent gout attacks. The pain that is associated with gout can cause difficulty walking, and it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist if you are afflicted with this ailment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It provides shock absorption by preventing the arch of the foot from completely flattening when bearing weight, and it allows us to point our toes as well. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, usually from repetitive overstretching while running, plantar fasciitis occurs. Pain is usually felt along the bottom of the foot and in the heel. Because of the long periods of standing followed by quick and sudden movements inherent in sports, baseball, football, and tennis players are often sidelined with this condition. Rest is the best treatment for plantar fasciitis, but in some severe cases surgery may be necessary. Players who opt for surgery will need 3-4 months for recovery. Athletes who are suffering from plantar fasciitis pain should be under the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM  from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.