An ankle injury can be a sprain or a break, and the difference matters for care. A sprained ankle occurs when ligaments, which hold bones together, are stretched or torn after a twist or roll. A broken ankle means one or more bones in the joint are cracked or fully broken, from a twist or force. Both injuries include pain, swelling, and bruising, which makes them hard to tell apart. A break may cause pain, trouble standing, or a change in ankle shape. A sprain may feel unstable or sore along the soft tissues. A podiatrist can perform an exam and use X-rays or other imaging to confirm the injury. Treatment may include bracing, immobilization, or other methods to support healing and restore movement. If you have injured an ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain while cycling can develop from improper support and positioning during rides. Wearing the right shoes is important because cycling shoes should provide a secure fit and proper stiffness to support efficient movement. Cleat positioning also plays a key role, as misaligned cleats can place excess pressure on certain areas of the foot and lead to discomfort. Insoles can improve arch support and help distribute pressure more evenly, reducing strain during longer rides. Symptoms include numbness, burning, or aching in the feet. Risk factors include poor bike fit, repetitive motion, and inadequate support. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend proper footwear and orthotics, and help you improve alignment. If you enjoy cycling and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Properly fitted roller skating boots help you focus on skating rather than foot discomfort. Boots should feel snug and supportive without causing pressure or pain. If your foot slides forward or there is space behind your heel, the boots may be too large and can lead to instability. Boots that are too tight can create pressure points and irritation. Wearing the wrong size can contribute to blisters, tendon irritation, and arch pain. Taking time to adjust laces and wear the right socks can improve fit. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend proper gear, and address any concerns you have. If you have foot or ankle pain from roller skating, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat these conditions and provide additional tips for wearing the right roller skating boots.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running with plantar fasciitis can be difficult because it puts stress on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that supports the arch and absorbs impact during movement. When this tissue becomes irritated, runners may feel sharp heel pain or soreness along the foot. Continuing to run without proper precautions can increase strain and delay healing. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, walking patterns, and running form to find the source of stress. Imaging may be used to confirm the condition and rule out other problems. Suggestions for running with plantar fasciitis include custom orthotics, better footwear support, and a plan to improve strength and flexibility in the foot and ankle. If you are a runner with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and a safe activity plan.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our doctors  from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.