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An ankle sprain can be a serious injury that can keep you off your feet. Symptoms of a sprained ankle include a popping or cracking sound at the time of injury, swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty bearing weight. If you have sprained your ankle, there are certain things that you can do within the first 72 hours that may help to speed up your recovery. Protect the ankle by taping or bracing it, rest it by stopping any activities that cause pain in the ankle, ice the ankle for 20 minutes at a time several times per day, compress the ankle with a bandage to help reduce swelling, and elevate the ankle. It is also important to see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your sprain to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact the podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors 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 Grass Valley and Auburn, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a type of foot deformity in which a bony bump forms on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe. Bunions develop slowly, as pressure on the joint at the base of the toe causes the toe to move out of place. Although bunions can sometimes be embarrassing, if you have them, you aren’t alone. About a third of adults in the United States have bunions. Bunions may cause foot pain, stiffness, redness, or swelling and tend to worsen over time, potentially making wearing your regular shoes, or even walking, more difficult. Seeking treatment can help. Treatment options may include wearing orthotic insoles and wider shoes, taking oral medications to relieve pain, or wearing special braces or pads on the foot. In more severe cases, surgery may be an option. If you have bunions, consult with a podiatrist to determine which treatments are right for you. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact the podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Grass Valley and Auburn, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

There are two muscles in the calf that make up the Achilles tendon. It is considered to be the strongest tendon in the body, and it connects the heel to calf. An Achilles tendon injury can gradually occur from repetitive motion, or from suddenly twisting the leg while participating in running and jumping activities. This condition is generally accompanied by severe pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. Patients who have this type of injury may find mild relief when simple stretches are performed. These can include standing on a step while lowering the heel until a gentle stretch is felt. Strengthening the foot may be a solution in preventing Achilles tendon injuries from occurring. If you have this type of pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Grass Valley and Auburn, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.