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Understanding Different Types of Ankle Fractures
Ankle fractures can involve different bones and vary in severity depending on the location and extent of the injury. The tibia, the larger bone of the lower leg, can break near the ankle joint, affecting stability and weight-bearing ability. The fibula, the smaller bone on the outer side of the leg, is also commonly fractured in ankle injuries. The talus, a small bone between the tibia and heel, plays a vital role in movement and can be damaged in high-impact injuries. A lateral malleolus fracture affects the outer part of the ankle, while a medial malleolus fracture occurs on the inner side. A bimalleolar fracture involves both sides of the ankle, often leading to significant instability. If you have fractured your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can determine what the type is, and offer the treatment that is best for you.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Monique Mitchell, DPM from Family Foot Centre. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Garden Hills, Nassau, Bahamas . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Broken Ankle Causes, Differences, Symptoms and Treatments
The ankle is a hinged synovial joint made up of three bones: the tibia (shin bone), the fibula (outer ankle bone), and the talus (between the heel and leg). These three bones are bound, supported, and stabilized by strong, fibrous bands of tissue called ligaments.
A break in an ankle bone can be either traumatic or stress related. This injury may be referred to as a break or fracture. A traumatic fracture can result from tripping, twisting or rolling the ankle, falling, or by blunt impact to the ankle. These traumatic ankle breaks usually occur during sporting activities or accidents. Stress fractures, however, occur over time and are the result of repetitive stress to the ankle. These fractures sometimes occur when a new activity that engages the ankle is introduced, or when the level of activity is abruptly increased or intensified.
There are various symptoms that accompany an ankle break. The most significant symptoms are pain and swelling that occurs in the ankle and sometimes spreads up from the foot to below the knee. Bruising or discoloration may develop eventually. It will be difficult or even impossible to put weight on the affected foot, and in severe cases there may be a visible deformity or even exposed bone.
It is very important to seek immediate treatment when an ankle break occurs or is suspected to have occurred, in order to allow the bone to properly heal and to avoid future complications such as stiff joints, limited range of motion, and osteoarthritis.
To diagnose a broken ankle, your podiatrist will first ask you to explain how the injury occurred and what your symptoms are. They will perform a thorough examination, checking for damage to nerves, blood vessels, and other structures around the injury site. They will also test your range of motion. An X-ray will need to be reviewed and, in some cases, an MRI or CT scan may be necessary.
Proper treatment of a broken ankle will depend on where and how severe the break is, how stable the ankle is, and whether the bone is displaced (misaligned or separated) or non-displaced (broken yet still aligned properly).
Mild fractures (where the bone is non-displaced) may be treated by resting, icing, and elevating the ankle at first, followed by immobilization with a cast or walking boot. Pain and inflammation may be treated with acetaminophen. More severe or complicated fractures where bones or joints are displaced may require surgery.
Recovery time will also vary, and it may take 4-6 weeks or longer for a broken ankle to heal. Your podiatrist will most likely order progressive X-rays or stress tests to be taken in order to monitor the healing process.
Causes of Metatarsal Foot Pain
Metatarsal foot pain, or metatarsalgia, occurs when the ball of the foot is subjected to excessive pressure, resulting in pain and inflammation. Metatarsal foot pain can develop from placing excessive strain on the forefoot. Among the causes are repetitive stress from running and jumping, wearing improper footwear like high heels or tight shoes, and carrying excess body weight. Structural foot issues, including bunions, hammertoes, high arches, or a stiff Achilles tendon, may also contribute to metatarsal foot pain by altering weight distribution across the foot. Symptoms include a burning or aching sensation in the ball of the foot that gets worse with standing or movement. It also may feel as if there is a small pebble in your shoe when you bear weight. A podiatrist can assess the underlying cause of metatarsal foot pain and recommend orthotics, footwear adjustments, or surgery, if needed. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Monique Mitchell, DPM from Family Foot Centre. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Garden Hills, Nassau, Bahamas . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot Pain
Our feet are arguably the most important parts of our bodies because they are responsible for getting us from place to place. However, we often don’t think about our feet until they begin to hurt. If you have pain in your feet, you need to first determine where on the foot you are experiencing it to get to the root of the problem. The most common areas to feel pain on the foot are the heel and the ankle.
Heel pain is most commonly attributed to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse in the morning, and it tends to go away throughout the day. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should rest your foot and do heel and foot muscles stretches. Wearing shoes with proper arch support and a cushioned sole has also been proven to be beneficial.
Some common symptoms of foot pain are redness, swelling, and stiffness. Foot pain can be dull or sharp depending on its underlying cause. Toe pain can also occur, and it is usually caused by gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and corns.
If you have severe pain in your feet, you should immediately seek assistance from your podiatrist for treatment. Depending on the cause of your pain, your podiatrist may give you a variety of treatment options.
Facts About Eversion Ankle Sprains
An eversion ankle sprain happens when the ankle rolls outward, stretching or tearing the deltoid ligaments on the inner side of the joint. This contrasts with the more common inversion sprain, where the ankle rolls inward, affecting the ligaments on the outer side. Eversion ankle sprains are often more severe because the deltoid ligaments are strong and require greater force to cause injury. An eversion ankle sprain can result from landing awkwardly, sudden directional changes, or twisting motions where the foot moves outward while the leg rotates inward. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising on the inner ankle, whereas inversion sprains typically cause discomfort on the outer side. Eversion sprains also have a higher risk of injuries that affect the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula above the ankle joint. These types of injuries can make walking difficult and may require extended healing time. A podiatrist can assess the severity, check for fractures, and determine if a cast, boot, or surgery is necessary. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Monique Mitchell, DPM from Family Foot Centre. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Garden Hills, Nassau, Bahamas . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. These types of injuries are very common and can occur in people of all ages. Sprains may range from mild to severe, depending on how much damage is done to the ligaments. If a sprain goes untreated, a more severe sprain may occur which can further damage the ankle. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle pain.
There are some risk factors that can increase your risk of suffering a sprained ankle. Those who participate in sports, walk on uneven surfaces, have a prior ankle injury, are in poor physical condition, or wear improper shoes are more likely to get a sprained ankle.
There are a few symptoms to look out for if you suspect you are suffering from a sprained ankle. Some common symptoms are swelling, bruising, tenderness, and instability of the ankle. In cases where the tearing of the ligaments is severe, there may be a “popping” sound when the strain occurs.
The RICE method is proven to be effective in treating ankle sprains. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest is important for treatment, especially within the first 24 to 48 hours. You should also ice your sprained ankle for the first 48 hours for 20 minutes at a time. A small piece of cloth should be placed between the ice and the affected area. For the compression step, you should wear a brace that is snug, but not too tight that it cuts off circulation. When choosing a brace, be sure to choose one that is suitable for the type of ankle sprain you have. Lastly, you should elevate your foot above the heart as often as possible.
After you treat a sprain, you should go through rehabilitation to prevent the injury from occurring again. There are three phases to the rehab process. The first phase involves resting, protecting, and reducing the swelling of the injury. The second phase consists of restoring the ankle’s flexibility, range of motion, and strength. The third phase consists of slowly returning to activity and maintenance exercises.
If you suspect you have an ankle sprain, you shouldn’t hesitate to consult with your podiatrist. Your podiatrist will be able to give you a proper diagnosis and a suitable treatment option for your condition.
Forefoot Surgery Is Evolving for Better Outcomes
Advancements in forefoot surgery are providing better treatment options for conditions that cause chronic pain and mobility issues. Mallet toes and hammertoes develop when toe joints become bent due to muscle imbalances, often leading to stiffness, corns, and discomfort. Traditional correction methods required significant recovery time, but newer techniques use tiny implants or absorbable pins to realign the toes with minimal scarring and faster healing. Neuromas, which cause burning pain or numbness between the toes, result from thickened nerves due to prolonged pressure or irritation. Instead of removing the nerve entirely, modern approaches focus on nerve decompression or cryoablation, reducing symptoms while preserving function. Metatarsophalangeal joint instability, or MTP, can lead to toe dislocation and chronic joint pain. Innovations in ligament repair and joint-stabilizing implants help restore alignment and prevent future dislocations. These surgical improvements mean less pain, quicker recovery, and better long-term function. If foot pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can discuss the best treatment options available.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Monique Mitchell, DPM of Family Foot Centre. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
- Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Garden Hills, Nassau, Bahamas . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot and Ankle Surgery
When conservative, noninvasive methods prove ineffective, surgery may be selected as the next course of action for the treatment of your foot or ankle condition. A wide number of foot and ankle surgical procedures exist, and it is up to your podiatrist to determine which intervention will be most appropriate and helpful for your case. Some surgical procedures include bunion surgery, fusion, hammertoe surgery, heel spur surgery, metatarsal surgery, nail surgery, neuroma surgery, reconstructive surgery, skin surgery, and tendon surgery. Typically, surgery is turned to as a definitive way to alleviate excessive pain or discomfort and to return your foot to full mobility.
Regardless of the location on the body, all surgical procedures require preoperative testing and examination to ensure the surgery’s success and preferred outcome. A review of your medical history and medical conditions will take place, as will an evaluation of any current diseases, illnesses, allergies, and medications. Tests such as blood studies, urinalyses, EKG, X-rays, and blood flow studies may be ordered. Because the procedure involves the foot and/or ankle, the structures of your feet while walking may also be observed by your podiatrist.
Care post-surgery will depend on the type of surgical procedure performed. Typically, all postoperative care involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. To improve and ensure a safe recovery, your foot and ankle surgeon may also employ the use of bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or canes. He will also determine if and when you can bear weight. A timely and thorough recovery is a priority for both you and your podiatrist, and carefully following postoperative instructions can help achieve this.
Athlete’s Foot is Not Limited to Athletes
Athlete’s foot is a fungal invasion that thrives in warm, sweaty conditions. Whether you are an athlete or just someone who wears the same shoes too often, this infection can sneak up on you. It often starts as dry, peeling skin between the toes, but soon, the itching, burning, and cracking begin. In severe cases, blisters or a foul odor can develop, making every step miserable. Worse, the fungus can spread to toenails or even hands, if left untreated. Avoiding athlete’s foot means keeping feet dry, changing socks regularly, and wearing breathable shoes. Mild antifungals help, but persistent cases may need prescription medication. If your feet feel like they are under attack, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for more advanced treatment.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Monique Mitchell, DPM from Family Foot Centre. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Garden Hills, Nassau, Bahamas . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
