Ankle pain is troublesome, uncomfortable, and annoying. However, it can also be severe and debilitating for some individuals. But you shouldn’t let ankle pain keep you from going about your daily life and impact your mobility. To do this, the first step is to find out what’s causing you pain.

You can do this by consulting with your podiatrist here at Foot Doctor of the East Bay, Dr. Michael Stein, Dr. Phillip Milgram, or Dr. Zeindelin Ahmad. They have three distinct locations in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos CA.

In the meantime, here are possible causes of your ankle pain:

• Ankle Sprain: This results in injury to ligaments surrounding your ankle. It causes swelling and pain, as well as joint weakness.
• Damaged Cartilage: Your ankle joint’s cartilage is vulnerable to further injury if you leave ankle injuries like fractures or sprains untreated.
• Tendonitis: You may have tendonitis when your tendons become inflamed and irritated, resulting in significant discomfort and pain. Left unaddressed, it could progress to posterior tibial tendonitis that, in turn, could cause pain on the ankle joint’s inside portion and walking issues.
• Ankle Fracture: Ankle fractures come in various types and treatment varies for each type. Although some ankle fractures could be treated with therapies for ankle sprains, some might need surgical intervention.
• Achilles Tendonitis: This causes pain at the heel’s back portion and is the most common tendonitis type that affects the ankle joint.
• Arthritis: Although arthritis isn’t a common ankle pain cause, it could occasionally result in ankle pain. When it does happen, it’s common in people who have rheumatoid arthritis or those who’ve had previous ankle injuries.

Ankle Pain Relief

Your podiatrist San Leandro CA office will develop a treatment plan that will be most effective to combat what’s causing your pain. If you’re uncertain of the cause of your pain or how severe it is, seek help from your podiatrist first before starting any kind of treatment. Generally speaking, the following are common ways to manage ankle pain:

• Resting the affected ankle
• Heat and ice application
• Stretching exercises
• Orthotics or footwear modifications
• Physical therapy
• OTC medications and/or steroid injections

Take note that surgery isn’t commonly recommended for ankle pain that your podiatrist in San Leandro CA considers acute. Usually, those who require surgery are those who’ve had persistent or recurrent ankle pain due to previous ankle injuries that weren’t treated properly.

For Ankle Pain Relief, Speak to Us

Schedule a meeting with you’re your podiatrist here at Foot Doctor of the East Bay in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos CA, Dr. Michael Stein, Dr. Phillip Milgram, or Dr. Zeindelin Ahmad. For our San Leandro office, call (510) 483-3390. For our Pleasanton office, call (925) 425-9684. For the Los Gatos office, call (408) 356-6767.

During a game against the Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival lost his balance while skating backward and broke his ankle. According to a statement from the Blackhawks through Dr. Michael Terry, Rozsival suffered a fractured left ankle. The defenseman will require surgery to repair it and is not expected to return to full hockey activity until next season.

To ensure that a broken ankle completely heals, treatment should be sought right away. For assistance, see one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Broken Ankles

The ankle consists of three bones- the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and the fibula are the two bones that connect to your knees. They sit directly above the talus bone, which is protected by a fibrous membrane and allows slight movement in the ankle joint. A break usually occurs in one of these bones after the foot is twisted too far, a strong impact like jumping from a great height, or repeated stresses like running.

Diagnosis

If you suffer an ankle injury, it is essential that you receive a correct diagnosis. One of the first signs that the ankle is broken is an inability to put any weight on it. There will often be severe bruising and swelling at the sight of the injury. Your doctor may also order an x-ray be taken to determine the exact location and extent of the injury.

Treatment

Without proper care, a broken ankle may not heal properly and could cause arthritis and instability later in life. Therefore, seeking proper treatment is essential to making a full recovery.

There a number of steps you can take to accelerate the healing process however. Elevating your feet above your head and icing the ankle can reduce pain and swelling.

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

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Thanks to the gorgeous weather, varied terrain, and massive population, the Bay Area is a magnet for road and trail races year-round. This Saturday, for example, marks the Mt. Tam Trail Run in Marin County just north of San Francisco. Runners start at the beach, climb to the top of Mt. Tamalpais, and descend back down beautiful trails over the incredible 50K course.

Even if you have no interest in ever competing, recreational running is gaining in popularity among all age groups for its physical and mental health benefits. If you’re struggling with arthritis, however, running pain-free can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help keep you going and run with ankle arthritis:

Cross train. You don’t have to give up running, but start mixing low-impact activities into your routine to give your aching joints a rest. Go for a bike ride. Take a dip in the pool. At the gym, try an elliptical. Maintaining your fitness in ways that don’t punish your ankles a few days per week can leave you stronger for when you do go for that run.

Limber up. Strength training, stretching, and flexibility exercises (try yoga!) improve your range of motion, stabilize joints, and improve balance. Focusing on these areas can slow the rate that joints wear and tear.

Don’t pound the pavement. Softer surfaces like grass, dirt paths, and trails (provided the terrain isn’t too difficult for your health or experience level) absorb more of the impact of your steps than pavement, which sends that force back up your feet and legs. Try getting out to the park or the trail at least occasionally, rather than sticking to sidewalks. Even treadmills can be a good lower-impact alternative.

Listen to your body. Don’t get too caught up in numbers—how much distance you “should” be covering or what kind of pace you “should” be maintaining. Adjust in the moment based on your needs, and don’t push yourself too hard if you’re feeling pain.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re finding it difficult to run with ankle arthritis, stay active, or do the things you enjoy due to chronic foot, ankle, or joint pain, call Foot Doctor of the East Bay at (510) 483-3390. From stretching exercises and physical therapy to fitting custom orthotics, surgery, and more, our experts are dedicated to keeping you on your feet and living pain-free.

Photo credit: Sura Nualpradid via freedigitalphotos.net

Everyday foot care is a practice that should be maintained year-round, regardless of the season. There is no denying, however, that the unpredictable wet weather of fall makes it a season where extra care should be taken. Prolonged exposure to moisture and water can create bacterial growth on the feet. Washing and scrubbing cracked feet can help remove dead cells, and the space between toes should be cleaned regularly. Toenails should be kept trimmed to prevent dirt from accumulating and makes cleaning the nails much easier. The feet should always be kept dry and clean, and it is important to wear waterproof shoes if possible when out in the rain.

 Everyday foot care is necessary all year round, regardless of weather. To learn more about daily foot care practices and how to maintain optimal foot health, consult with podiatrist Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Dr. Stein can answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Every Day 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. After all, 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 example.

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.

Also, 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 one of our offices in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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New York Jets player Dee Milliner suffered a high ankle sprain, ending his season. Milliner will have to contend with four to six weeks on the bench in order to recover. Official details of the diagnosis are yet to be announced; however, the injury’s severe swelling suggests a Grade 2 sprain.

Milliner will not participate in the Jets’ first game of the regular season to ensure full recovery from his injury. Most likely covering for Milliner during this period will be cornerbacks Antonio Allen and Ellis Lankster. “We feel confident that it’s healing nicely,” commented Jets coach Rex Ryan on Milliner’s condition.  

Sprained ankles will typically heal correctly when left alone, but sometimes professional help is needed. If you are seeking assistance with a sprained ankle, see podiatrist Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Dr. Steincan attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer all of your related questions.

How Do Ankle Sprains Happen?

Sprain injuries take place when the ligaments are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are various ways that the ankle can become injured. In fact even the simple act of walking could cause a sprain. Ankle damage can occur by losing footing or walking on uneven terrain.

What are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration

How Can I Care for my Ankle at Home?

Self-care for ankle sprains includes propping the ankle up and keeping it elevated, applying ice packs as needed, and remaining off your feet. Some may also find that wrapping the ankle with an ACE bandage and taking over-the-counter pain relievers helps. One of the most important things is avoiding further stress to the affected area.

Preventing Sprains

• Wearing appropriate shoes
• Stretching before participating in physical activity
• Knowing your limitations

Sprain Treatment

Treatment of a sprain depends on its severity.  Many times people are told to rest and remain off their feet while others are given an air cast, which allows you to walk while stabilizing the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices, located in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all of your foot ankle injuries.