Items filtered by date: November 2024

Ankle pain while running is an issue that many runners face. It can be caused by several factors, ranging from overuse to wearing improper footwear. Overuse, where repetitive impact from running leads to stress on the ankle joints and surrounding muscles, causes inflammation. Poor running form can put excessive strain on the ankles and lead to discomfort. Running on uneven surfaces or wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support can also contribute to ankle pain. In some cases, underlying conditions such as tendinitis, sprains, or stress fractures may be the source of pain. It is essential to listen to the body and take breaks when needed. Proper warm-ups, strength training, and wearing well-fitting shoes can help reduce the risk of ankle pain and improve overall running performance. If you enjoy running and are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief in addition to tips on preventing ankle pain.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Huydran Vaughn, DPM from Vaughn Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Non-diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that can develop on the feet due to various factors, including poor circulation, pressure injuries, or skin conditions like eczema. They can also result from traumatic injuries, prolonged friction from ill-fitting shoes, or neuropathy. Symptoms often include redness, swelling, pain around the ulcer, and possible drainage or foul odor. If left untreated, these ulcers can lead to infections or serious complications. A podiatrist can play a critical role in diagnosing and treating non-diabetic foot ulcers. They will assess the ulcer’s condition and underlying causes, often recommending a combination of treatments. In some cases, advanced therapies like skin grafting or specialized dressings may be necessary. Recovery can vary based on the ulcer's severity. If you or someone you know has a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Huydran Vaughn, DPM from Vaughn Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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