Items filtered by date: June 2023

There is no doubting what happens when a broken ankle occurs. This foot condition happens suddenly and is accompanied by extreme pain and discomfort. It is often difficult, if not impossible, to walk, and immediate medical attention is often sought for relief. The ankle is composed of three bones. The tibia is the large bone in the lower leg, referred to as the shinbone. The calf bone is called the fibula and is the smaller bone in the lower leg. The bone found between the heel bone, tibia, and fibula is known as the talus, and any of these bones can be fractured in the ankle. A diagnosis is often performed that can consist of having an X-ray taken, which successfully determines the severity of the injury. It is beneficial to keep weight off the foot as much as possible and wear a protective boot or cast. Many people use crutches to help provide mobility until the healing process has been completed. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively treat this condition.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors 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 offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The overall health of the body can improve when frequent exercise is done. The feet are no exception, and stretching the feet may also help to protect the individual from injury. A good warm-up can be marching in place for several minutes, followed by performing specific foot exercises. While sitting in a chair with the feet flat on the floor, the ankle can be rotated in a clockwise direction for several seconds while the leg is lifted. This can be followed by circling the foot counterclockwise and repeating on the other foot. The bottom of the foot can be stretched by standing on the floor, while gently pressing the tops of the toes against the floor. This can help to strengthen the muscles in the top of the foot. The Achilles tendon controls the ability to point and flex the foot, and it is beneficial to properly warm this tendon up before running or jogging. This can be accomplished by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you would like more information about effective stretches and exercises for the feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with useful knowledge.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

The strong band of tissue that runs from the calf muscles to the heel bone is known as the Achilles tendon. When this tendon is overused, which is frequent among runners, dancers, and other athletes, it can become inflamed and extremely painful. This condition is called Achilles tendinopathy. The top cause of Achilles tendinopathy is overuse, which tears or stretches the tendon and causes inflammation. Other causes include certain types of arthritis, flat feet, and overpronation. In addition, wearing shoes that lack adequate support, being overweight, and taking certain antibiotics may increase the likelihood of developing Achilles tendinopathy. There are a number of treatments available for Achilles tendinopathy, but healing time depends on the severity of the injury. In some cases, surgery is required. There are several ways to prevent tendinopathy, including stretching exercises and warmup and cool-down routines. Wearing proper footwear is another way to help prevent this injury. For more information, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. 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 Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are essentially growths that can form on the soles of the feet due to contracting the human papillomavirus. Many patients who are trying to prevent the onset of plantar warts will ask podiatrists who can get plantar warts. The answer is that ultimately anyone can develop a plantar wart. However, certain types of people are more susceptible than others. For example, children attending school may be more susceptible than adults to developing plantar warts. Additionally, individuals living with weakened immune systems could be especially prone to developing plantar warts. This might include people with HIV and those on chemotherapy. If you are living with plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.