A broken ankle is a distressing injury that can occur from accidents or sudden trauma. There are three bones that make up the ankle joint,  the tibia, fibula, and talus. One or more of these bones can become fractured, and often demands immediate medical attention. This is necessary to assess the severity and type of fracture, which can range from stable to complex. The treatment varies and can involve immobilization with a cast or splint, and sometimes surgical intervention with the insertion of pins or plates to realign the bones. Recovery times depend on the fracture's complexity and the chosen treatment. Generally, mild fractures may heal in six to eight weeks, while more severe injuries may take several months. Patience and adherence to medical advice are key during recovery, ensuring a return to normal activities with a healed and stable ankle. If you have fractured your ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

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.

Athletes' foot, a common fungal infection affecting the feet, can throw a wrench in the most active lifestyles. This condition is often caused by the trichophyton fungus, which thrives in warm, damp environments. The symptoms of athlete’s foot can include itching, burning, and cracked skin, particularly between the toes. As uncomfortable as this condition is, relief is within reach. Treatments can range from over-the-counter antifungal creams to prescription medications, effectively combating the infection. However, prevention is key. Keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing moisture-wicking socks, and opting for breathable footwear can create an unwelcoming environment for the fungus. Regularly changing socks, avoiding shared damp surfaces such as locker room floors, and choosing open-toed shoes in communal areas are also prudent steps toward sidestepping this irritating foot condition. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and relief techniques. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Early intervention in managing painful hammertoes can prevent the need for surgery. However, for some individuals, surgery may become a viable option. It is important to address underlying factors such as rheumatoid arthritis prior to considering surgery. A number of surgical options are available, depending on the severity or advancement of the hammertoe. Tendon transfer, suitable for flexible hammertoes, involves repositioning tendons to improve alignment and appearance. Joint resection is beneficial for fixed hammertoes. This procedure consists of adjusting ligaments, tendons, and bone portions. Fusion is generally reserved for severe fixed hammertoes that may require this approach. Joint portions are removed to stimulate bone growth and straighten the toe. Toe removal is employed only in rare cases of extreme pain, although it comes with significant considerations. Surgery is often performed as an outpatient and can involve local anesthesia. Strengthening exercises and wearing proper footwear can help to aid in recovery. For guidance on managing a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

A stress fracture of the foot is a hairline crack in the bone that begins with minor pain and weakness. This type of injury is common among runners because of the force endured on the metatarsals. Eventually, the discomfort may deepen, spreading to the leg or hip, and become nagging and bothersome. Foot stress fractures can be difficult to diagnose because they can mimic a mild sprain. However, if untreated and regular activities like walking or running continue, the pain can intensify and inhibit normal movement. Unlike complete bone breaks, stress fractures often allow for continued activity. Swelling is not a reliable indicator either, as it's usually minimal or absent. Stress fractures aren't usually accompanied by the bruising or discoloration seen in direct impact injuries. Stress fractures come in different degrees, often related to the affected body part. For instance, heel stress fractures are relatively common and typically heal well. If you suspect a stress fracture, it's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to prevent further complications and promote optimal healing.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please 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.