A Podiatrist’s Role in Relieving Ankle Pain

Ankle pain is discomfort that affects the joint connecting the foot and lower leg, an area that supports movement of the toes and calves while allowing stability during daily activities. Symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, changes in gait, deformity of the ankle, difficulty moving the ankle or toes, and an inability to bear weight. These issues may come from injury, arthritis, or structural problems. A podiatrist can evaluate the joint, provide a precise diagnosis, offer treatments that improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek expert podiatric care to restore comfort and function, beginning your path to relief.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. 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 Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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A Closer Look at Stubborn Spots Under the Foot

Plantar warts often start as small, unnoticed growths on the bottom of the foot, but pressure from walking can push them inward and make them increasingly painful. These growths come from a common virus that enters through tiny breaks in the skin, leading to areas that may feel firm, tender, or appear to have dark pinpoint dots. Some form individually, while others spread into clusters that create more discomfort with every step. Trying to treat a plantar wart at home can cause irritation if the wart is deeper than expected. When pain increases, the spot grows, or multiple warts begin to form, it becomes important to get a professional opinion. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, offer safe treatment options, and help prevent recurrence. If you have a persistent or painful spot on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper care.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor 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 office located in Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What Are Plantar Warts?

Definition of a Podiatrist

A podiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle. They care for issues such as heel pain, bunions, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, and diabetic foot problems. Preparing for your first visit helps ensure a smooth experience. Bring a list of symptoms, a list of medications, any recent lab results, and check with your insurance company to confirm coverage. A podiatrist will examine your feet, discuss your concerns, and create a treatment plan that supports comfort, mobility, and long-term wellness. If you have ongoing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions for various foot and ankle conditions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?

Foot Pain May Affect Quality of Life

Foot pain is discomfort or soreness that can result from damage to the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, or tendons in the feet. It may develop from injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions and can make walking or standing difficult. Persistent foot pain can affect mood, reduce quality of life, and limit the ability to perform daily self-care activities. A podiatrist can identify the source of pain through an examination and imaging, then provide treatment such as custom orthotics or medical management to restore comfort and function. If foot pain is interfering with your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert diagnosis and personalized care to help you move comfortably and regain your quality of life.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. 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 Covington, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

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