Items filtered by date: February 2023

Pickleball has increased in popularity, and because of that, injuries related to this sport are on the rise. Pickleball is played on a small court with paddles and a perforated plastic ball. It calls for a lot of stop-and-start motions and bursts of energy. This increases the risk of injuries like ankle sprains, falls, and Achilles tendon strains. Because of the speed and force involved in pickleball games, many players develop plantar fasciitis, which is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the band of tissue on the sole of the foot. Bruising of the heels is common, as are blisters on the feet. Proper footwear is an important way to limit both acute and chronic foot or ankle injuries caused by pickleball. Experts have recommended using cross training shoes, rather than running shoes, to improve the stability needed for rapid side-to-side movements. An ankle brace with straps or laces can also be used. It is also a good idea to warm up before starting a pickleball game and to rest if you experience pain. Custom orthotics may be needed for additional support. For more information about dealing with foot pain from pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

One of the most annoying injuries experienced by runners is plantar fasciitis. This condition is said to be an overuse injury that causes the tearing of a band of tissue in the sole that connects the toes to the heel. When this tissue, termed plantar fascia, is irritated, it becomes inflamed. This develops into pain most commonly felt in the heel and under the arch. Unfortunately, the pain felt from plantar fasciitis is typically worse early in the day and calms down while running. As a result, runners might ignore it, increasing the problem over time. This contributes to further damage to the plantar fascia. Instead, taking measures to relieve the condition is recommended. Icing the heel can help, and ceasing the activity that caused the problem is paramount to helping the fascia to heal. Certain exercises can be performed to reduce the symptoms while also allowing time for the tissue to heal. For information and direction on ways to treat plantar fasciitis, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

A fungal skin infection is the cause of the foot condition that is known as athlete’s foot. It is contagious, and the virus that causes this lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. This often includes shower room floors, public swimming pools, and locker rooms. It is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, such as water shoes or flip flops. The symptoms of athletes’ foot can be bothersome, and many people will look for relief. Common symptoms can include severe itching between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, and the skin is often red. In severe cases, blisters will form on different areas of the foot, and prompt medical attention is often sought. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment methods, which may include prescription cream.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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 and ankle needs.

Peroneal tendinopathy is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and degeneration of the peroneal tendons on the outer part of the ankle. The peroneal tendons go down the back and under the lateral malleolus, or the bony part on the outside of the ankle. When there is an overuse injury, the peroneal tendons rub on the bone, and it becomes inflamed. Running, poor flexibility, tight calf muscles, and overtraining are some of the reasons this can happen. The main symptom of peroneal tendinopathy is pain on the outside of the ankle. Rest is important in overuse injuries such as this and continuing the activity that caused the injury will interfere with healing. However, other physical activities, such as swimming or cycling, can be substituted to maintain fitness until the pain subsides. If the outside of your ankle hurts, see a podiatrist who will perform tests to diagnose the problem, and offer treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.