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The words sprain and strain are very similar. So too, are several symptoms of an ankle sprain and ankle strain. Ankle sprains involve the ligaments which hold the bones of the ankle together and support it, while strains involve ankle muscles, often where the muscle attaches to a tendon. In a sprain, the pain is immediate and there may be bruising, while pain from a strain can sometimes come on gradually and a bruise is typically not visible. Both injuries can produce localized swelling, inflammation, and redness. Yet, there may be a noise—an audible popping sound the moment the ligament is injured—in an ankle sprain, which does not occur when you strain the muscles in your ankle. However, you may experience cramps, spasms, or weakness in the muscle when you’ve strained your ankle, which usually doesn’t occur if you’ve sprained the ligaments of your ankle. Both conditions can make it difficult or impossible to move your ankle or to place weight on it. If you are experiencing any type of pain, inflammation, redness, or swelling in your ankles, contact a podiatrist to have your condition properly diagnosed and treated.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The idea of wearing flip flops is appealing to many people. They are easy to wear and are available in a variety of styles and colors. However, research has indicated that this style of shoe may cause damage to the feet. A person's gait or walking pattern could be negatively impacted in order to accommodate for the lack of arch support and cushioning, and the ankles may turn inward. It can also be easier to stub your toe while wearing flip flops, which may result in a broken toe. Additionally, the toes are constantly gripping the front of the shoe to keep it securely on the foot. This repeated action may cause strain in the overall foot, or cramps may develop as well. There are several other foot conditions that can result from wearing flip flops as well. If you are interested in learning more about the effects flip flops can have on the feet, please speak with a podiatrist.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Excess pressure that is exerted on a bone in the foot can lead to a stress fracture. It can develop from practicing high-impact exercise, increasing speed and training too fast, or possible from poor nutrition. This type of injury develops slowly, and symptoms are often ignored. It can become difficult to complete daily activities, and it helps to temporarily stop the activity that caused the injury. After a proper diagnosis is made, which generally occurs when an X-ray is taken, treatment can begin. A walking boot or a cast may be helpful in stabilizing the foot as the healing process takes place. The average time for a stress fracture to heal is four to six weeks, and then a gradual return to the chosen activity is often advised. If you have a stress fracture, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you with the correct treatment plan.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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:
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 feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
With the preponderance of different types of athletic shoes, it can be hard to know which type of shoe is best for you and your needs. Walking shoes are generally designed for comfort rather than performance. They tend to be stiffer and more cushioned than running shoes. Running shoe designers strive to provide the necessary structure and cushioning with the least amount of weight and seaming that might cause blisters. Fitness walkers should look for shoes that are light, have enough cushioning, do not have a great difference between the heel and toe height, have an undercut rather than a flared heel, and that is flexible or bend easily at the forefoot. Running stores that provide expertise in fitting shoes can help with choosing specific brands that might work best for you. However, visiting a podiatrist for shoe recommendations based on your individual needs at various stages of life is recommended for the long-term health and comfort of your feet.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Cory Brown, DPM from Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes
There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.
You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.
Differences
Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.
Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Abilene, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
