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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.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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 medical name for flat feet is called pes planus. The absence of the arch is easily noticed as the foot lies flat while standing on the floor. This can affect the foot structure, and as a result, many people have foot pain. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will develop in the teenage years. In some adults, the arch never forms, and they may experience pain which can interfere with completing daily activities. Having surgery on flat feet may be an option for relief. This type of reconstruction surgery consists of repairing the tendons, ligaments, and bone structure that can reshape the foot and ultimately support the arch. There are several pros and cons of having this type of surgery performed. If you have flat feet and are considering surgery, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the right decision for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
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.
A bunion is easy to notice. The medical term for this condition is referred to as hallux valgus, and is evident by the bony lump that gradually develops on the side of the big toe. It happens from genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move in freely. This may cause pressure to be exerted on the big toe, which can move toward the other toes, possibly causing them to shift toward each other. Many people develop corns or calluses on top of the toe from having it rub on the top of the shoe, and it can appear unsightly. Having an abnormal foot structure may lead to developing bunions, which is why family members may have them. Patients may choose to wear protective coverings over their bunion, which can shield it from the top of the shoe. If you have developed this ailment, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who may recommend surgery for permanent removal.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Cory Brown, DPM of Brown Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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.
Walking seems so simple and is taken for granted by most of us. We do not think that with each step we take, there is a complex set of actions required by our unique arrangement of bones, tendons, and ligaments that are put into motion. The main tendon that is required to move the foot is the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects the calf muscle to the hindfoot bone. Ligaments are bands of elastic tissue that are between bones. To move, muscles require stimulation from nerves that feed into the foot. The plantar fascia, the connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot, acts as a springboard for stepping. The largest bone in the foot, which is known as the calcaneus, forms the heel bone and is vital for foot balance and strength. The forefoot’s five metatarsal bones lead to the phalanges that make up the toes of the foot. Few people have knowledge of how our feet work to get us from place to place, but everything is put together to make this happen smoothly. Most of us only learn some of the biomechanics of the feet when something goes amiss. If you would like to learn more about how feet are put together and function, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
