Tuesday, 26 March 2024 00:00

Ankle pain can stem from various sources, including minor injuries like strains and sprains. More severe conditions, such as an Achilles tendon rupture, a fracture, and muscle or ligament damage, also result in ankle pain. Symptoms range from sharp, acute pain to persistent discomfort and swelling around the ankle. The inability to put weight on the foot is another indication of an ankle injury. While some injuries may improve with home care, persistent or severe pain requires professional evaluation. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating ankle conditions and offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Addressing the underlying cause of your pain is essential for effective management and restoring the optimal function of your ankle. If you're experiencing ankle pain that is affecting your daily activities, it's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive assessment. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors 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
  • 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 offices located in Bangor, Brodheadsville, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Tuesday, 19 March 2024 00:00

Heel pain can significantly diminish one's quality of life, affecting daily activities and mobility. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs can cause persistent discomfort, making it challenging to walk, stand, or exercise without pain. Beyond the physical discomfort, heel pain can also lead to emotional stress, impacting mood and overall well-being. Education plays an important role in understanding the underlying causes of heel pain and implementing appropriate treatment strategies. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and managing heel pain, offering tailored treatment plans to address individual needs. If you suffer from persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for comprehensive care to improve your overall quality of life.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bangor, Brodheadsville, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain
Saturday, 16 March 2024 00:00

Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.

Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.

Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

In the pursuit of their passion, runners understand the importance of injury prevention through targeted stretching routines. Among the essential stretches for runners are calf stretches, which involve gently leaning forward against a wall to elongate the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Another effective stretch is the quadriceps stretch, achieved by standing on one leg and pulling the opposite foot toward the glutes, helping to alleviate tension in the front thigh muscles. Hamstring stretches, performed while sitting or standing, aid in maintaining flexibility and reducing strain on the back of the thighs. Runners also benefit from incorporating dynamic stretches into their warm-up routines, such as leg swings and high knees, to increase blood flow and prepare the muscles for activity. By incorporating these stretches into their regimen, runners can help prevent injuries that may affect their feet. If you are interested in learning about additional stretches that can help prevent injuries, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Brodheadsville, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries

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