A broken ankle or ankle fracture refers to a break or a hairline crack in any of the bones that make up the ankle. While rarely life-threatening, ankle fractures can be extremely painful. If you have fractured your ankle you may experience pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, numbness or tingling, limited ankle mobility, and an inability to bear weight on the affected ankle. In the case of an open fracture, you may see the broken bone poking through the skin. Ankle fractures require prompt medical attention. They are usually diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies like X-rays. If you are suffering from the symptoms of a broken ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
An ingrown toenail is more common in adults, but can affect anyone of any age, including infants. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This causes redness, swelling, and pain, and may lead to an infection if left untreated. Usually the first symptom of an ingrown toenail in an infant is the area at the edge of the nail slowly becoming raised due to the toenail growing underneath it. At first the raised area is flesh-colored, but over time it can turn red and become painful. Just as in adults, ingrown toenails in babies are usually the result of improperly trimming the toenails or wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe area. Applying a warm, wet compress to the affected toenail can soften the skin and reduce discomfort. If you notice that the area is becoming increasingly red, warm, or painful, it is suggested that you take your child to see a podiatrist for treatment.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
At the lower end of the calf, the two calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) join and become one long band of fibrous tissue known as the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects the calf with the heel and helps the foot bend. The Achilles tendon may become injured, torn, or ruptured during physical activities that involve sudden starts and stops, jumping or running. It can also occur during regular activities in people aged 40-64 who have diabetes, high cholesterol, or a problem with weight. A snapping, cracking, or popping sound may occur at the moment of injury or when pressure is applied to the damaged tendon. Other symptoms may include: pain, swelling, bruising, or stiffness in the back of the foot and tendon area—which can be worse upon waking or after exercise—a weakened leg, reduced mobility, or sensitivity to touch. If you suspect you may have injured your Achilles tendon, seek the care of a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Blisters are fluid filled lesions that are a result of pressure and friction, and they can be very painful. Blisters can form from a variety of factors that include wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, stiff shoes, wrinkled socks, having too much moisture on the feet, and as a result of various foot deformities. Common methods for preventing blisters include keeping the feet dry, wearing the right sized socks, wearing properly fitting footwear and checking the feet for any rubbing or tenderness. Patients who do have blisters on their feet should make sure not to pop them. Blisters will usually last 3-7 days and clear up on their own. However, if the blisters continue to persist, or if you have diabetes, you should consult with a podiatrist to get proper care for the blister.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The condition that is known as flat feet may cause pain and discomfort in many patients. It is defined as a foot structure abnormality, and is noticeable as the foot lies completely flat while standing on the floor. Research has indicated the muscles and ligaments can become strained, and may cause pain while walking. It can become more prevalent in people who are obese, have high blood pressure, or are diabetic. Patients who find their feet ache as a result of flat feet may find mild relief when supportive shoes are worn. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you seek the professional advice of a podiatrist who can choose the proper treatment for flat feet.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.