October 2022

The majority of people often notice immediately if they have broken their ankle. There are many moving parts each ankle has, ranging from ligaments and tissues that are connected to the bones. The ankle is key to moving the foot forward, and extreme pain and discomfort may occur if it is broken. Most patients experience symptoms that include swelling, bruising, and redness, and it is often impossible to walk. A protruding bone may happen with a severely broken ankle, and it can look displaced. If this happens, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone back to its natural position. A broken ankle is typically diagnosed by having an X-ray taken. This is a successful method for determining the extent of the fracture. At this point, treatment often begins with placing the foot in a protective boot or cast, which can provide adequate stability as the healing process occurs. A broken ankle can be treated by a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition, and it is strongly suggested that you contact this type of doctor for an appointment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

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 St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arthritis that develops in a child is known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA.) Juvenile means under the age of 16, idiopathic means the cause is unknown, and arthritis indicates inflammation, swelling, and pain in joints, including the ankle. While the cause is unknown, it is believed that genetics may play a role in the development of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. However, it is not considered to be hereditary. The five main types of JIA are oligoarthritis, polyarticular, systemic onset, enthesitis-related, and psoriatic arthritis. Oligoarthritis is the most common type, and affects up to four joints, including the ankle. Polyarticular arthritis affects five or more joints, including the ankle, and generally appears in the same joint on each side of the body. Systemic onset arthritis, also known as Still’s disease, is the least common. It affects the joints but also causes widespread inflammation, high fevers, and swollen glands, among other symptoms. Enthesitis-related arthritis affects the ligaments and tendons that attach to the bones. Finally, psoriatic arthritis can infect multiple joints, but also causes a scaly skin rash. If your child exhibits pain, swelling, tenderness, redness and stiffness in the ankle joint, please consult with a podiatrist to determine the cause and discuss treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An inversion injury happens when the ankle rolls outward while the foot turns inward. This is considered to be the most common type of ankle sprain. Sprains happen as a result of the ankle stretching past its normal range of motion causing immediate pain and discomfort. An eversion injury happens when the opposite occurs, as the ankle rolls inward and the foot rolls outward. The ligaments can become damaged with this type of sprain which can be painful. The least common ankle injury is referred to as a high ankle sprain.  This occurs as the ankle moves while the foot remains stable. This can cause the leg to rotate, and often needs prompt medical attention. An ankle sprain can wreak havoc in completing daily activities, and it is strongly advised that if you have incurred this type of injury you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can provide correct treatment techniques. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are different ways in which an individual may injure their achilles tendon, the tendon that runs from the calf muscle to the heel bone in the lower leg. For example, an individual can tear or rupture their Achilles tendon when it is strained or stretched beyond its limits. There are several signs of an Achilles tendon injury to be aware of. Namely, you might experience pain when walking up staircases because the Achilles tendon essentially enables you to lift your heel off of the ground. In the same vein, you could experience difficulty trying to stand on the tips of your toes. Additionally, if you have an Achilles tendon injury, you might notice different types of pain. You can experience sharp pain at the back of the ankle or leg. Snapping or cracking sounds might be heard if you have experienced some kind of Achilles tendon injury. If you suspect that you have developed this kind of injury, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, a foot care specialist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

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:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.