Pain on the outer edge of the foot can be debilitating, affecting how you walk or even stand. It can cause instability and keep you from participating in your everyday activities. This type of injury, termed lateral foot pain, can result in stabbing, burning pain, or severe aching. A number of conditions, including ankle sprains, arthritis, or a bunionette can cause lateral foot pain. Ankle sprains, particularly in people with high arches, are thought to be the most common cause of lateral foot pain. In addition, a fifth metatarsal fracture, which connects the pinky toe to the ankle, commonly accompanies an ankle sprain and contributes to the pain. Various forms of arthritis can produce inflammation in any one of the many joints in the feet.  A bunion on the small toe is a bone deformity and is often termed a bunionette. Pain is caused when the protruding bone rubs against the inside of the shoe. Among the other causes of lateral foot pain include a dislocation of the cuboid bone, which is located at the outside part of the foot. This injury is common among ballet dancers and other athletes. To find out exactly what is causing the pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Edward Gonzalez, DPM from Lower Extremity Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An injury to the ankle can severely impact completing everyday activities. An ankle sprain is common to incur and may be similar to an ankle strain. The symptoms for both ailments can consist of pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Treatment can begin with frequently elevating the feet and wrapping the affected foot with a compression bandage. This is generally effective in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Existing swelling can be managed when heat is avoided, such as hot baths or heat packs. There are various reasons why ankle sprains and strains occur including improperly stretching before and after exercising, or from stepping off a curb unexpectedly and twisting the ankle. It is important to obtain a proper diagnosis which typically consists of having an X-ray taken. If you have injured your ankle, please contact a podiatrist who can help you with the correct type of treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Edward Gonzalez, DPM from Lower Extremity Care. 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 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 our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Taking care of your feet is a lifelong responsibility, as they get you where you need to go. Sometimes, a foot problem or other condition that affects the feet calls for more attention than a normal foot care regime can provide. In such cases, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist, who is a doctor trained in the care and problems of the feet, toes, and ankles. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat a variety of foot-related problems, especially if you are experiencing pain. Problems commonly treated by podiatrists include ingrown toenails, sprained ankles, corns or calluses, and bunions. Foot or toe infections, such as athlete’s foot or fungal toenail infections, are also treated by podiatrists. Blisters and sores that do not heal properly, numbness in feet and toes, and unexplained swelling in the feet and ankles can be treated by podiatrists. Cracked heels or heel fissures, bruising, or discoloration of the toes or feet are other reasons to visit a podiatrist. People with underlying conditions, including diabetes and peripheral artery disease, may wish to schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist, as these diseases often affect the health of your feet. For more information, consult a podiatrist today.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Edward Gonzalez, DPM from Lower Extremity Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Another name for neuropathy is nerve damage. Common symptoms that neuropathy causes are total numbness or a tingling sensation in the feet. The feet may also turn blue and feel cold. This is a condition that is prevalent among diabetic patients, and the lack of feeling on the soles of the feet calls for a need to check the feet daily for cuts that may have developed. Patients who have chronic alcoholism may be at an increased risk for developing this condition, in addition to people who have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Neuropathy falls into three categories, consisting of mono, poly, and distal symmetric polyneuropathy. The former is generally caused by an injury, and affects one nerve. Multiple nerves are affected in patients who have polyneuropathy, and may create blood pressure or gastrointestinal symptoms. The latter may be more prevalent among people who have diabetes, and the upper extremities may become affected. If your feet are numb, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat neuropathy.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Edward Gonzalez, DPM from Lower Extremity Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.