Young people are more likely to get hurt while being active, whether running, jumping, or engaging in fast-paced activities. Rough sports that involve tackling or aggressive contact, such as rugby and martial arts, increase the chances of harm. Speed-based activities like cycling, skating, and downhill winter sports also pose a danger. The most commonly affected areas are below the knee, where damage to the soft tissues, ligaments, or bones can occur. If harm happens close to a major joint, the area responsible for bone development could be impacted and should be examined by a specialist. As people age, they become more vulnerable to falls and fractures. The loss of muscle and reduced bone density over time make healing harder. Decreased vision and balance problems also raise the likelihood of accidents. Regardless of your age, if you have a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors 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:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can stem from plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bunions, or arthritis. Plantar fasciitis causes sharp pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning. Tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendons, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement, often affecting the arch or back of the foot. A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe, making it painful to wear shoes and walk. Arthritis in the foot causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often worsening with activity. The causes of foot pain vary, but common factors include overuse, wearing improper footwear, abnormal foot structure, or aging. Symptoms often include swelling, tenderness, and difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected foot. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms and provide treatment options, including targeted exercises, custom orthotics, medication, or surgery, if needed. If you have ongoing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors 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 Brunswick, ME . 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.