Items filtered by date: April 2023

For anyone who has sprained an ankle, the necessity for strengthening the joint after healing is important. A weakened ankle joint increases the risk of another sprain, which can evolve into chronic ankle instability. A symptom of an unstable ankle is the feeling that the joint gives way during normal activity, which is often a sign of an overstretched ligament. Treatment options include performing a series of neuromuscular exercises to strengthen the ankle joint, along with wearing a protective brace for stability. If the ligament is still too loose, surgery becomes an option. The ligaments, which hold the joint in place, can be shortened and tightened, or in some cases, replaced. Ankle instability can also cause problems with muscle coordination, and for this reason strengthening exercises may be helpful. If you have experienced a recurring ankle stability problem, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a full examination of the joint and the right treatment options for you. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

There are many reasons why people buy shoes. They may be needed to perform in high-intensity activities or for casual everyday walking. Whatever the reason, wearing shoes that fit correctly and adequately support the feet is beneficial. Research has shown that approximately two-thirds of people worldwide may have poor foot health from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. It is helpful to have an accurate foot measurement before purchasing shoes. This can be done by measuring the feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest and while wearing socks. Stand on a piece of paper taped to the floor and begin by tracing the outline of the foot, which may be easier if done by another person. After measuring the length and width, the correct shoe size can be found using a conversion chart. Alternatively, many shoe stores have a Brannock device, which is generally successful in determining the correct shoe size. If you have additional questions about buying shoes that fit correctly, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you find the knowledge you seek.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.

Almost everyone has felt some type of foot pain in their life, especially if they are physically active. However, foot pain also may be caused by genetics, diet, obesity, and infections. The most common causes of foot pain include bunions, hammertoes, and corns. Gout, flat feet, and plantar warts are other painful foot conditions. In addition, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and ingrown toenails are common foot pain complaints. Many of these conditions can be resolved by taking better care of the feet on a daily basis, as well as wearing shoes that fit the feet properly. Gout, however, is an inflammatory condition that results from having an excess of uric acid in the body. Omitting foods high in purines can help to prevent it. Infections are often transmitted in pool or gym locker rooms, with protective footwear they can be avoided. Caring for the toenails by cutting them properly may diminish the chances of an ingrown toenail. If you are experiencing foot pain that impedes your daily activities, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for help. 

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.

Toe pain can be the result of an injury. A broken toe can cause toe pain and may affect the skin, nerves, and blood vessels. Toe pain may also cause a burning sensation or it may feel numb. Ingrown toenails, bunions, and arthritis are leading causes of toe pain, and some of these conditions may lead to getting an infection if prompt medical attention is not received. Additionally, the foot condition known as hammertoe may cause toe pain which may happen from calluses that form on top of the deformed joints. Gout can be a debilitating foot condition characterized by intense pain in the joints of the big toe. Gout can occur due to excess uric acid in the blood, which converts to crystals and affects the big toe. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can pinpoint the cause and offer you the correct treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.