An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle stretch or tear, often following a twist, fall, or sudden blow to the joint. Ligaments connect bones together, and, when damaged, they can cause significant pain and limit mobility. Signs of an ankle sprain include swelling, bruising, sudden sharp pain, difficulty bearing weight, and, in severe cases, a popping sound at the time of injury. Some sprains may make the ankle feel unstable or cause it to give out while walking. Sprains range in severity from mild stretching of ligaments to complete tears, and symptoms may resemble those of a fracture, making diagnosis by a podiatrist important. Repeated sprains are more likely if the first injury does not heal properly. A podiatrist can perform an exam, order imaging if needed, and recommend proper treatment. If you have symptoms of an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Cathy Coker, DPM from Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. 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 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 Indianapolis, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Some babies are born with foot deformities that affect the way the toes, arches, or ankles are positioned. Clubfoot, for example, causes the foot to twist downward and inward. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed if casting does not correct the shape. Metatarsus adductus results in the front of the foot turning inward, while metatarsus varus causes the sole to angle inward with a high arch. A congenital foot condition known as talipes calcaneovalgus occurs when the foot bends upward with the heel turned outward. Flat feet, medically known as pes planus, occur when the arch does not develop as expected. Each of these conditions may interfere with normal foot function, if not addressed early. A podiatrist can diagnose these problems, guide appropriate treatment, and support healthy development. If your newborn exhibits signs of developmental foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Cathy Coker, DPM of Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. It often appears as a swollen, red, and painful lump that can make walking difficult. Bunions develop due to genetics, wearing tight shoes, or foot structure issues. Risk factors include a family history of bunions, arthritis, and wearing ill-fitting footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bunion, provide pain relief options, recommend proper footwear, and discuss surgical correction, if needed. If you have signs of a bunion developing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you on relief and management tips. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Cathy Coker, DPM of Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Running places significant strain on the feet and ankles, as each stride transfers force through them hundreds of times per mile. Pain from running may develop from common issues like ankle sprains, tendon problems, stress fractures, or irritation of nerves and ligaments. Overuse, poor biomechanics, or returning to running too soon after a previous injury often increase the risk. Conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, or posterior tibial tendonitis can cause ongoing discomfort, if not addressed properly. Even footwear that lacks adequate support, such as worn out running shoes or flip-flops, can increase stress on the foot and ankle and lead to recurring pain. A podiatrist can perform a thorough exam and order imaging tests if necessary to diagnose the problem. Treatment options include orthotics, immobilization, or surgery, for more serious injuries. If you are suffering from foot and ankle pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment solutions.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Cathy Coker, DPM of Arch Advantage Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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