There are many types of injuries and conditions that can cause pain in your ankles, such as fractures or breaks in one or more of the ankle bones. The most common form of ankle pain is caused by lateral sprains, which occur when the ligaments that bind and support your ankle become overly stretched or torn. Pain with these types of sprains is typically felt on the outside of the ankle, at the site of the injury. Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, can also cause ankle pain, as well as different types of arthritis, including gout and osteoarthritis. There are two types of Achilles tendon injuries that can create pain in the ankle: an Achilles rupture, which can also cause pain in the calf and heel, and Achilles tendinitis. The fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of the ankle and heel that protects the Achilles tendon can burst and cause pain in the ankle and heel, along with swelling and redness at the back of the heel. Since there are a variety of underlying causes that may be responsible for ankle pain, it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted to diagnose and treat the condition properly.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

The three main signs of a broken bone, or fracture, are pain, swelling, and deformity around the bone involved. At the time of injury, you may feel or hear a snapping or grinding in the foot. The area will likely be tender, swollen, and bruised. Putting weight or pressure on the injured area will cause pain. You may also be able to see where the bone is broken or displaced, particularly if it is an open fracture, where the bone pokes through the skin. Sometimes the signs of a foot fracture are not obvious. Stress fractures, which are tiny cracks that develop in a bone over time, are very common in the foot bones and often produce only mild symptoms. If you suspect that you have broken a foot bone, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

A broken ankle may require surgery if the ankle is unstable and the bone that is broken is displaced. During the procedure, the surgeon realigns the affected bones and fixes them in the proper position using a fixation device, such as a screw, steel pins, or stabilizing rods. Recovery from this surgery can take up to 12 weeks and requires wearing a cast or boot. While not everyone is a good candidate for surgery, leaving a fractured ankle untreated can lead to ankle arthritis and pain. If you have broken your ankle, please consult with a podiatrist to find the right treatment for you. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor 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 our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon is a strong band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of your lower legs, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. When this tendon is injured, typically as a result of overuse, wearing the wrong shoes, or having another foot problem, it can become inflamed. A mild Achilles tendon injury is characterized by pain during or shortly after physical activity. A moderate injury may cause swelling in the tendon, and a hard lump called a nodule may form. A severe injury is characterized by pain while bearing weight. In some cases, the tendon can rupture, which is said to feel like a hard whack on the heel. If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor 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 our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.