September 2023

Sudden ankle pain can strike out of nowhere, leaving you puzzled and uncomfortable. While it is easy to attribute such pain to a recent injury, there are instances when ankle pain seemingly appears out of thin air. Having an understanding the potential causes of sudden ankle pain without any obvious injury is important for proper management. One common culprit is overuse or strain. Repetitive movements, such as excessive walking or standing for extended periods, can lead to inflammation and discomfort in the ankle joint. Another factor to consider is footwear. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels can strain the ankle, resulting in unexpected pain. Additionally, conditions such as gout or arthritis can manifest in the ankle joint, causing sudden and severe discomfort. Nerve compression or impingement may also be responsible for unexplained ankle pain. Additionally, changes in weather and temperature can impact joint health, potentially triggering discomfort. If you are experiencing sudden ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 tendinitis
• 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 offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can be debilitating, and one common cause is bursitis. This condition occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions and lubricates the joints, becomes inflamed. In the case of heel bursitis, the bursa located at the back of the heel becomes irritated and swollen. The bursa is typically aggravated by activities that put pressure on the affected area, such as walking or wearing tight shoes. Inflammation can also be caused by repetitive overuse or direct trauma to the heel. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound are used to rule out other conditions. Treatment options range from rest and ice to reduce inflammation, to physical therapy and orthotic shoe inserts for support. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain and inflammation. If you're experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. With the right care, heel bursitis can be managed effectively, allowing you to get back on your feet pain-free.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Newborns come into the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity, but some may also have foot deformities that require attention and care. One common condition is congenital talipes equinovarus, commonly known as clubfoot. This causes the baby's foot to twist inward. This congenital foot condition can be detected through having a prenatal ultrasound performed. Metatarsus adductus is another deformity where the baby's foot curves inward, often due to positioning in the womb, but it usually resolves naturally. In-toeing and out-toeing, where the feet point inward or outward, are relatively common problems that often correct themselves as a child grows. Early detection and intervention are essential in addressing these conditions. Performing gentle stretching exercises, casts, and sometimes surgery can help correct deformities like clubfoot. It is beneficial for parents and podiatrists to work together to ensure the best possible outcome. If your child has been born with a congenital foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you have this type of doctor as part of your child's healthcare team. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Beneath the surface of our feet lies a delicate orchestra of bones, working seamlessly to provide stability and flexibility. The ankle bones are the unsung heroes of this intricate composition. These bones, namely the tibia, fibula, and talus, form a complex network that allows us to walk, run, and jump with precision. The tibia, the weight-bearing bone, supports our body's weight, while the fibula adds extra support and stability. The talus, perched atop the heel bone, serves as a vital link between the leg and the foot, enabling pivotal movements. These bones are finely tuned instruments, ensuring smooth walking and running on various terrains. Understanding how the bones in the ankles work together sheds light on the remarkable mechanics that keep us moving effortlessly. If you would like additional information about the various functions of the ankle bones, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.