Sports-related foot and ankle injuries can affect an athlete’s ability to run, jump, or change direction. Football places demands on the lower limbs because players make explosive movements and experience contact. Ankle sprains are frequent injuries and happen when the ankle twists beyond its normal range. Other problems include ankle fractures and Achilles tendon tears. A fracture is a break in a bone, while an Achilles tear damages the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. A podiatric evaluation can help determine the injury’s severity and guide a safe return to activity.

The midfoot and toes can also suffer sports injuries. A Lisfranc injury damages the joints or supporting tissues in the middle of the foot and can cause pain and swelling. It can also cause difficulty putting weight on the foot. Turf toe affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when the toe bends too far upward, which can damage supporting tissues. Jones fractures affect the fifth metatarsal, the long bone along the outside of the foot. These injuries can limit athletic performance, and some can resemble less-serious sprains.

A podiatrist can examine the foot or ankle, assess stability, and determine which structures are injured. Imaging can help identify fractures or more serious damage when appropriate. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Options include immobilization, custom orthotics, or medication for pain and inflammation. Some severe injuries require surgery to restore stability or repair damaged tissue. A podiatrist can also guide recovery and determine when returning to sports is appropriate. Returning too soon can increase the chance of another injury or lasting instability. If you have symptoms of a sports-related foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a 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 Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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
• 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 contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that can change the appearance and condition of one or more toenails. The infection develops slowly, so early changes may be easy to overlook. Symptoms can include nail discoloration, thickening, and buildup beneath the nail. As the condition progresses, shoes may feel uncomfortable because the affected nail becomes thicker. Pain can develop when pressure reaches the nail or surrounding tissue.

Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or materials. Walking barefoot in shared wet areas can increase exposure. Risk factors include sweaty feet, tight footwear, and a history of fungal skin infections. People with slower nail growth may also have a greater chance of developing persistent changes. Recognizing these factors can encourage attention when nail appearance changes.

Toenail fungus can cause more than cosmetic concerns. Disfigurement may make nails look discolored, cloudy, or irregular. Brittle pieces may break away, while debris can collect beneath the nail. Discomfort may make wearing shoes unpleasant, and pain can occur when the nail presses against the shoe. A podiatrist evaluates the nail, surrounding skin, and symptoms. Lab tests may be used because psoriasis, trauma, and other nail disorders can resemble fungal infection.

A podiatrist creates treatment based on the infection and the condition of the nail. Care may include trimming or thinning the nail, or applying topical antifungal medication, when appropriate. Patients can support recovery by keeping feet dry and changing damp socks. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor new nail growth and treatment response overall. Nail improvement takes time because toenails grow slowly. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can make everyday activities difficult and can affect people of all ages. The discomfort ranges from a mild ache to severe pain that makes standing or walking difficult. Some cases begin after sports or other physical activity. Others develop after wearing shoes that are too tight or shoes that lack proper support. Ankle pain also develops after a twist, a fall, or another injury. Conditions like Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, and fractures also cause ankle pain. Achilles tendonitis affects the strong cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Bursitis is an irritation of a small fluid-filled sac that cushions nearby tissues.

Types of ankle pain include sharp, dull, or throbbing discomfort, depending on the cause. Swelling, bruising, and stiffness are also common. Some people notice redness or warmth surrounding the joint. Others hear a popping sound when the injury happens. Difficulty putting weight on the ankle or walking normally can point to a more serious injury. A fracture can cause severe pain, significant swelling, and an ankle that looks out of place. Ignoring these warning signs can allow the condition to worsen and delay proper healing. A careful examination helps determine exactly what is causing the pain.

A podiatrist evaluates ankle pain with a detailed medical history and a thorough examination of the foot and ankle. Imaging tests, like X-rays or ultrasounds, also help identify damaged bones or soft tissues. After finding the cause, the podiatrist creates a treatment plan based on the diagnosis and the patient's needs. Treatment options include supportive devices, custom orthotics, braces, or other medical care designed to improve stability and reduce pain. The goal is to restore comfort, improve movement, and help prevent future ankle problems. If you have consistent ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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 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 O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot can make standing and walking painful because the foot carries body weight with every step. The foot contains 26 bones that work with joints, muscles, and tendons to support movement. A fracture means that one or more of these bones has cracked or broken. Causes include falls, crush injuries, and direct blows. Twisting injuries can also break bones. Stress fractures can develop from repeated force linked to activities like walking or running. The location of the injury helps determine how serious the fracture is and how long recovery can take.

Pain, swelling, and bruising are important signs of a broken foot. Patients can also develop tenderness or a limp, and putting weight on the injured foot can become very painful. A badly displaced fracture can change the shape of the foot. Numbness or tingling in the toes can point to nerve involvement. Some fractures break through the skin, creating an open wound and a greater risk of infection. X-rays can show many foot fractures. Certain injuries can require additional imaging when the fracture is difficult to see or involves a complex area of the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, identify where the pain is located, and check movement and circulation. Treatment depends on which bone is broken and whether the pieces remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can prescribe a stiff-soled shoe, walking boot, or cast to protect certain fractures. Some displaced or complex fractures require surgery to restore stability and proper bone position. Careful treatment is important because complications can include poor bone healing, arthritis, and infection. A podiatrist can monitor healing and determine when the foot can safely handle more weight. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist effective treatment solutions.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors 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 O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.