Ligaments are strong, stretchy tissues that connect bones and also stabilize joints. Ligaments on the inside and outside of the ankle joint support the ankle and help stabilize it during up-and-down and side-to-side foot movements. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of these ligaments become overly stretched or torn from a sudden movement, fall, or twist that knocks the ankle out of its normal position. Ankle sprains can occur while participating in sports, walking on uneven surfaces, or twisting your ankle wearing the wrong shoes. People who have had previous ankle sprains or weakened ankles due to genetics may be more prone to experiencing ankle sprains. Walking may prove challenging to a person with an ankle sprain, and they may experience pain, swelling, bruising, or joint stiffness. It is important to seek the care of a podiatrist for an ankle sprain in order to diagnose and treat any additional, more serious injury that may have occurred, as well as to facilitate proper and prompt healing and rehabilitation to avoid chronic ankle instability.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

One in six of all high school sports injuries are sprained ankles, making them the most common injury among this age group. The site of most of these sprains is the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), which is the band of connective tissue on the outside of the ankle. One of the ways the ATFL can become sprained is when an athlete’s center of gravity shifts over the outside of the weight-bearing leg, which can cause the ankle to roll inward quickly. Sporting activities with the highest occurrence of ankle sprains are girls’ gymnastics, girls’ basketball, and boys’ basketball. If a child experiences one ankle sprain, they may be more at risk of a future ankle sprain, particularly if they are involved in a sport where there is repeated jumping and landing. Even though some people may not view ankle sprains as a serious or significant injury, it is important to seek professional treatment from a podiatrist to help the ankle heal properly and regain strength, while lessening the risk of re-injury.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Research has indicated a significant portion of the population stands for the majority of their work day. This can have an impact on the feet, and it can be beneficial to sit for short periods of time throughout the day. It may help to refrain from standing on hard surfaces, in addition to wearing shoes that fit correctly. It is important for shoes to have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and it may be wise to consider wearing custom made orthotics. There are several foot conditions that can develop from standing on your feet for hours including bunions, joint fatigue, and swelling. Speaking with a podiatrist may provide you with information on how to avoid painful foot conditions while standing, and it is suggested that you schedule a consultation.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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