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A medial ankle injury affects the inner side of the ankle, where bones, tendons, and supporting tissues work together to provide stability. These injuries can develop from sudden trauma, repeated stress, or an awkward landing. Common symptoms include inner ankle pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Pain may increase when walking, running, or pushing off the foot. Early evaluation can help prevent a manageable injury from becoming more limiting.

One cause is an ankle twist that forces the foot outward or places excessive stress on the structures along the inside of the joint. Direct impacts, sports-related movements, and overuse can also contribute. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, sudden increases in physical activity, and footwear that provides inadequate support. People participating in running, court sports, or activities requiring quick direction changes may experience greater stress on the medial ankle.

A podiatrist begins treatment by reviewing how the injury occurred and examining swelling, range of motion, and ankle stability. Imaging, including X-rays or other studies, may be recommended when a fracture or significant tissue injury is suspected. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include activity modification, supportive footwear, or bracing, 

Healing should progress gradually rather than through continued activity that increases pain. A podiatrist may recommend exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and ankle control as recovery advances. Follow-up visits allow the provider to monitor progress and adjust treatment when needed. Returning to sports too quickly can increase reinjury risk, so activity should increase according to professional guidance and milestones. Ankle injuries can cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate 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 Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. 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 one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one or more toes to bend at the middle joint instead of lying flat. The affected toe can take on a claw-like shape, making walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. The second toe is affected most often, although other toes can develop the problem. Wearing tight, narrow shoes and high heels place repeated pressure on the toes. This pressure can change how muscles and tendons work, causing the toe to stay bent. Some people are born with hammertoe, while others develop it because of foot structure or long-term shoe pressure. Early evaluation helps prevent the deformity from becoming more difficult to treat.

Symptoms usually begin with a toe that feels stiff or rubs against the inside of a shoe. Pain can increase while walking because the bent joint presses against footwear that lacks proper support. Corns can develop on the top of the toe, and calluses can form on the ball of the foot. As the deformity becomes more fixed, straightening the toe becomes difficult. A podiatrist examines the foot, checks toe movement, and determines whether other foot problems are contributing to the deformity. X-rays also help evaluate joint alignment and guide treatment decisions. They also look for pressure areas, toe flexibility, and skin changes before recommending treatment.

Treatment focuses on relieving pain and improving toe position before the deformity becomes permanent. A podiatrist recommends shoes with a wide toe box and provides custom orthotics when abnormal foot mechanics add pressure. Padding or splinting supplied by the podiatrist helps protect irritated areas and improve toe alignment. The goal is to improve comfort and foot function and make shoes fit more comfortably. If you have pain from a hammertoe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe can happen after a heavy object lands on the foot, the toe strikes a hard surface, or the foot twists during sports. Repeated pressure can also cause a stress fracture. Pain usually starts near the injured bone and can worsen while standing or walking. Other signs include swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The toe can look bent when the broken ends have shifted. A cut, bleeding around the nail, or bone showing through the skin needs prompt medical attention. The big toe plays an important role in balance and push-off, so an injury there can strongly affect movement.

It can be hard to tell a toe fracture from a sprain based on appearance alone. A podiatrist will ask how the injury happened and examine the toe for pain, position, and skin damage. This foot doctor can also check blood flow and numbness. X-rays can show where the bone broke and whether the pieces remain lined up. More detailed imaging is sometimes useful when the break is hard to see or extends into a joint. An accurate diagnosis matters because a poorly aligned bone can lead to stiffness, pain, or trouble fitting into shoes.

Treatment depends on the toe involved, the break's location, and how far the bone has moved. A podiatrist can stabilize a simple fracture by securing the injured toe to the toe beside it. The doctor can also provide a stiff-soled shoe or walking boot to limit painful motion and offer protection. When bone fragments are out of line, the podiatrist can return them to the proper position. Serious open, crushed, or joint-related fractures may require surgery. Seek prompt care after treatment when pain is severe, the toe appears crooked, or numbness develops. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment tips.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.