Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports, often caused by quick movements, uneven surfaces or improper landings. Athletes can reduce their risk by building ankle strength and improving balance through simple exercises. A proper warm-up before training and a cool-down after help prepare the muscles and reduce stiffness. Supportive footwear that fits well and suits the activity provides important protection. Bracing or taping may also help if the ankle is weak or has been injured before. Training on stable ground and avoiding sudden changes in intensity lowers the chance of twisting or rolling the ankle. Resting at the first sign of discomfort can stop a small issue from becoming a serious injury. If your ankle swells, bruises, or feels unstable, it is suggested you see 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 Family Foot Care. 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
• Plantar Fasciosis
• 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, usually occurs when tiny cracks in the nail or surrounding skin allow fungi to enter and grow. The most common types of toenail fungus include infections that start at the tip of the nail and move inward, infections that cause white patches across the surface, and infections that begin at the base of the nail and spread toward the tip. Symptoms include nails becoming thick, brittle, discolored, crumbly, or giving off an unpleasant odor. Risk factors for toenail fungus include older age, diabetes, poor circulation, and walking barefoot in public places like pool areas and gym locker rooms. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection by examining the infected toenail and testing a small sample, if needed. Treatment options generally start with antifungal medication, but in severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the infected nail. If you believe you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Chronic plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, remains inflamed for longer than six months. It typically causes persistent heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Diagnosis involves a physical examination where a podiatrist checks for tenderness along the heel and arch, as well as assessing range of motion and foot structure. Imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions. Risk factors include having flat feet or high arches, obesity, occupations that require prolonged standing, and repetitive impact activities like running. Plantar fasciitis can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition involving the thickening of tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. This irritation causes nerve compression, often resulting in a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, as well as numbness or tingling in the toes. The condition can be triggered by repetitive stress, improper footwear, or foot deformities like flat feet or high arches. Wearing tight shoes or high heels can place added pressure on the forefoot, increasing the risk of developing this condition. Athletes who engage in high-impact sports may also be more vulnerable. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes often affects the feet, toes, and ankles, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation. This can make it difficult to detect minor injuries, which may become serious without proper care. For example, a small blister from wearing poorly fitting shoes or a cut from stepping on something sharp can go unnoticed and develop into a diabetic foot ulcer. Ulcers are slow-healing wounds that can become infected, especially when high blood sugar levels restrict blood flow to the feet. Reduced circulation limits the delivery of infection-fighting cells, increasing the risk of complications like gangrene. In cases where gangrene develops, surgery may be required to remove damaged tissue, and, in severe situations, loss of a toe or foot might result. A podiatrist can provide regular foot exams, remove damaged tissue, treat ulcers, and help manage infections before they progress. If you have foot issues caused by diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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