An ankle sprain happens when the strong bands of tissue that support the ankle, called ligaments, are stretched or torn. The injury often occurs when the foot suddenly rolls inward, placing excess force on the ligaments along the outside of the ankle. A sprain can happen while playing sports, landing from a jump, or stepping on an uneven surface. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness. Patients can also have limited ankle movement or a feeling that the joint is unstable. Pain can become more noticeable when standing or putting weight on the injured foot.

Ankle sprains range from mild to severe based on the amount of ligament damage. A Grade I sprain involves slight stretching and minor damage to ligament fibers. A Grade II sprain involves a partial tear, while a Grade III sprain involves a complete tear. More serious injuries can cause greater swelling and loss of function. Some patients have difficulty walking because the ankle cannot comfortably support their weight. A previous ankle injury can also increase the risk of another sprain. Proper evaluation is important because fractures, tendon injuries, and other problems can produce symptoms that resemble an ankle sprain.

A podiatrist can examine the injured ankle and determine which tissues have been affected. The evaluation can include checking ankle movement, stability, and the patient's ability to place weight on the foot. Imaging can be recommended when a fracture or another injury is suspected. Treatment can focus on protecting the injured ligaments and restoring normal ankle function. A podiatrist can also guide patients through appropriate movement and strengthening as healing progresses. Proper care can improve stability and help reduce the risk of repeated sprains. If you have symptoms of an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors 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 offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Trail running can be peaceful, exciting, and demanding on your feet. The right trail-running shoes can improve comfort and control when pavement gives way to dirt. Road-running shoes can work on a smooth park path, but they are not built for loose gravel, roots, or sharp rocks. Trail shoes have deeper tread for grip, stronger materials for protection, and a firmer base for stability. Some also have a rock plate, which is a thin layer inside the sole that shields the foot from pointed objects. It is important to choose a shoe that matches the ground you expect to cover.

Fit matters as much as trail type. Your toes need room to spread, yet your heel should stay secure on climbs and descents. A shoe that is too short can press the toes against the front, especially when running downhill. A loose shoe can let the foot slide and create painful rubbing. Cushioning should feel comfortable without making the shoe unstable. Heel-to-toe drop means the height difference between the heel and forefoot. A podiatrist can explain which drop, support level, and shoe shape best fit your feet and running style.

Light-trail shoes suit packed dirt and well-kept paths. Rugged-trail shoes provide more grip and protection on rocky or muddy routes. Off-trail models are built for rough ground where stability matters most. No shoe prevents every injury, so notice pain, numbness, or repeated blisters. A podiatrist can examine your feet, study how you run, and identify problems that affect shoe choice. The foot doctor can also recommend inserts made for your needs and guide a safe return to running after an injury. Bring your current running shoes because their wear pattern can offer useful clues. If you have foot pain after trail running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment tips and guidance on what shoes to purchase.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Heel pain can range from a mild ache to discomfort that makes walking difficult. The heel is the largest bone in the foot and handles significant pressure with each step. Pain can develop after injury or repeated stress. Plantar fasciitis occurs when excessive pressure damages the thick band of tissue that supports the bottom of the foot, leading to pain and stiffness. Achilles tendonitis can also cause heel pain when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated from overuse.

Other causes of heel pain include sprains, fractures, and bursitis. Bursitis affects small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion areas where tissues meet bone. Certain forms of arthritis can also produce heel discomfort. Symptoms deserve prompt attention when pain begins suddenly or becomes severe. Redness and swelling are other warning signs. Heel pain can change the way a person walks, which can affect balance and increase the risk of falling. Finding the cause is important because different heel problems require different approaches to treatment.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain by examining the foot and asking when the symptoms started. The examination can help determine whether the problem involves the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, or another structure. Imaging, like an X-ray, can provide more information when a bone injury or another problem is suspected. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. A podiatrist can recommend supportive devices that reduce pressure on painful areas and improve foot support. Proper treatment can help protect mobility and reduce the chance of further injury. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can affect the heel, arch, or other areas of the foot and can make everyday movement difficult. Because the feet support the body with every step, persistent pain can interfere with work, exercise, and other daily activities. The discomfort may feel sharp, aching, or tender, depending on its cause. Some patients also notice swelling, stiffness, or numbness. Pain can develop after an injury, but it can also result from repeated stress or changes in foot structure. Shoes that lack proper support or do not fit correctly can add pressure to sensitive areas. 

Many types of problems can cause foot pain. Plantar fasciitis can produce heel pain, while bunions can lead to soreness around the big toe joint. Arthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness. Other possible causes include stress fractures, nerve irritation, and ingrown toenails. Medical conditions that affect circulation or nerves can also contribute to discomfort in the feet. The location of the pain and the symptoms that appear with it provide important clues about the cause. Pain that continues, becomes more severe, or changes the way a person walks should be evaluated rather than ignored.

A podiatrist can determine what is causing foot pain and recommend treatment based on the diagnosis. An exam can include checking the painful area, testing joint movement, and watching how the patient walks. X-rays or other imaging tests can help identify bone or joint problems. Treatment can include custom orthotics to improve support and reduce pressure. A podiatrist can also recommend changes in shoes or provide treatments that address the specific source of pain. Surgery can correct a structural problem or repair damaged tissue when other treatment options have not provided enough relief. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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