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Pinched and Painful Ankles

Ankle impingement describes a problem where tissue or bone inside the ankle joint gets caught during movement. This pinching can develop after repeated ankle sprains, ongoing swelling, or years of stress on the joint. Pain is often felt at the front or back of the ankle, and may worsen when walking uphill, squatting, climbing stairs, or pushing off the foot. Some people notice stiffness, swelling, or a feeling that the ankle catches or blocks movement. Over time, extra tissue or small bone changes can form, making motion more limited and uncomfortable. These symptoms can interfere with exercise, work, and daily walking, if not addressed. Identifying the cause early helps prevent further joint irritation and long-term damage. If ankle pain, stiffness, or swelling continues or affects mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. 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 tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • 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 offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain

When Dry Skin Breaks Down

Cracked heels occur when the skin around the heel becomes excessively dry and thick, then splits. The heels may look rough, or yellowed, with visible lines or deep fissures that can sometimes bleed. The skin often feels tight and itchy, especially when standing or walking for long periods. Causes include dry weather, prolonged standing, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or skin disorders. A podiatrist can help from the start by accurately diagnosing the severity of the cracks and identifying contributing factors. Early treatment may include safe debridement of thickened skin, prescription moisturizers, and infection prevention. Care can then progress into customized treatment plans, footwear recommendations, and long-term skin care education to prevent recurrence. Proper foot care can improve comfort and restore skin health. If you are dealing with painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels

Risk Factors for Developing Foot Stress Fractures

Foot stress fractures develop when repeated pressure on the bones of the feet builds faster than the body can recover. Risk increases with a sudden increase in activity, such as adding distance, speed, or training days too quickly. Moving from softer ground to harder surfaces raises impact through the toes, midfoot, and heel. Foot problems like bunions or blisters can change how weight is placed, forcing one bone to absorb extra stress. Shoes lacking adequate support, poor fit, stiffness, or heavy wear increase strain, especially during long-term walking or standing. Flip-flops can worsen this effect. Sports that involve running, jumping, or quick direction changes raise the risk of stress fractures, but extended walking on uneven ground can also lead to problems. Bone weakness and a prior stress fracture further increase risk. For help with foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Ankle Joint Facts

The ankle is a vital joint that connects the lower leg to the foot and plays a major role in movement and balance. It is located at the junction where the leg bones meet the top of the foot, forming a strong and stable structure. The anatomy of the ankle includes bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to allow motion while supporting body weight. This joint enables actions such as walking, running, jumping, and maintaining posture on uneven surfaces. When the ankle is injured or not functioning properly, pain, swelling, stiffness, and instability can limit daily activities. A podiatrist can help by evaluating ankle structure and movement, diagnosing injuries or alignment problems, and creating a personalized treatment plan. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Biomechanics in Podiatry

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