Foot and ankle injuries are prevalent in the high-impact world of the NFL, affecting players of all positions. One common cause is the rigorous physical demands of the sport, including sudden changes in direction, high-speed collisions, and repetitive stress on the lower extremities. Sprains, strains, fractures, and tendonitis are among the most frequently encountered injuries. Symptoms vary depending on the severity and type of injury but often include pain, swelling, bruising, instability, and limited range of motion. Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, turf toe, and Lisfranc injuries are particularly notorious in the NFL due to the stress placed on the foot and ankle during gameplay. Additionally, inadequate rehabilitation and premature return to play can exacerbate these injuries, prolonging recovery times and increasing the risk of re-injury. If you enjoy playing football and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you a tailored treatment plan and effective preventative techniques.

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 Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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
• 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 contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, manifests in various ways, often affecting the feet profoundly. Symptoms of PAD in the feet can include pain, cramping, or numbness, particularly during physical activity like walking or climbing stairs, which subsides with rest. In severe cases, individuals may experience non-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet or toes, indicating compromised blood flow. Several risk factors contribute to the development of PAD, including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and advancing age. Additionally, individuals with a sedentary lifestyle or those with a family history of cardiovascular disease are at increased risk. PAD occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, restricting blood flow to the limbs. Early detection and management of PAD are vital to prevent complications and improve outcomes. If you have symptoms of PAD in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you find relief in addition to managing this condition.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels, though seemingly mild, can herald underlying issues deserving attention. These fissures, typically occurring due to dryness and thickened skin, often stem from factors like inadequate moisturization, prolonged standing, or wearing ill-fitting footwear. While seemingly cosmetic, they can evolve into painful lesions if left unaddressed. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or thyroid disorders predispose individuals to cracked heels, underscoring the importance of holistic health management. Lifestyle choices like taking excessive hot showers or using harsh soaps cause dryness, exacerbating the condition. Understanding the intricate mechanisms at play is important in devising effective interventions. Moisturizing agents containing urea or lactic acid help replenish lost moisture, fostering skin repair. Additionally, regular exfoliation and proper foot hygiene may stop the risk of recurrence. In essence, cracked heels serve as more than just a superficial nuisance and can offer insights into broader health dynamics. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide you with effective treatment techniques, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain, a prevalent complaint among individuals of all ages and activity levels, manifests through various symptoms that can impede mobility and diminish quality of life. Among the most common indicators of ankle discomfort are localized tenderness, swelling, and stiffness around the affected joint. Individuals may experience difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle, leading to instability and a sensation of weakness. Pain during movement, particularly when walking, running, or climbing stairs, is another prevalent symptom that often prompts individuals to seek medical attention. In some cases, ankle pain may radiate to adjacent areas such as the foot or lower leg, increasing discomfort and limiting functionality. Additionally, bruising and redness may accompany ankle pain, indicating potential injury or inflammation. Recognizing these symptoms early and addressing them promptly through appropriate interventions, such as rest, compression, and elevation can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer you treatment and relief options.

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 Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.