Many runners experience stiffness in their ankles after running. This is a common side effect of the amount of force that passes through the ankle during a run. It can affect the range of motion and mobility of the ankle. In some cases, it may become difficult to bear weight and lead to limping. Studies have indicated that the faster you run, the more likely you are to develop ankle stiffness. Further, the way you run may affect the ankle as well. For example, a heel-first footstrike is more likely to contribute to ankle stiffness than a toe-first style of running. Other possible causes of ankle stiffness include a sprain, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. Lastly, check the wear and tear on your running shoes. It may be time to replace them, which is recommended by running experts between 350 and 500 miles. Shoes that lack ample support may contribute to ankle stiffness after running. For an examination and diagnosis to determine the cause of your ankle stiffness, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist before it gets worse. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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
• 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 our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can happen for a variety of reasons. While it can be caused by a systemic illness, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, it often develops from overuse. Common causes of heel pain include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the sole of the foot. This can happen when the plantar fascia is overloaded or overstretched and small tears may develop. A heel spur is an abnormal bony growth at the junction of the plantar fascia and heel bone. A spur can come from strain on the plantar fascia and muscles of the foot. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It is triggered by overuse, particularly excessive jumping in sports. With all these conditions, ill fitting or worn out shoes can aggravate the problem. If you have heel pain that does not respond to rest, shoes that fit well, and are appropriate for your activity, please see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and provide treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet is a condition that is common among babies and not so much among adults. Most babies are born with flat feet and the arch generally develops during the teenage years. Adults who retain this condition may have been born with an abnormal foot structure or possibly endured a foot injury. Some people have pain from having flat feet which can begin in the arch or heel and radiate to the leg. Additionally, shoes can wear unevenly, and the feet may become swollen and stiff. It is easy to notice as the foot lies completely flat on the floor while standing. When custom-made orthotics are worn, the feet may benefit from the cushioning these devices provide. Existing medical conditions may increase the risk of getting flat feet. These can consist of having diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to being overweight. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

If you are a runner, then it is imperative that you select running shoes that are providing your feet with the kind of support that they deserve and need. There are several different broad categories of different running shoes that you might consider buying depending on your precise needs. For example, one main type of running shoe is known as a neutral running shoe. This shoe is primarily meant to absorb shock and feature arches that have medium height. Additionally, another kind of running shoe is known as a stability running shoe. These shoes can be particularly helpful to individuals who are prone to having their feet roll inward and outward during runs. Lastly, there are cushioned running shoes that are particularly beneficial to individuals that strike their heels forcefully when running. Individuals with high heels also can benefit from wearing this kind of shoe. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about different types of running shoes.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The muscles of the leg are connected to the heel and feet by tendons. These tissues can be affected by overuse, in the same way as muscles can be. When the stress becomes too much for the tendons, they can swell, develop small tears, and become inflamed. The result of this is called tendonitis. Three tendons are at work every time you take a step. The Achilles tendon connects the leg muscles to the heel. When you put your foot down or lift your heel, it may cause pain if the tendon is inflamed. The anterior tibial tendon runs down the front of the foot and attaches to the metatarsals. It controls the front of the foot when you walk. If inflamed it can be felt when going downstairs or running down a hill. The posterior tibial tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and foot. When it is strained, pain will be felt when you push off the ground. The peroneal tendons run underneath the foot, from outside to inside. Pain would occur when you stand or walk on uneven surfaces. For help with foot pain caused by tendonitis, it is wise to have an examination by a podiatrist to detect the cause. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many individuals might be surprised to learn that their alcohol consumption can actually have a negative effect on the health of their feet. For example, excessively drinking alcohol can be dangerous for those who are suffering from gout in the feet. Gout is a kind of arthritis that can manifest symptoms in the feet. Gout is essentially triggered by uric acid, which is produced when the body is in the process of breaking down purines. Since alcohol, specifically beer, can contain many purines, someone can exacerbate their gout if they drink high quantities of beer. If you are someone living with gout and you frequently experience gout flares, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who will help you manage these symptoms.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Shoes are worn for foot protection and it is not necessary to have your children or babies wear them while indoors. However, they are urged to wear them when walking outside. The feet can become stronger because the toes can grip the floor when they are indoors, and this will aid in balancing. Outside terrain can be full of sharp objects and the feet can easily get hurt if they are not well protected. Your child’s first milestones can consist of walking and crawling, and these are often reached while indoors. These can be easier to accomplish when shoes are not worn, giving the feet more ability to move freely. If you would like additional information about the benefits of walking inside without shoes, please ask a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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