Ankle injuries are common, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture without proper evaluation. Both often occur after a fall, misstep, or sudden twist and can cause immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. A sprained ankle involves stretched or torn ligaments, while a broken ankle affects one or more bones. Symptoms may include bruising, stiffness, and instability along with swelling, tenderness, limited motion. The ankle may look puffy or misshapen and it can feel sharp, throbbing, or weak, especially during movement. Causes range from sports injuries to uneven surfaces or simple accidents. A podiatrist can help by performing a detailed examination and ordering imaging to accurately diagnose the injury and rule out fractures. Treatment may begin with immobilization, rest, and supportive devices, and can progress to targeted exercises, bracing, or surgical care depending on severity. If you have an ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Ross Limon, DPM from Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Standing for long periods of time places constant pressure on the muscles, joints, and ligaments of the feet, often leading to soreness, fatigue, and inflammation. Common causes of foot pain include muscle overuse, poor circulation, inadequate arch support, and hard work surfaces. Relief can begin with simple stretching exercises such as the towel stretch, which gently lengthens the calf and plantar fascia using a towel for support. Additionally, the toe extension, which improves flexibility by pulling the toes upward to stretch the bottom of the foot. Wearing compression socks may help reduce swelling and improve circulation, while taking frequent breaks allows tissues to recover. A podiatrist can identify biomechanical problems, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and create a personalized care plan. If you have foot pain from standing most of the day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief, treatment, and prevention solutions.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Ross Limon, DPM from Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes and along the soles. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments such as shoes, locker rooms, and swimming areas. Unlike simple dry skin, athlete’s foot often causes persistent itching, redness, burning, peeling, cracking, or blisters. The skin may appear scaly and irritated, and the infection can spread to toenails or other areas, if left untreated. A podiatrist can examine the feet, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend effective antifungal treatments, foot hygiene strategies, and preventive measures. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Ross Limon, DPM from Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Choosing the right walking and running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Walking and running shoes differ in design, cushioning, and flexibility, based on how the foot strikes the ground during each activity. Arch type plays an important role, as high, low, or neutral arches require different levels of support. Gait type also matters, since the way your foot rolls can influence stability and shock absorption. The type of exercise you perform determines the amount of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability needed. A podiatrist can evaluate your arch structure, gait pattern, and activity level to recommend appropriate footwear or custom orthotics. If you have foot pain or are unsure which shoes are best for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on the best shoes to wear for your desired activity.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Ross Limon, DPM from Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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