An ankle sprain and a fracture can feel very similar, making it easy to mistake one for the other. Both ankle injuries cause pain, swelling, and bruising, but a fracture involves a break in one or more bones. Fractures of the talus, fibula, or calcaneus bones can occur from a twisting injury, fall, or sudden impact. The resulting pain is often severe causing difficulty while bearing weight. Unlike a sprain, a fracture can produce sharp tenderness over a specific bone, and movement of the ankle may cause intense pain. If left untreated, a fracture that is mistaken for a sprain can result in joint stiffness, deformity, or long-term instability that affects the ability to walk. A podiatrist can evaluate the injured ankle through X-rays or other imaging tests and recommend the treatment that fits the injury. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. 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 Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Spending long hours on your feet at work places stress on the arches, heels, and toes, which can lead to aching, swelling, or stiffness. The constant pressure can strain the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, and weaken the muscles that provide arch support. Standing for long periods of time also slows circulation, which contributes to swelling and discomfort in the ankles and feet. Shoes that lack adequate support, such as flip-flops or high-heels, increase pressure on the forefoot and may contribute to bunions, corns, and heel pain. In some cases, prolonged strain leads to inflammation of tendons or ligaments, making walking or standing even more difficult. A podiatrist can assess the source of the problem, prescribe custom orthotics, recommend changes in footwear, or provide medical treatment to relieve pain. If standing at work for long periods of time is causing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. 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 Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that develops on the skin of the feet, most often between the toes or on the soles. It may cause itching, redness, peeling, cracking, or small blisters, and, in some cases, the affected skin may become sore. Athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails or other areas of the foot, if not properly addressed. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, making sweaty shoes, damp socks, or walking barefoot in communal showers and locker rooms common risk factors. Sharing shoes or socks can also contribute to its spread. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system are more susceptible to complications, as broken skin can allow bacteria to enter, leading to further infection. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot, determine the extent of the infection, and provide appropriate treatment to help restore skin health and prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of an Athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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