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An ankle sprain happens when the strong bands of tissue that support the ankle, called ligaments, are stretched or torn. The injury often occurs when the foot suddenly rolls inward, placing excess force on the ligaments along the outside of the ankle. A sprain can happen while playing sports, landing from a jump, or stepping on an uneven surface. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness. Patients can also have limited ankle movement or a feeling that the joint is unstable. Pain can become more noticeable when standing or putting weight on the injured foot.

Ankle sprains range from mild to severe based on the amount of ligament damage. A Grade I sprain involves slight stretching and minor damage to ligament fibers. A Grade II sprain involves a partial tear, while a Grade III sprain involves a complete tear. More serious injuries can cause greater swelling and loss of function. Some patients have difficulty walking because the ankle cannot comfortably support their weight. A previous ankle injury can also increase the risk of another sprain. Proper evaluation is important because fractures, tendon injuries, and other problems can produce symptoms that resemble an ankle sprain.

A podiatrist can examine the injured ankle and determine which tissues have been affected. The evaluation can include checking ankle movement, stability, and the patient's ability to place weight on the foot. Imaging can be recommended when a fracture or another injury is suspected. Treatment can focus on protecting the injured ligaments and restoring normal ankle function. A podiatrist can also guide patients through appropriate movement and strengthening as healing progresses. Proper care can improve stability and help reduce the risk of repeated sprains. If you have symptoms of an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact One of our podiatrists from Taub Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and Hobe Sound, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bump on the big toe can be uncomfortable and may make walking or wearing shoes difficult. Several conditions can cause a bump, including a bone spur, bunion, or gout. Each condition has varied causes, symptoms, and treatment needs. Recognizing causes can help you know when to seek podiatric care and prevent discomfort from becoming worse.

A bone spur is an extra growth of bone that may form around a joint because of arthritis, repeated stress, or a previous injury. It can create a bump, stiffness, or discomfort when shoes press against the area. A bunion develops when the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, causing the joint at its base to become more prominent. Bunions may cause swelling, redness, and shoe pressure. Gout is inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals collecting inside a joint. It often causes pain, swelling, and redness around the big toe.

Risk factors depend on the condition. Bunions may be linked to family history, foot structure, and restrictive footwear. Bone spurs may develop with arthritis, repeated stress, or previous joint injuries. Additionally, gout risk can increase with elevated uric acid levels, family history, and dietary factors. A podiatrist can examine your foot, review the symptoms, and order imaging to identify the cause.

Treatment depends on the underlying problem and its effect on comfort and mobility. Options include wearing roomy shoes, protective padding, or custom orthotics. Gout treatment may focus on reducing inflammation and preventing attacks. Persistent bunions or painful bone spurs may sometimes require surgery when conservative care does not provide relief. If you notice a bump on your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact One of our podiatrists of Taub Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and Hobe Sound, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches on the inside of the feet are low or appear flattened while standing. This causes more of the sole to make contact with the ground. Flat feet are common, and many people have no pain or difficulty with movement. In children, the arch may not become noticeable until around 10 years of age. Some people continue to have flat feet as adults without experiencing problems. However, others may develop discomfort that affects walking or physical activity. Flat feet can be flexible, meaning an arch appears when the foot is not bearing weight, or rigid, meaning the arch remains flat.

Several factors can contribute to flat feet. Some people inherit a foot shape that makes flattened arches more likely. Other cases may develop because of problems affecting the muscles, ligaments, or bones that support the feet. Flat feet may also become more noticeable with age as the structures supporting the arch change. When symptoms occur, people may experience pain around the arch or heel. The feet may also become tired more easily after standing or walking. In some cases, flat feet can affect how the ankles and legs are positioned during movement. A professional evaluation can help determine whether flattened arches are contributing to discomfort or changes in walking.

A podiatrist examines the feet while a patient stands and walks to assess arch structure and overall foot function. The evaluation may also include checking joint movement and identifying areas of pain. If flat feet are causing symptoms, podiatry treatment can be based on the individual’s foot structure and level of discomfort. A podiatrist may recommend professionally selected footwear or orthotic devices when appropriate. Further testing may be needed if another problem is suspected. If flat feet are causing persistent pain or making walking and physical activity difficult, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Taub Podiatry. 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 offices located in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and Hobe Sound, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tingling in the feet can cause feelings of pins and needles, numbness, or prickling. Persistent tingling warrants attention. Foot tingling can be linked to neuropathy, a condition involving damaged or irritated nerves. When nerve signals become disrupted, you may experience reduced sensation, weakness, or difficulty knowing where your feet are positioned. These changes can affect walking and increase the chance of feeling weak or unsteady on your feet. Recognizing symptoms can help protect mobility and support mobility.

Several causes can contribute to tingling feet and neuropathy. Diabetes is a risk factor because prolonged high blood sugar can damage nerves. Nerve compression, certain medications, and nutritional deficiencies may also contribute. Risk can increase with age or poor circulation. Neuropathy may cause burning pain, numbness, or reduced awareness of temperature. Loss of balance can occur when the feet provide fewer signals about the ground, which can make walking more challenging.

A podiatrist begins by reviewing your symptoms, medical history and concerns. The feet may be examined for changes in sensation, skin condition and circulation. The podiatrist may recommend testing or referral to identify the cause. Treatment focuses on the source and may include improving foot protection, managing pressure areas, and coordinating care for an underlying condition. Regular foot checks can help identify sores or injuries that might go unnoticed when sensation is reduced.

Taking symptoms seriously can help prevent complications. A podiatrist can develop a treatment plan and monitor changes. Treatment may improve comfort and protect the skin. Wearing  properly fitted shoes and having regular foot checks can support foot health. If tingling, numbness, or balance problems continue, do not ignore them. If your feet are affected by symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with One of our podiatrists  from Taub Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and Hobe Sound, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.