Items filtered by date: June 2024

Ankle sprains are common injuries classified into three types based on their degree and severity. A first-degree sprain is the mildest form, involving slight stretching or microscopic tearing of the ligament fibers. Symptoms include mild pain, swelling, and stiffness, with little to no instability in the ankle joint. A second-degree sprain is more severe, characterized by partial tearing of the ligament. This type results in moderate pain, swelling, and bruising, with some difficulty bearing weight and noticeable instability in the ankle. The most severe is a third-degree sprain, where the ligament is completely torn. This causes significant pain, swelling, and bruising, in addition to a substantial loss of function and stability in the ankle. Recovery times vary depending on the severity, with mild sprains healing within a few weeks and severe sprains potentially taking several months. If you have suffered a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what type of sprain you have endured, and offer correct treatment for it. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Chronic foot pain is more than just a nuisance, It can significantly impact your daily life and mobility. Trauma, whether from a sudden injury or repetitive strain, can lead to a variety of foot issues including sprains, strains, and stress fractures. Overuse injuries, common among athletes and those with physically demanding jobs, can result in conditions like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Biomechanical factors, such as improper footwear or structural misalignment, can also contribute to chronic foot pain by causing conditions like bunions, corns, and neuromas. Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout, and peripheral neuropathy, can result in foot pain and increase the risk of complications. Additionally, infections like athlete's foot or ingrown toenails can cause persistent discomfort if not properly treated. If chronic foot pain is limiting your mobility and interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. 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 offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic wound care is a critical aspect of managing diabetes-related complications, particularly concerning foot health. Diabetes can affect wound healing due to vascular and neuropathic issues that result from high blood sugar levels. Reduced circulation and oxygenation in tissues, coupled with neuropathy-induced numbness, make foot wounds more susceptible to infections. Individuals experiencing poor wound healing due to diabetes-related nerve and blood vessel damage may encounter additional complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, and eye problems. Additionally, if an untreated wound becomes infected, the infection may extend locally to affect muscle and bone, a condition known as osteomyelitis. Untreated infections also can progress to gangrene, a significant cause of amputations in individuals with diabetes. In severe cases, uncontrolled infections can lead to sepsis, wherein the infection spreads into the bloodstream, posing a life-threatening situation. A podiatrist is trained to manage diabetic wounds in the feet. If you are living with diabetes or have concerns about wound care, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and treatment options.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heart failure presents a complex web of symptoms, one of the most visible being swollen feet. This swelling, known as edema, stems from the heart's inability to effectively circulate blood throughout the body. As the heart weakens, blood flow slows, causing fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities due to gravity's pull. This edema is not just uncomfortable, it serves as a crucial indicator of worsening heart failure. Recognizing this connection is vital for timely intervention and management. Here, the role of a podiatrist, a specialized foot care professional, becomes paramount. Podiatrists can assess the severity of swelling, provide guidance on managing edema, and offer treatments to alleviate discomfort. They work in tandem with cardiologists and other healthcare providers to address the broader implications of swollen feet in heart patients. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment options. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.