An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue that connect bones, are stretched or torn after the foot rolls or twists. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Recovery time depends on severity, ranging from a few weeks for mild ligament stretching to several months for more serious tears. Exercise plays a key role in proper long-term healing. Early movement exercises help restore range of motion, which means how far and smoothly the joint can move. As healing progresses, strengthening exercises work to rebuild muscle support around the ankle, allowing it to move up and down. Balance training is also important to improve stability and prevent the ankle from repeatedly giving out, known as chronic ankle instability. A podiatrist can evaluate the sprain, order imaging to rule out fractures, provide bracing, and design a structured rehabilitation plan. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, 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 East Ocean 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 office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Persistent pain in the ball of the foot, termedcc metatarsalgia, can affect walking, standing, and other daily activities. One major cause of metatarsalgia is increased pressure on the forefoot, often linked to high-impact activities, prolonged standing, or footwear without proper cushioning. Structural issues like high arches, flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes can also shift weight forward and strain the metatarsal bones. Inflammation of surrounding soft tissues, nerve irritation like Morton’s neuroma, and stress fractures may also contribute to discomfort in this area. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, gait, and activity level to identify the underlying cause of pain. Treatment includes footwear guidance, custom orthotics, padding, activity modification, and other medical interventions based on the diagnosis. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, 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 East Ocean Podiatry . 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 Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis surgery is considered when persistent heel pain fails to improve with appropriate nonsurgical care. One option, an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, releases a portion of the tight fascia through small incisions. Benefits include less tissue trauma than open procedures, quicker return to activity, and proven success in reducing chronic heel pain. However, this surgery has risks. Some patients develop lingering discomfort, nerve irritation, arch weakness, or altered foot mechanics if excessive tissue is released. Recovery restrictions still apply, and relief is not guaranteed. A podiatrist confirms the diagnosis, reviews imaging, and rules out other causes of heel pain before recommending surgery. Proper surgical planning and follow up monitoring help limit complications and support healing. The podiatrist also explains expected outcomes and recovery timelines before scheduling procedures. If you have pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is a viable choice for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Chronic health conditions often show warning signs in the feet. Diabetes can reduce circulation and sensation, increasing the risk of wounds and infection. Arthritis may cause joint stiffness, deformity, and daily pain that alters walking patterns. Autoimmune disorders can lead to inflammation that affects tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue. Heart and kidney disease may contribute to swelling that stresses skin and joints. Additionally, poor nerve function can change balance and increase fall risk. Diagnosis involves reviewing medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle factors. A podiatrist may examine skin integrity, joint movement, circulation, and nerve response. Imaging or lab testing may be used to clarify underlying causes. When chronic illness begins affecting comfort, mobility, or skin health in the feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.