The human foot and ankle contain 33 joints, 26 bones and over 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles. While all of these parts of the foot should work together, there are certain conditions, injuries and diseases that can affect the health and functioning of your foot or ankle. There are many instances in which you should turn to a podiatrist for individualized care that you can trust time and time again.

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Heel pain
• Ankle sprains and fractures
• Foot fractures
• Sports-related injuries
• Bunions and hammertoes
• Corns and calluses
• Diabetic foot care
• Fungal infections
• Ingrown toenails
• Heel spurs

An unexpected fall or twist can result in an injury of the foot or ankle, such as a sprain or strain. Immediate first aid can help prevent complications, reduce pain and improve recovery.

Rest, ice, compression and elevation--commonly referred to as R.I.C.E.--is the first and best treatment for minor injuries. The following tips can aid in the early treatment of common foot and ankle injuries to help reduce swelling and control the inflammatory process during the initial phase of injury.

Rest: Whether you have a strain or a sprain, rest from any physical activity is essential to protecting your injured ligaments, tendons or muscles from further damage while your body starts the repair process.  Avoid putting weight on the injured foot or ankle as much as possible. In some cases, complete immobilization may be required.

Ice: Gently ice your foot or ankle with ice wrapped in a towel in a 20-minute-on, 40-minute-off cycle for the first few days post-injury. Ice is excellent at reducing inflammation and pain. 

Compression: Applying some type of compressive wrap or bandage to an injured area can greatly reduce the amount of initial swelling.

Elevation: Prop your foot up while lying down or sitting so that it is higher than or equal to the level of the heart.

After a few days of R.I.C.E., many acute injuries will begin to heal. If pain or swelling does not subside after a few days, or if you are unsure of the severity of your injury, make an appointment with your podiatrist. A skilled podiatrist can properly diagnose your injury and recommend the best course of treatment.

You may be surprised to learn that most feet can benefit from custom shoe inserts from our offices in Norfolk and Suffolk, VA!

Did you know that only about 1 in 4 people have proper running patterns? This means that the majority of people out there pronate, which can lead to added stress and pressure on the feet. Of course, if you’ve ever tried to use those store bought orthotics (also known as shoe inserts), you may have noticed that they do not provide you with the comfort and support you need.

In fact, that can often lead your feet to feel pretty cramped. This is because store-bought orthotics aren’t custom-made to provide your unique foot shape with what it needs. This is where our podiatrist Dr. Jesse Anderson comes in!

More about orthotics

A helpful way of understanding over-the-counter orthotics is to think of them the same as reading glasses that you get over-the-counter rather than as a prescription. It may correct the issue a bit, but it isn’t nearly as effective as it could be if you had a proper prescription.

The prescription orthotics from our offices in Norfolk and Suffolk, VA, are designed to realign the foot and ankle and improve biomechanics in order to redistribute the weight evenly throughout the foot. It can alleviate strain while also added cushioning, stabilization, shock absorption, and support.

Who can benefit from orthotics?

Since many people have some kind of imbalance within their feet, most people can benefit from what orthotics have to offer. Custom orthotics are able to,

• Improve your balance
• Alleviate pain in the feet, ankles, legs, or back
• Provide support to the feet, particularly the arches and heels
• Prevent corns, ulcers, and calluses
• Reduce fatigue and achiness due to standing or walking for long periods of time
• Correct alignment issues

You could benefit from orthotics if you are dealing with any of these conditions,

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot)
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ankle instability
• Leg or knee pain
• Arthritis in the feet

Athletes can also benefit from orthotics, as it can improve the alignment of the feet during activity and even provide the feet and ankles with support and cushioning.

What are the different types of orthotics?

The three main types of orthotics are soft, semi-rigid, and rigid. Based on the issues you are dealing with, Dr. Anderson will be able to determine the best option for you. For example, soft orthotics take pressure off certain areas and can be great for diabetic feet while rigid orthotics can be ideal for those wearing dress shoes or those who are overweight.

Do you want to find out how orthotics could improve your foot health in Norfolk or Suffolk, VA? If so, then call AAL Podiatry Associates today to schedule a consultation: 757-625-2962 for Norfolk, and 757-539-2098 for Suffolk.

Athlete's foot is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin and is frequently seen in our office. Whether you've had it or not, it's important to understand how you can avoid and treat this highly contagious infection if you do contract it.

The fungus that causes athlete's foot thrives in damp, moist environments and often grows in warm, humid climates, such as locker rooms, showers and public pools; hence the name "athlete's foot. " This infection can itch and burn causing the skin on your feet and between your toes to crack and peel.

Tips For avoiding Athlete's Foot:

• Keep your feet dry, allowing them to air out as much as possible
• Wear socks that draw moisture away from your feet and change them frequently if you perspire heavily
• Wear light, well-ventilated shoes
• Alternate pairs of shoes, allowing time for your shoes to dry each day
• Always wear waterproof shoes in public areas, such as pools, locker rooms, or communal showers
• Never borrow shoes due to the risk of spreading a fungal infection

Treatment

A mild case of athlete's foot will generally clear up on its own with over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays. But since re-infection is common due to its contagious nature, many people require prescribed anti-fungal medication to effectively treat the infection. Generally, it's always best to consult with your podiatrist before choosing a treatment.

Mild cases of athlete's foot can turn severe and even cause a serious bacterial infection. If you notice your rash has become increasingly red, swollen and painful or you develop blisters and sores, call our office right away. Athlete's foot left untreated could eventually spread to other body parts and infect other people around you.

With the right treatment, you'll be cured of your athlete's foot in no time, which means the sooner you can enjoy the activities you love without pain and irritation!

What is a Crush Injury?

Have a foot crush injury? A crush injury occurs when pressure or force is put on a body part. A foot crush injury may cause pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising. A foot crush injury may take from a few days to a few weeks to heal. If you have a foot crush injury, you should see a podiatrist. Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Read on to learn more about foot crush injuries.

Overview- A crush injury is an injury that occurs when a body part sustains intense pressure. Minor crush injuries can be caused by dropping a heavy object on a foot. However, major crush injuries, such as those sustained in vehicle accidents, can cause serious problems. Such an injury can cause a number of issues, including pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, laceration, fracture, and nerve injury. A crush injury can also cause compartment syndrome, which is a dangerous condition caused by pressure buildup from swelling of tissues or internal bleeding.

Causes- The primary causes of foot crush injuries include heavy falling objects, vehicles rolling over the foot, and injuries from industrial manufacturing equipment. Crush injuries are common on farms. The most serious cases occur in agriculture where heavy machinery is used and people become trapped in them or under them. This form of injury is common after some form of trauma from a deliberate attack or following a natural disaster.

Diagnosis- A proper diagnosis is key to treating a foot crush injury. Your podiatrist can accurately assess your situation and help you make the right treatment decisions for the best possible outcome. Your doctor will start with a physical exam, with attention given to the areas of complaint. Your podiatrist may take X-rays and other forms of imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT).

Treatment- Firstly, any wounds that are present will need to be cleaned and bandaged to prevent infection. Treatments for a foot crush injury may also include medication, casting, kinesiology taping, ice and heat, physical therapy, or surgery. Often more than one of these treatments are used. Crush injuries of the foot are very serious. Potentially devastating complications can occur if these injuries are underestimated or mismanaged.

A foot crush injury can affect your day-to-day activities and make your life miserable. Whether your goal is getting back to the work, the gym, hobbies, or just enjoying life, a podiatrist can help. If you want to feel better and live well, find a podiatrist near you and schedule an appointment.