Posts for: February, 2021
Ankle pain can affect your mobility by making it uncomfortable and difficult to stand or walk. A common cause of ankle pain is a sprain, but several other factors can lead to ankle pain as well. You should not ignore ankle pain. The ankle might not heal properly without treatment, which could lead to chronic pain and instability. Dr. Dallin Greene and Dr. Nathan Judd, the skilled foot doctors at Big Sky Foot and Ankle Institute in Bozeman, Anaconda, and Butte, MT, can diagnose the cause of your ankle pain and develop a treatment plan to alleviate pain and help your ankle heal.
Causes of Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can be due to a number of causes, such as an old injury that never healed properly. It is important to see one of the knowledgeable foot doctors at our office in Bozeman for an accurate diagnosis of the cause so you can receive the right treatment to help your ankle heal. Some common causes of ankle pain include:
- Sprains or fractures
- Arthritis or osteoarthritis
- Achilles tendon injury
- Peroneal tendon injury
- Talar dome lesion
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Ankle instability
- Gout
Treatment Options
Ankle pain can be associated with many different symptoms, including tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and instability. Without treatment, these symptoms can become worse and lead to additional foot problems. Some ankle injuries, such as a sprain, can be treated by resting, icing, and elevating the foot. Immobilization with a cast or brace, can also be helpful. Anti-inflammatory medications can alleviate pain and swelling.
Another treatment option is physical therapy, which can strengthen the ankle joint, improve mobility, and reduce instability. Severe ankle injuries or chronic pain are sometimes best treated through surgery. Our experienced podiatrists can recommend a specific treatment plan for you based on the cause and severity of your ankle injury, as well as other factors.
Don’t ignore your ankle pain. Without treatment, the pain could worsen and your ankle might not heal properly. Dr. Greene or Dr. Judd can help. To schedule an appointment with one of our foot doctors, call Big Sky Foot and Ankle Institute in Bozeman, MT, at (406) 782-2278. We have office locations in Butte and Anaconda, as well. Call (406) 782-2278.
It’s an embarrassing problem. Smelly feet can make you feel self-conscious. You can’t get comfortable or take your shoes off without worrying that everyone will notice your stinky feet. Have you ever wondered what might be going on to cause this problem in the first place? While some people are more prone to smelly feet than others, your podiatrist can provide you with some tips to get rid of offensive-smelling foot odors.- Wash feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. Make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly after.
- Make sure to dry feet as soon as possible after dealing with sweaty or perspiring feet.
- Choose socks made from materials that wick away sweat and improve ventilation.
- Apply deodorizing sprays or powders in shoes every day after wear, and make sure to wait 24 hours before wearing the same shoes again.
Dry, flaky feet are incredibly common, particularly during the cold, winter months; however, if you find yourself dealing with dry or cracked feet throughout the year, especially around the heels, you may be wondering what you can do about it. Instead of just waiting until your feet become dry and flaky, your podiatrist can provide you with some easy skin care tips to keep your feet supple and free from dry skin all year long.Certain shoes can leave you prone to cracked heels and dry skin due to friction from wearing loose-fitted shoes. People who wear sandals and other open-heeled shoes are more at risk for developing cracked heels. Instead, opt for closed-heeled shoes that fit properly and provide support.
If you are overweight, you may be surprised to discover that this could be contributing to your dry, cracked heels. This is because your feet take on all of your weight while standing, walking, and running. By safely dropping that excess weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise you can alleviate some of the pressure placed on your heels to reduce the risk of cracking.
While we know just how luxurious it feels to stand in a steaming hot shower, especially during the winter months, this could be contributing to dry skin on your feet and cracked heels. If this is something you deal with regularly you may look at your current bathing or showering ritual to see if that could be the culprit. Simply use warm and not hot water, which can strip the skin of the oils it needs to stay moist.
You should moisturize your feet every day to prevent dry skin from happening in the first place. Moisturizers that contain lactic acid, glycerin, or petroleum jelly can help to lock in moisture in your feet. Moisturize every time you get out of the shower and throughout the day, especially before going to bed. If you are prone to very dry, cracked feet, you may wish to moisturize and then wear socks to bed.