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Causes and Grades of Ankle Sprains

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Ankle sprains are common injuries caused by sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, often during sports or uneven walking. Inversion sprains affect the outer ligaments of the ankle, while eversion sprains impact the inner ones. Sprains are categorized into three grades. A mild sprain, or Grade 1, causes slight swelling and discomfort. A moderate sprain, or Grade 2, results in partial tearing with pain, bruising, and difficulty walking. A severe sprain, or Grade 3, involves complete tearing of ligaments, significant swelling, and ankle instability. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity, provide targeted treatment, and recommend therapies to restore strength and mobility. If you have sustained an ankle sprain, it is recommended that you schedule an emergency visit with a podiatrist today for a comprehensive evaluation and expert care.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Foot pain is a common issue that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn, usually from twisting injuries. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, leading to sudden, intense joint pain, often in the big toe. Blisters form from friction, creating fluid-filled sacs, while corns are hardened skin caused by pressure or rubbing. Blisters appear as raised bumps, and corns look like thick, rough patches of skin. Symptoms vary, but may include swelling, redness, sharp or throbbing pain, tenderness, and difficulty walking. Sprains may cause bruising and gout results in hot, swollen joints. Podiatrists can offer treatments such as targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, drainage of blisters, or corn removal. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and effective treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel Pain Caused by Running

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Heel pain from running often results from repeated stress on the foot. One frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, which involves strain on the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects to the heel. Other causes of heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, heel stress fractures, or joint and nerve irritation. People with flat feet or high arches may be more prone to heel pain, especially if they wear shoes without proper support. Running on hard surfaces, increasing mileage too quickly, or having poor foot alignment can also add pressure to the heel. A podiatrist can examine the foot and determine the exact source of pain. Based on the diagnosis, this type of doctor may recommend a gait analysis, custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or surgery, in severe cases. Early attention to heel pain can help prevent long-term damage. If you experience heel pain from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

Wearing ill-fitting shoes
Wearing non-supportive shoes
Weight change
Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

What You Need to Know About Plantar Fibromas

Tuesday, 08 July 2025

A plantar fibroma is a firm, noncancerous growth that develops within the arch of the foot in the plantar fascia tissue. It can cause discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be linked to genetics, foot trauma, or medical conditions, such as diabetes and epilepsy. Symptoms include a noticeable lump in the arch, tenderness, or a feeling of pressure when wearing shoes. Risk factors include repetitive foot strain and certain health conditions. A podiatrist can diagnose a plantar fibroma through examination and imaging, then provide treatment options such as orthotics. If you notice a lump in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

Steroid injections
Orthotics
Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Wednesday, 02 July 2025

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

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