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A lateral ankle sprain is considered the most common type of ankle injury. This can happen when the ankle rolls inward and can affect the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. These ligaments are on the outside of the body and may become injured when the ankle moves past its normal range of motion. The common symptoms many people experience with an ankle sprain often include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the ankle. It is beneficial to have a proper diagnosis performed, which consists of having an X-ray taken. This is successful in ruling out a fractured ankle, and treatment can begin for the sprained ankle. The affected ankle can be wrapped in an elastic bandage, and existing swelling may be reduced when the foot is elevated. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Various foot conditions can make movement difficult. Chief among them is cracked heels. As one ages, skin becomes thinner and dryer and the skin on the heels can form calluses, or dead skin, and can develop cracks. This often happens because the heels endure a lot of pressure from walking and the skin is dry. Cracked heels can become painful and make walking difficult. If they get bad enough, fissures can develop and the cracks deepen, can bleed, and be a breeding ground for infection. If one has diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or poor circulation, cracked heels can become serious foot wounds that are difficult to heal. Hydration and moisturizing the feet can help with cracked heels, as can wearing socks with cushioned shoes and temporarily cutting down on activities that put pressure on the heels. If you have cracked heels and the condition is causing you discomfort or it is worsening, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can make sure that is what you are dealing with and provide treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

When most children begin to walk, their toes point straight ahead. In some cases, as a child begins to walk, their toes point inward. This is termed intoeing, or pigeon-toed, and in most cases goes away on its own. The causes of intoeing are a bit murky, but family history may be involved. Another cause is a twisting of the tibia bone while in the womb, but this often straightens itself out within the first year. A twisting of the femur bone in the thigh is another possible cause of intoeing in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years. This also corrects itself in time, but in severe cases may require surgery. A third cause of intoeing is a curving inward of the foot, which often takes place before birth. This too usually straightens out as the child grows older, but a brace or cast may be used to help straighten out the foot. If your child demonstrates intoeing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can take X-rays and examine the child’s feet to determine the best course of action.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

The feet are considered to be one of the most complex parts of the body. Each foot has 26 bones, and a number of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work in harmony to keep us mobile. The bones in the feet are divided into three categories. Seven bones make up the first group, known as the tarsal bones. These include the ankle and heel bone, in addition to the bones that form the arch. The metatarsals are the next set of foot bones that are found in the center of the foot. They connect the tarsal bones to the phalanges, which is the third group of bones. These are found in the toes, and aid in balancing the body. Some of the foot conditions that can affect the foot bones are arthritis, gout, bunions, and hammertoe. Additionally, the heel bone is targeted when heel spurs or plantar fasciitis develops. If you would like more information about the structure of the foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with interesting foot facts.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.