Items filtered by date: June 2020

A broken ankle is a fracture that occurs in the tibia, fibia, or the talus, which is the bone that connects the leg to the heel.  While broken ankles are usually caused by a twisting or turning motion, stress fractures can occur when the legs and feet are overused.  While there are many types of unique fractures, there are four that are most common. The bimalleolar ankle fracture occurs when the knob on the inside of the ankle is fractured. A trimalleolar fracture involves the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and posterior (back) malleoli all breaking.  Medical malleous ankle fractures occur in the lower portion of the tibia, and a pilon fracture occurs on the weight bearing roof of the ankle. Fractures can also be displaced, meaning bones are out of their normal alignment, or non displaced, which are bones that are aligned but still broken. While these are the most common fractures, each break is unique, so it is important to consult with a podiatrist for more detailed information about your injury and a treatment plan towards recovery. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel and is the largest tendon in the body.  When this tendon gets inflamed resulting in pain, stiffness or swelling, Achilles tendonitis occurs. Achilles tendonitis can occur from excessive strain, lack of warming up before an exercise, or tight calf muscles. There are two types of Achilles tendonitis, noninsertional and insertional.  Most common in active and young people, noninsertional Achilles tendonitis occurs when fibers in the center of the tendon become inflamed and swollen. Insertional Achilles tendonitis, which can occur at any age regardless of activity level, forms in the lower part of the tendon near the heel bone and can be accompanied with heel spurs. If you are experiencing pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon area, it is important to visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and to allow your podiatrist to help prevent the tendonitis from becoming chronic.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

A common foot condition that often causes heel pain is called plantar fasciitis. This affects the tissue that is known as the plantar fascia, which connects the toes and heel bone. This condition may be common among runners, those who are overweight, and patients who do not wear supportive footwear. When this band of tissue becomes inflamed, that is typically when plantar fasciitis develops, causing severe heel pain. Another telling sign you may have this condition is if you are experiencing pain in the heel when first arising in the morning, which then lessens throughout the day. To help ease the pain, some have found performing specific foot exercises and foot massages to be beneficial. For a proper diagnosis and an advised treatment plan, it is suggested that you seek the professional care of a podiatrist.

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 Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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The initials "DPM" are used after a student’s name when mandatory schooling is finished to become a podiatrist. After a bachelor’s degree is acquired, four years of medical school is required, followed by three years of residency training. After what typically amounts to 11 years of schooling and training, only then are the doctors allowed to go into private practice. Podiatrists specialize in disorders of the foot and ankle. These can include foot wounds, cracked heels, and the arthritic condition that is known as gout, among others. Some podiatrists specialize in surgery to correct foot deformities, while others do not. These conditions can consist of bunions, hammertoe, and various types of infections related to the foot. No matter what is wrong with your foot, a podiatrist is going to be the right specialist to consult with.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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