Items filtered by date: June 2022

If you are a runner and are experiencing some pain in one of your toes, look for the following signs that may indicate you have a broken toe. First, is the pain you are feeling intense and throbbing? Do you notice any deformity, lumps or bumps on the toe? Is it difficult to walk or run? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a broken toe. Swelling and severe bruising may also be present with a broken toe, and the toenail may also be discolored. A podiatrist can examine your foot and run imaging tests to make an accurate diagnosis. There are many ways a podiatrist can help your broken toe to heal, depending on which toe it is, where it is broken, and how badly it is broken. You will, no doubt, be anxious to get back to training, but running on a broken toe is not suggested. Listen to your body and your podiatrist, who will advise you on when it is safe to begin running again. Ask if there are other exercises you can do in the meantime to stay active. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Tin Quach of Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A variety of conditions may be responsible for causing pain in the top of your foot. You may have damaged soft tissue structures or even injured a bone. Symptoms may provide some clues as to the root of your foot pain. Severe, sudden pain may be due to a stress fracture of one or more of the bones of the foot, such as the metatarsals. If the pain worsens with activity, you may have extensor tendonitis. This occurs when the tendons on top of the foot that help you lift the toes become inflamed, due to wearing tight shoes, standing for a prolonged period or running on rugged terrain. Sinus tarsi syndrome is another type of severe top-of-foot pain that occurs in the tiny channel located between the ankle and the heel. It can occur after an ankle sprain or may result from chronic instability. If the pain in the top of your foot is burning or shooting, and is accompanied by a pins-and-needles or numbness, it may be due to a compressed nerve. Even though you experience symptoms in the foot, the actual damaged nerve may be pinched in the foot, legs, or lower back. If you notice a nodule under the skin on the top of the foot near a joint or tendon, it may be a ganglion cyst. These are just a few possible causes for pain on the top of the foot. To have your condition properly diagnosed and treated, visit a podiatrist, who is a physician specializing in foot and ankle care. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Tin Quach  from Foot 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 offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken or fractured ankle happens when there is a partial or complete break in the ankle joint bones – the tibia, the fibula, and the talus bones. This can occur from excessive stress on the joint through heavy impact or twisting beyond the normal range of movement. The main symptom of a broken ankle is pain but swelling and bruising can also show at or around the site of the break. The ankle joint may be stiff and hard to move, and it might be hard for one with such a fracture to support their body weight. Recovery from a broken ankle will depend on how severe the break is and how well one follows the recommended care regimen. In most cases, recovery time is six to 12 weeks. If you think you have broken your ankle, visit a podiatrist to find out if there is an actual break and how it can best be treated.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Tin Quach from Foot Center. 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 our offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the most common types of injury that can happen to athletes and non-athletes are ankle sprains. They happen as a result of twisting, turning, or rolling the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. Some people will unexpectedly step off of a curb, and twist their ankle leading to an ankle sprain. Immediate symptoms can consist of bruising, swelling, and it is often difficult to walk. Most ankle sprains fall in one of three categories. A grade one sprain can apply to mild sprains, where there is a slight tearing of the ligaments. Walking on this type of ankle sprain is possible. A more severe sprain can be classified as a grade two sprain, and the affected ankle is tender when touched. When the ankle undergoes a complete tear, a grade three sprain has occurred. Intense pain often accompanies this type of sprain. It is advised that ankle sprains be treated immediately, regardless of the type of sprain. Please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose ankle sprains, and provide you with correct treatment techniques.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Tin Quach from Foot 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 offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.