A dislocated ankle occurs when the talus, the main ankle bone, is pushed out of place from under the tibia and fibula, which are the bones of the lower leg. This sudden shift causes sharp pain, swelling, and a foot that looks out of alignment. The injury also affects the ligaments that hold the ankle steady, as well as nearby joints where the talus meets the calcaneus, or heel bone. A podiatrist can check the position of the foot, make sure blood flow and feeling in the toes are normal, and use imaging to see if any nearby bones have been damaged. Treatment focuses on gently guiding the talus back into place and keeping the ankle immobile so healing can start. Surgery may be considered when there are fractures or if the ankle remains unstable. If you believe you have dislocated your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or do not develop fully, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. They may be present from birth, result from injury, or develop over time due to weakened tendons, obesity, or aging. Flat feet may look visibly low or absent in the arch area, and some individuals notice inward tilting of the ankles. Symptoms include foot fatigue, aching in the heel or arch, swelling along the inside of the ankle, or discomfort when standing or walking for long periods. Not all flat feet cause pain, but when symptoms occur, they can lead to knee, hip, or back problems due to altered gait. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet through physical examination, gait analysis, and imaging if needed. Treatment may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear, stretching or strengthening exercises, and guidance on activity modification. Early intervention helps reduce discomfort and prevent long-term complications. If you experience persistent foot pain or notice changes in your arches, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Off-loading is essential for helping diabetic foot wounds heal because it reduces pressure on the ulcerated area. People with diabetic neuropathy often lose sensation in their feet, so they continue to walk on a wound without realizing it, which damages new tissue and delays recovery. A podiatrist can use specialized off-loading techniques to remove pressure from the affected area. This can involve therapeutic shoes, custom insoles, padded dressings, removable cast boots, or total contact casts that closely fit the foot and restrict joint motion. These approaches protect the wound from repetitive stress and shear forces, giving tissue the time it needs to repair. When necessary, surgery can also be performed to correct deformities or redistribute pressure to prevent recurrence. Consistent podiatric care ensures the wound remains clean and healing is monitored. If you have a diabetic foot wound, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment, including off-loading management.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are just starting to run, you may be unfamiliar with the many foot and ankle injuries that can occur if adequate measures are not taken to prevent them. Some of these injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sprains, strains, and fractures. To help prevent foot and ankle problems associated with being a runner, make sure that you are wearing properly-fitted, comfortable running shoes. Start slowly, running just a few miles per week, and then work your way up, increasing the distance and time that you run. Stretch and strengthen the feet by warming up and cooling down before and after your runs. For more information about how to prevent running injuries when you are a beginner, consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waltham and Milford, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.