A sprained ankle is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. This usually happens when the foot twists suddenly, often during sports, walking on uneven surfaces, or missing a step. Symptoms can include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Some people may also notice instability or a feeling that the ankle may give out. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, weak supporting muscles, wearing improper footwear, and activities that involve quick direction changes. The condition can appear suddenly after an injury or develop with repeated strain over time. Without proper evaluation, the ankle may not heal correctly and could become prone to future issues. A podiatrist can assess ligament damage, provide imaging if needed, and guide recovery. If you have symptoms of a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch along the bottom of the foot. It develops when this tissue becomes overstretched or overused. Causes often include foot arch problems, running long distances, obesity, and a tight Achilles tendon that increases strain on the heel. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, along with stiffness and tenderness. Risk factors include repetitive activity, poor footwear, and limited flexibility. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend supportive shoes, stretching exercises, and other treatments to reduce discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM  from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends at the middle joint, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. It occurs more often in women, and it is frequently related to footwear choices that place pressure on the toes. This condition is commonly seen when the second toe is longer than the big toe, which can increase crowding in shoes. Pain may develop on the top of the bent toe from rubbing against footwear, or at the ball of the foot from added pressure. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, foot structure, and muscle imbalance. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment to reduce discomfort. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Ankle impingement syndrome develops when soft tissue or bone in the ankle becomes compressed during movement, often after repeated sprains or ongoing instability. Many people notice pain at the front or back of the ankle, especially while walking uphill, squatting, running, or pointing the foot downward. Swelling, stiffness, and a limited range of motion are also common. In some cases, scar tissue or bony growths form inside the joint and create ongoing irritation each time the ankle bends. Athletes and active individuals are frequently affected, but anyone with a history of ankle injuries can develop this condition. A podiatrist can evaluate joint movement, order imaging studies, identify areas of inflammation, and recommend treatments designed to reduce pressure within the ankle. Care may include bracing, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory treatment, or surgical correction when symptoms become severe. It is strongly suggested that people with chronic ankle pain or restricted motion visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.