Ankle pain is a complex issue that requires accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. Ankle pain can have various causes, including degenerative arthritis, which can be linked to past injuries like ankle sprains or fractures. Common misconceptions arise when patients are diagnosed solely based on X-ray evidence of degeneration. The pain could be due to other issues such as subtalar joint dysfunction, sinus tarsi syndrome, or peroneal tendinopathy. Nonsurgical treatments for ankle arthritis can consist of orthotic devices and dietary supplements. These treatments aim to relieve pain, improve joint health, and potentially delay the progression of arthritis. If you have recurrent ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause accurately.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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.

Flat feet in children might cause concern, but few cases require immediate attention. Still, it is important to be aware of when to investigate your child’s flat feet to ensure their foot health. First, it’s good to remember that babies are born with flat feet, but their arches usually normalize as the child ages, and bones in the foot form. But if your child experiences foot pain, it's a clear sign that a closer look is needed. Additionally, if you notice differences between their left and right feet, or if their feet appear to be getting flatter as the child grows, it may be time to seek advice from a podiatrist. Flat feet should not hinder a child's gait development or delay them in reaching developmental milestones. If your child experiences unexplained difficulties with walking, running, or participating in sports, it's wise to consult a podiatrist. Lastly, heredity may play a role in your child’s development of flat feet. While flat feet are common in children, it's important to be vigilant and seek professional evaluation when necessary. For more information and an exam, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist for your child.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Ingrown toenails can be excruciatingly painful and disrupt your daily activities. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken which may help to prevent this common foot woe. Trimming the toenails properly is important, and this is done by trimming them straight across. It is helpful to avoid cutting the nails too short or rounded, which may help to prevent ingrowth. It is also helpful to invest in good quality nail clippers that can make the process easier. Choose comfortable, well-fitted shoes that can provide adequate toe room, and refrain from wearing tight footwear that can exert pressure on the toenails, increasing the risk of incurring an ingrown toenail. Maintaining good foot hygiene is also essential. Wash your feet daily, drying them thoroughly, and keep the area around the nails clean. Applying a moisturizer to the skin surrounding the toes may also help to prevent ingrown toenails. A podiatrist can provide expert guidance and, if necessary, perform minor procedures to alleviate the issue. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you speak with this type of doctor who can help you with additional prevention techniques.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

Children with flat feet do not always naturally outgrow this condition, contrary to what parents may be told. Research supports the belief that untreated flat feet can lead to long-term problems. While children may not experience foot pain due to their soft and forgiving bones, they may complain of leg, knee, and growing pains. When left untreated, flat feet can result in painful adult flat feet in the future. Early intervention is crucial to prevent these issues. Treatment options may include orthotics, strengthening exercises, ballet, and surgery if necessary. Monitoring a child's flat feet without intervention might lead to further complications and becoming unresponsive to treatment later. Recognizing the potential long-term consequences of untreated flat feet is essential for both foot health and overall body posture. Early intervention can help children develop the correct foot structure and prevent future problems. If you have a child with flat feet and want to learn more about early intervention, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.