A twisted ankle, also known as an ankle sprain, occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. This can happen during sports, walking, or running on uneven surfaces, or with sudden missteps. The ankle may look swollen, bruised, or puffy, and in some cases, appear unstable or misshapen. It often feels painful right away, with sensations ranging from sharp pain to aching, stiffness, or tenderness when bearing weight. A podiatrist can help from the start by evaluating the injury, checking joint stability, and using imaging when needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out fractures. Early treatment may include immobilization, bracing, and activity modification. Care can then progress into strengthening exercises and custom orthotics to restore stability and prevent repeat injuries. Prompt treatment supports proper healing and long-term ankle health. If you think you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of the long bones across the front of the foot, and it can happen from a sudden injury, twisting the foot, or repetitive stress that gradually weakens the bone. Because these bones help support body weight with each step, even a minor fracture can lead to swelling, bruising, sharp discomfort while walking, or difficulty bearing weight. Some fractures appear suddenly, while others develop slowly in active individuals as a dull ache that becomes harder to ignore. Prompt evaluation is important because each fracture pattern requires a specific approach, ranging from rest and supportive footwear to immobilization or more advanced treatment. Delaying care may affect healing and prolong pain. If you have ongoing pain in the forefoot after an injury or repeated activity, it is suggested tat you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that encourages safe, steady healing.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A swollen big toe can be painful and may interfere with walking or daily activities. One common cause is an ingrown toenail, which occurs when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin and leads to redness and swelling. A fracture in the toe bone can also cause sudden swelling, bruising, and tenderness after an injury. Bunions often create chronic swelling at the base of the big toe due to joint misalignment. Additionally, gout is another cause and may lead to intense swelling, warmth, and pain from uric acid buildup. Hallux rigidus causes stiffness and swelling from arthritis in the big toe joint. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause through examination and imaging, then provide proper treatment to relieve pain and restore function. If big toe swelling persists or worsens, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and appropriate  care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Lupus can affect the feet in several ways, leading to pain, swelling, numbness, and cold toes when circulation is reduced. Some people develop lymphedema, which causes fluid buildup and ankle swelling, or Raynaud’s syndrome, where blood vessels in the toes tighten in response to cold or stress. Chilblains can also develop when damp, cool air irritates the skin on the feet. Lupus can contribute to plantar fasciitis, which causes pain along the bottom of the foot when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. These changes may signal nerve problems or other serious conditions, so prompt evaluation is important. A podiatrist can help identify the source of foot and ankle symptoms, recommend supportive shoe choices instead of thin flip-flops, offer orthotics when needed, and advise when further complications arise. If you have symptoms of lupus that affect your feet and ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Battle Creek and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.