An ankle sprain is a common musculoskeletal injury that occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear due to sudden twisting or rolling of the joint. Causes often include sports activities, uneven surfaces, wearing improper footwear, or missteps during daily movement. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, weak ankle muscles, poor balance, and high-impact activities. Symptoms typically involve pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight. A mild or Grade I sprain involves slight ligament stretching. A moderate or Grade II sprain includes partial tearing with noticeable swelling. Lastly, a severe or Grade III sprain is a complete ligament tear causing instability. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and rehabilitation. If you have endured an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM from Total Podiatry. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Toe joint pain can make walking uncomfortabl,e and may interfere with daily activities. It often develops from arthritis, overuse, injury, or structural problems in the foot. The pain may be felt in the big toe or smaller toes, and can result in stiffness, swelling, or a deep aching sensation. Some people notice redness, warmth, or a reduced ability to bend the toe, especially during push off when walking. In certain cases, sharp or sudden pain in the big toe joint may be related to gout. The joint may appear enlarged or tender, and discomfort can worsen with activity or pressure from footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate joint movement, foot structure, and possible underlying causes through an examination and imaging tests. Relief options can include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to maintain mobility. If you have persistent toe joint pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM of Total Podiatry. Our doctor 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 San Antonio and Uvalde, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony deformity that develops at the base of the big toe, where the joint becomes misaligned and pushes outward, creating a noticeable bump on the side of the foot. This condition is often noticeable as the skin is red and swollen over the affected joint, causing discomfort and irritation. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Common causes include inherited foot structure, wearing improper footwear, and repetitive stress on the joint, while risk factors include tight shoes, prolonged standing, and certain foot shapes. A podiatrist can assess the condition, recommend treatments, and provide relief strategies. If you notice symptoms of a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective management solutions for pain relief and guidelines on preventing progression.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM of Total Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Foot pain that develops when walking is a frequent concern and can limit mobility and comfort throughout the day. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the band of tissue supporting the arch becomes irritated, often leading to heel or arch pain that is most noticeable with the first steps after rest. Nerve-related pain, such as Morton’s neuroma, can also contribute, creating burning, tingling, or numb sensations in the ball of the foot, commonly between the toes. Another source is metatarsalgia, a condition linked to excessive pressure on the forefoot that causes soreness or sharp pain beneath the metatarsal area during activity. In addition, tendonitis may develop when foot or ankle tendons are overworked, resulting in stiffness, swelling, and pain that can worsen after periods of inactivity. If you are experiencing foot pain after walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM from Total Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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