Sprains and strains often affect the feet, toes, and ankles, but they involve different tissues and require different care. A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, which is the strong tissue that connects bones at a joint. Sprains primarily occur when the joint twists or rolls in an unusual way. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, and can sometimes feel like a fracture. A strain, however, occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn during forceful movement or sudden extension. These injuries also cause pain, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes bruising. Mild sprains and strains usually improve in a few weeks, but severe ligament or tendon tears may take months to repair or may need surgery. A podiatrist can examine the injured area, request imaging if needed, and determine the treatment plan depending on the severity. If you have injured a foot or ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 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 San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Understanding the differences between trail and running shoes is essential for foot health and performance. Trail shoes are designed for rugged terrain. They typically feature rubber outsoles for improved traction, stiffer midsoles for added support, and durable uppers that help keep out debris while providing extra grip. In contrast, traditional running shoes are ideal for paved surfaces. They offer a lightweight design, enhanced cushioning for shock absorption, and breathable materials to keep feet cool. Each shoe type serves a specific purpose, and wearing the wrong shoe can lead to discomfort or injury. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, activity level, and gait to recommend the most appropriate footwear. If you have foot or ankle pain from wearing the wrong type of shoes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. This type of doctor can treat various foot conditions, while ensuring your shoes support your movement.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM from Total Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Flat foot surgery is a procedure used to correct fallen arches when conservative treatments do not provide relief. Flat feet may result from genetics, injury, or conditions such as arthritis and tendon dysfunction. The surgery typically involves repairing tendons, realigning bones, or fusing joints to restore proper foot shape and function. Recovery time varies based on the type of procedure, but often includes rest and gradual return to activity. A podiatrist can determine if surgery is necessary after a thorough evaluation and imaging studies. They also guide patients through each phase of treatment. If flat feet are affecting your mobility or causing pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist about your options for long-term relief and improved function.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM of Total Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Pseudogout is a joint condition that can cause sudden pain and swelling in the feet and ankles. It occurs when calcium pyrophosphate crystals collect in the joints, leading to inflammation that can feel similar to gout. While both conditions involve crystal buildup, gout is caused by uric acid crystals and often targets the big toe, whereas pseudogout typically affects the ankle or midfoot and involves different minerals. The pain from pseudogout may come on quickly and can limit movement, making walking difficult. It tends to affect older adults, especially those with osteoarthritis or joint trauma. Diagnosis often requires imaging and lab tests to confirm the type of crystals present. Treatment for pseudogout include anti-inflammatory medication, joint aspiration, and lifestyle changes to reduce flare-ups and manage symptoms. If foot or ankle pain appears without warning and does not improve, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Neeta Hasmukh, DPM from Total Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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