It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between an ankle sprain and a broken or fractured ankle. A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn, while a fracture occurs when a bone in the ankle is broken. Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the affected ankle, although an ankle fracture is usually more painful than a sprain. Those who have sprained their ankle may feel a popping sensation at the time of injury and experience ankle instability and a reduced range of motion. Those who have broken their ankle can have trouble bearing weight on the foot and may notice a visible deformity in the ankle, especially in cases where the ankle is also dislocated. If you have symptoms of an ankle sprain or an ankle fracture, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a frequent problem among men, especially those who wear tight shoes or spend long hours in socks. This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist environments and often begins between the toes, causing itching, burning, peeling skin, and an unpleasant odor. If left untreated, it can spread to the toenails or other parts of the body. Good hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, and regular sock changes can help prevent recurrence. Persistent infections may require prescription-strength treatment. Avoiding shared locker rooms or showers barefoot also helps stop reinfection. For men who notice ongoing irritation or cracked, itchy skin between the toes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to ensure an accurate diagnosis, and fast relief from this stubborn and uncomfortable condition.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops most often on the bottom of the foot. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce circulation, making it harder to feel small injuries and slower for wounds to heal. Over time, even a minor cut or blister can turn into a painful ulcer that may become infected if not treated quickly. Anyone living with diabetes can develop a foot ulcer, but those with poor circulation, neuropathy, or a history of foot problems are at greater risk. Treatment may involve cleaning and protecting the wound, removing unhealthy tissue, or using advanced therapies such as special dressings, topical medications, or even hyperbaric oxygen to accelerate healing. Preventing ulcers starts with daily foot checks, wearing proper footwear, and good blood sugar control. If you notice a sore that is not healing, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can help you to manage this potentially serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

You’ve probably seen many bruises on your skin throughout your life, with their black-and-blue discoloration and associated pain, but did you know that you can also bruise a bone? A bone bruise occurs when a small injury on the surface of a bone fills up with blood and other fluids. Like a regular bruise, a bone bruise may cause your skin to turn black, blue, or purple, but it is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as stiffness, joint swelling, pain, and tenderness that last longer than a typical bruise. Bone bruises are somewhat common among athletes and people who work physically demanding job,s which can take a toll on their feet and toes. The bruise may last anywhere from a couple of days to several months, but if you find that your symptoms are getting worse instead of better over time, then you may have a more serious injury, such as a broken bone. If you notice a large bruise on your feet or toes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.