Items filtered by date: July 2025
Muscle and Joint Problems in the Foot and Ankle
The feet and ankles are made up of many moving parts that work together to support your body. When muscles, joints, or connective tissues are strained or injured, pain and limited movement often follow. Conditions such as joint wear, strained tendons, or soft tissue injuries can develop from overuse, misalignment, or previous trauma. These problems may cause swelling, stiffness, or difficulty standing and walking comfortably. A complete evaluation, which may include movement testing or imaging, helps identify the exact source of discomfort. Care plans are often tailored and may involve supportive inserts, specific exercises, or bracing. If pain does not improve, further options such as guided injections or surgery may be discussed. Addressing the issue early may help avoid worsening symptoms or additional strain on other areas. If your foot or ankle is causing persistent pain or limiting your activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Muscle strains
- Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
- Stress fractures
Symptoms
Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:
- Bruising
- Inflammation/ Swelling
- Pain
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.
Treatment
Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Managing Foot and Ankle Pain on Multi-Day Bike Rides
Foot and ankle pain during multi-day bike rides is common and can affect performance and enjoyment. One issue is hot foot, or burning pain and numbness in the ball of the foot caused by pressure on nerves from wearing tight shoes or long hours of pedaling. Pain along the outside edge of the foot may result from improper foot positioning or cleat alignment. Achilles tendonitis, marked by pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle, often stems from overuse or poor bike fit. A podiatrist can assess biomechanical problems, recommend footwear, and offer custom orthotics to relieve pain. For lasting relief and injury prevention, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer effective treatment solutions.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
- Broken Foot
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress Fractures
- Turf Toe
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
