Items filtered by date: October 2024

Ankle fractures can vary based on the location and severity of the injury. Common types of broken ankles include lateral malleolus fractures, which affect the fibula on the outer side of the ankle, and medial malleolus fractures, affecting the tibia on the inner side. Some patients may experience both, leading to bimalleolar fractures. Trimalleolar fractures involve three areas, which are the lateral, medial, and posterior malleoli. Pilon fractures, also known as plafond fractures, occur at the lower part of the tibia. Ankle fractures usually result from a high-energy impact, such as falls or car accidents, and often involve damage to both the bone and surrounding joint surfaces. Maisonneuve fractures involve both an ankle sprain and a break higher up the fibula. A podiatrist can assess the type of fracture through imaging tests and provide treatment options, which may include immobilization or surgery. If you believe you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can significantly affect the body’s ability to heal foot wounds, making even minor injuries challenging to treat. High blood sugar levels can hinder the wound-healing process by disrupting cellular activity and reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections. Poor circulation, common in people with diabetes, further complicates wound healing by restricting blood flow and nutrient delivery to affected areas. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can make it difficult for patients to detect foot wounds, increasing the risk of unnoticed injuries becoming serious infections. A podiatrist plays an essential role in managing diabetic foot wounds by assessing the injury, providing specialized wound care, and recommending preventive strategies. If you have foot wounds that do not heal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

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 Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 feel free to contact our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Recovery from Morton's neuroma surgery typically involves a gradual process that emphasizes rest and rehabilitation. Initially, patients may need to keep weight off the foot for a few days to reduce swelling and discomfort. By the end of the first week, many can begin gentle range-of-motion exercises to promote flexibility. After two to four weeks, most individuals can gradually reintroduce weight-bearing activities, but high-impact exercises should be avoided until cleared by a podiatrist. Strengthening exercises can be incorporated around the four to six-week mark, focusing on improving stability and muscle support. Wearing appropriate footwear is critical during recovery to ensure comfort and prevent further irritation. If you have Morton's neuroma, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Flat feet, or pes planus, occur when a child’s feet lack a noticeable arch, causing the entire foot to touch the ground. While babies and toddlers naturally have flat feet, most develop arches as they grow. However, in some cases, the arch never forms. Signs of flat feet include feet with no visible arch and, in some cases, discomfort or pain in the feet, ankles, or knees. Flat feet can result from having tight Achilles tendons, muscle imbalances, or irregular bone formation. Additionally, certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome or osteogenesis imperfecta, can contribute to flat feet. Sometimes, the condition runs in families. If you notice signs of flat feet in your child and they seem to be experiencing pain or discomfort, it is a good idea to seek advice from a podiatrist. They can offer guidance on managing the condition and help ensure your child’s feet stay healthy and pain-free.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Different running surfaces affect your feet in distinct ways, and understanding these differences can help prevent injuries. Running on concrete, a common surface, is challenging for the feet due to its hardness, which leads to more stress on the joints. Asphalt is a bit more forgiving but still causes significant impact. Dirt trails provide a softer experience, but uneven terrain increases the risk of falls or ankle injuries. Sand strengthens muscles but also can strain the ankles, while grass is gentler on joints but is often uneven. Tracks and treadmills offer cushioned, consistent surfaces, which reduce stress but may lack variety. Runners can benefit from alternating between these surfaces to avoid overuse injuries and improve overall foot health. A podiatrist can help evaluate foot pain caused by running and recommend strategies to avoid injury. If you are a runner who has foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.