As people age, the risk of developing ankle disorders rises, often due to decreased muscle strength, reduced balance, and the wear and tear on the joints over time. Seniors commonly face issues like arthritis, tendonitis, and ankle sprains, all of which can impact mobility and quality of life. Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent conditions among older adults, where the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also inflame the ankle joints, causing discomfort and swelling. Tendonitis, especially in the Achilles tendon, is another concern. It often results from overuse or sudden increases in activity and causes swelling and pain. Ankle sprains, although common in all age groups, are particularly risky for seniors. Weakened ligaments and balance issues increase the chances of falling and injuring an ankle. Wearing supportive footwear and regular exercise can help maintain ankle strength and flexibility, reducing these risks. If you are a senior and have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Drop foot is a condition where people are unable to lift the front part of their foot while walking, which may cause the toes to drag and lead to an unstable gait. Drop foot, often linked to nerve or muscle dysfunction that affects the ankle and foot, can increase the risk of falls. A podiatrist may recommend specific exercises designed to improve strength and movement in the lower leg and foot. Seated toe raises and wall-supported toe lifts are often used to help retrain the foot to lift correctly. Resisted ankle flexion using an elastic band helps build strength in muscles that control upward foot motion. Stretching routines, including kneeling or lying ankle stretches, may help improve flexibility around the foot and ankle. Heel walking is sometimes introduced to improve foot control and encourage more natural lifting of the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of drop foot and develop a plan using specific exercises to improve mobility. If you have trouble walking from drop foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options and targeted exercises.
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 one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors 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 doctors 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. This tissue can become strained or bruised due to flat feet, excess weight, poor foot mechanics, or long periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis often include heel pain that is worse in the morning or after long periods of rest, and may feel sharper after physical activity. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis based on a foot exam and may recommend imaging tests to rule out other issues. Medical treatment includes custom orthotic devices to support the arch, foot taping to relieve tension on the ligament, or steroid injections to reduce inflammation. Exercises may be recommended, and in rare cases, surgery may be needed to release the fascia. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Excessive running
Non-supportive shoes
Overpronation
Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
