Types of Ankle Fractures

An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint, including the tibia, fibula, and talus. These injuries range from simple fractures to more complex patterns such as bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures, which involve multiple parts of the ankle. Bimalleolar fractures affect both the inner and outer ankle bones, while trimalleolar fractures include the back portion of the tibia as well. These injuries often disrupt joint stability and require careful evaluation to restore proper alignment and function.

Symptoms of an ankle fracture typically include immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. The ankle may appear visibly deformed in more severe cases, and movement can be extremely limited. Tenderness around the joint and a feeling of instability are also common. In some cases, patients may hear or feel a snapping sensation at the time of injury. These symptoms can overlap with severe sprains, making proper diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

 

Ankle fractures are most often caused by trauma, including falls, sports injuries, or twisting movements that force the joint beyond its normal range. High impact activities and accidents can lead to more complex fracture patterns. Risk factors include participation in sports, poor balance, weak bone density, and wearing improper footwear. Older adults and individuals with osteoporosis are at higher risk due to decreased bone strength, which increases susceptibility to fractures even with minor trauma.

 

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, and may include immobilization, casting, or surgical intervention to stabilize the bones. Early care helps prevent long term complications such as joint stiffness or arthritis. If you have a broken ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore appropriate treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot

Heel Pain May Indicate Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a painful heel condition that affects growing children, especially those who participate in running or jumping sports. It is not a disease in the usual sense but an irritation of the heel’s growth plate, which is the area where new bone is still forming. This growth plate sits at the back of the heel bone, near where the Achilles tendon attaches. When a child runs, jumps, or lands hard, repeated pulling and pressure can irritate this area. Soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and football can place extra stress on the heel.

Heel pain from Sever’s disease usually develops slowly. A child may describe the pain as feeling like a bruise at the back or bottom of the heel. The pain is usually worse with sports, running in cleats, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Swelling and bruising are not always seen. Some children limp, walk on their toes, or stop wanting to play. Tight calf muscles, flat feet, and high-arched feet can increase stress on the heel. A podiatrist can examine the heel, check the foot structure, and look at how the child walks.

Diagnosis does not rely on symptoms alone. A podiatrist can tell whether the pain is from Sever’s disease or another problem. X-rays can be ordered to check bone growth and rule out other causes of heel pain. A stress fracture, tendon irritation, or a bone cyst may produce similar symptoms. Treatment of Sever’s disease includes shoe changes, heel lifts, custom orthotics, and activity guidance based on the child’s exam. A podiatrist can also address tight calf muscles and foot mechanics that add strain to the heel. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and effective relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Plantar Warts Can Be Painful

Plantar warts are a viral skin condition that affects the sole of the foot, often developing near the base of the toes or on weight-bearing areas. These growths are caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Unlike warts found on other parts of the body, plantar warts grow inward due to pressure from walking and standing. This inward growth can make them more painful and difficult to ignore during daily activity.

Symptoms of plantar warts typically include small, rough lesions on the bottom of the foot that may feel firm to the touch. A key sign is the presence of tiny black dots within the wart, which are small clotted blood vessels. Many individuals describe a sharp or stabbing pain when walking, especially when pressure is applied directly over the wart. The surrounding skin may become thickened, forming a callus like layer that can further increase discomfort.

 

Risk factors for developing plantar warts are often related to exposure and skin vulnerability. Walking barefoot in communal areas, such as locker rooms, pools, or gym showers, increases the chance of coming into contact with the virus. Children, teenagers, and individuals with a weakened immune system are more susceptible. Excessive sweating, poor foot hygiene, and repeated pressure on the same area of the foot can also contribute to wart formation and persistence.

 

The underlying cause of plantar warts is viral infection combined with conditions that allow the virus to thrive. Early identification and proper management can reduce pain and prevent spreading to other areas of the foot. Keeping feet clean, dry, and protected is essential for prevention. If you have symptoms of a plantar wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Causes for Top of the Foot Pain

Pain on the top of the foot can develop for several reasons and can make daily activities uncomfortable. One common cause is irritation of the tendons that run along the top of the foot and help lift the toes. This can result from repetitive movement, increased activity, or wearing tight shoes that place pressure on the foot. People often notice aching pain, tenderness, and mild swelling that becomes worse when walking. Arthritis, another possible cause, affects the joints and can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement in the foot. Pain on the top of the foot can also occur when the joints in the middle of the foot become irritated or worn.

Nerve-related problems can also lead to pain on the top of the foot. Peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage, can create burning, tingling, or numb feelings. Diabetes is a common cause of this condition. Other causes include vitamin deficiencies and poor circulation. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of crystals in joints. Symptoms include sudden pain, redness, and swelling. Some people with gout experience severe discomfort that makes wearing shoes painful.

Injuries are another cause of pain on the top of the foot. Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone that can develop from repeated impact. Midfoot injuries can damage bones and ligaments in the center of the foot. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones. These injuries can cause swelling, bruising, and pain when standing or walking. A podiatrist can determine the cause of top-of-foot pain through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans. Early diagnosis can help prevent further damage and improve comfort while walking. If you have pain in the top of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

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