Ankle pain while walking can significantly impact your daily activities, and several conditions may be the culprit. Fractures, often resulting from trauma like a fall, typically cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight on the foot. Treatment may include immobilization or surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture. Tendon sprains or tears, often caused by overuse or sudden movements, lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the ankle. A podiatrist may recommend compression or targeted exercises to help with healing. Ligament sprains or tears occur when the ankle twists or rolls, causing pain, bruising, and swelling. Treatment typically involves rest and elevation. Dislocations, where the bones in the ankle are out of place, can cause severe pain, swelling, and visible deformity. Immediate treatment involves realigning the joint, followed by rehabilitation. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the bottom of the foot can be caused by several conditions, including plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, or Morton’s neuroma. Each has distinct causes and symptoms. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause, resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue along the sole of the foot. It typically causes sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. It is often due to overuse, tight calf muscles, or wearing improper footwear. Plantar warts are growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, appearing as small, rough bumps on the sole of the foot. They can cause pain when walking or standing, particularly if they are in weight-bearing areas, and are extremely contagious. Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms include burning, numbness, or sharp pain in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose these conditions and recommend treatments, including custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or in some cases, surgery. If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor 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 office located in Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet, typically between the toes. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks or public showers. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling, and redness, often accompanied by cracked or blistered skin. Treatment generally involves antifungal creams, powders, or sprays that target the infection. Keeping your feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and wearing breathable shoes can help prevent and manage athlete’s foot. In severe cases, a podiatrist may prescribe oral antifungal medication. If you are struggling with persistent or recurring athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can offer advice on foot hygiene, and help you prevent future outbreaks, in addition to providing an appropriate treatment plan. 

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 Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor 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 Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many women notice changes in their feet during pregnancy, often leading to the question of whether their feet actually grow. The answer is yes, as hormonal changes and weight gain can cause the ligaments in the feet to relax, leading to a widening and lengthening of the foot. This is largely due to the hormone relaxin, which prepares the body for childbirth by loosening ligaments. Additionally, the increased weight and fluid retention can contribute to swelling. For some women, feet may return to their pre-pregnancy size after childbirth, while others find their feet remain larger permanently. This lasting change can be attributed to factors such as age, genetics, and the amount of weight gained during pregnancy. If you have developed foot pain or other foot problems during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief solutions.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS from Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Ingrown toenail surgery is a common procedure performed to alleviate the pain and discomfort of a toenail growing into the surrounding skin. This condition often results in inflammation, redness, and swelling, making it difficult to walk. The surgery typically involves removing the portion of the toenail that is embedded in the skin, which can provide immediate relief. In some cases, the podiatric surgeon may also remove a small section of the nail matrix to prevent recurrence. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to remain awake but pain-free during the operation. After surgery, proper wound care is necessary to promote healing and prevent infection. If you have an infected ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Robert Hutchison, DPM, FACFAS of Lower Keys Foot & Ankle Surgery. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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