The ankle is a complex joint that supports body weight, helps maintain balance, and allows movement. Because it is used throughout the day, it is vulnerable to a number of disorders. Among the most common ankle disorders are sprains, fractures, and tendonitis. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together are stretched or torn. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. Severe sprains may also limit weight-bearing. A fracture, which is a break in one or more ankle bones, can cause severe pain, difficulty standing, and noticeable swelling. Tendonitis develops when the tendons, thick cords that connect muscles to bones, become irritated or inflamed. People with tendonitis frequently experience pain, stiffness, and tenderness around the ankle.

Arthritis is another disorder that can affect the ankle joint. This condition causes inflammation inside a joint, and symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced movement. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage between bones wears away. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system attacks healthy joint tissue. Another form, called post-traumatic arthritis, can develop after an ankle injury. People with arthritis frequently notice stiffness when getting up, discomfort when walking, and swelling around the joint. 

Recognizing ankle disorders early can help reduce complications and improve treatment results. Persistent pain, swelling, and stiffness should not be ignored. Other warning signs include difficulty bearing weight, limited motion, and repeated ankle injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate the ankle by reviewing symptoms and performing a physical examination. Diagnostic testing includes X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, also called MRI, and computed tomography scans, commonly known as CT scans. These tools help identify damage to bones, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. If you have symptoms of an ankle disorder, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. 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 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Drop foot is a condition defined by difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause the toes to drag while walking. This issue often results from weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for ankle dorsiflexion. It is commonly linked to nerve-related conditions and can significantly affect balance, gait, and overall mobility. Individuals with drop foot may develop compensatory walking patterns, such as lifting the knee higher than normal, which can lead to further strain on the lower body.

Several causes contribute to drop foot, including stroke, sciatica, and nerve injury. A stroke may disrupt signals between the brain and muscles, while sciatica can compress nerves that control foot movement. Direct nerve injury, especially involving the peroneal nerve, is another frequent cause. Symptoms include difficulty lifting the foot, frequent tripping, muscle weakness, and an altered walking pattern. Risk factors include underlying neurological conditions, lower back disorders, trauma, and prolonged pressure on the nerves.

Targeted exercises play an important role in improving functional mobility and strength. Calf stretch exercises help maintain flexibility and reduce tightness in the lower leg. Balance exercises are essential for improving stability and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls. Lower back exercises may also support nerve health by reducing pressure and improving alignment. Consistent movement training can strengthen supporting muscles and enhance walking mechanics over time.

It is important to understand that early intervention and structured exercise programs can help manage drop foot and improve daily function. Addressing the underlying cause while focusing on mobility and strength can lead to better outcomes. If you have symptoms of drop foot, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for strengthening and management tips.

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 Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Turf toe is an injury involving the joint at the base of the big toe, usually caused when the toe bends too far upward during sports or sudden forceful movement. Mild cases involve stretching of the surrounding soft tissues, causing tenderness, mild swelling, and discomfort with push-off movements. Moderate injuries involve partial tearing, often leading to more noticeable swelling, bruising, reduced movement, and pain during walking. Severe cases involve significant tissue damage or complete tearing, making weight-bearing difficult and causing marked pain, instability, and substantial swelling. Because the big toe plays an important role in balance and forward movement, even less severe injuries can affect activity and recovery, if ignored. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of injury, recommend imaging when needed, and guide proper treatment to support healing. If you have pain in your big toe after sports or sudden foot injury, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot can involve fractures of the toes, metatarsal bones, heel, or other structures within the foot. These injuries may occur from falls, sports injuries, or direct impact. Symptoms often include swelling, bruising, and sharp pain. It also may be difficult to walk or bear weight. In some cases, the foot may appear misshapen or become increasingly painful with movement. Healing time depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Minor fractures may heal in about 6 to 8 weeks, while more complex injuries involving multiple bones or joints can require several months for full recovery. A podiatrist can diagnose the fracture using an examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. Treatment may include immobilization with a boot or cast, limited weight-bearing, and wearing supportive devices. Surgery for displaced fractures may be recommended. Following recovery instructions carefully is important to help the bones heal properly and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If you have a broken foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.