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Patients who have experienced ankle pain are aware of the inconvenience this can cause. Daily activities can be difficult to accomplish, and mobility may be limited. There are several reasons why ankle pain may develop. These can include Achilles tendonitis, the arthritic condition that is known as gout, and ankle sprains or fractures. Some of the symptoms that are associated with ankle pain can include swelling, and it may be difficult to bend the ankle. If you are afflicted with any type of ankle pain that is from an injury or medical condition, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. 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 Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes is a condition that can require professional assistance in maintaining the health of the feet for those affected. It can be common for those with diabetes to develop foot ulcers. These are slow healing, deep wounds, that if left untreated, can become badly infected. Infections can lead to serious complications, and in severe cases, may require amputation. Diabetes can often affect the nerves in the feet, causing them to lose feeling, which is why many patients let their wounds go untreated. To help prevent wounds from getting infected, please consult with a podiatrist for regular screenings.

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 Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Lansdowne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. The uric acid deposits in the joints, usually those of the big toe, and forms crystals, which lead to pain, redness, and swelling in the joint. There are various treatments for gout, but what if none of them are working for you? There is a possibility that you may not have gout. Pseudogout, a condition that mimics gout but causes calcium crystals to build up in the joints instead of uric acid crystals, may be the real culprit. It is also possible that you may have a different type of arthritis, such as reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, infectious arthritis, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic osteoarthritis. For more information about gout, conditions that might mimic it, and treatment recommendations, consult with a podiatrist. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. George Yarnell from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Patients who have heel pain often notice that it can gradually get worse. It may become severe in the morning after arising, and an abnormal walking style may develop. Research has indicated that the majority of heel pain comes from an inflamed plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the bottom of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. It can become torn or damaged from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or if an injury has occurred. It can be common among patients who enjoy running or those who participate in certain sporting activities. Mild relief can be felt if additional weight is lost, as this may help to eliminate excess pressure on the heels. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose your condition and guide you toward the correct treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. George Yarnell of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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