Items filtered by date: January 2022

Ankle sprains result when the ligaments, which connect the bones to each other, get overstretched or torn. Common signs of an ankle sprain include a “snap” or “crack” sound at the moment of injury. Sprains can also lead to bruising, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Ankle sprains usually result from the ankle getting twisted or rolled, and are one of the most common injuries that athletes deal with. Sports like soccer, football, and basketball that require a variety of quick movements leave players at a higher risk for ankle sprains. Athletes who have previously sprained an ankle are at a greater risk of re-spraining it. Patients who believe that they have sprained their ankle may wish to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis, because the symptoms of an ankle sprain and a fracture can be similar.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or strained. The plantar fascia also supports the arch of the foot. Among the potential causes for plantar fasciitis are a tight Achilles tendon, wearing shoes that don’t fit right, suddenly increasing your exercise load, or flat feet. Patients who are obese or have gained weight, and long-distance runners are at a higher risk for plantar fasciitis because there is extra stress and weight on the feet. Patients with heel pain would be wise to consult with a podiatrist who can find its source and offer a proper treatment method.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jim Maxka, DPM  from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor 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

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• 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 Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test is a fast, relatively painless, and non-invasive screening measure used to detect a person’s risk of having peripheral artery disease or other problems with blood flow in the lower limbs. During an ABI test, your doctor will use a blood pressure cuff to measure the blood pressure at various locations along your calves, feet, and toes, as well as at your upper arms. These measures are then used to calculate a ratio that corresponds to your risk of having impaired circulation. You may feel slight, momentary discomfort while your blood pressure is taken, but this test has no other risks or complications associated with it. For more information about ABI tests, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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

If you feel pain in the big toe that is accompanied with a burning sensation or reddened skin, you may be afflicted with a condition known as gout. The pain associated with gout tends to be the strongest when you are resting or lying down, but it may subside when you are actively moving around. Eventually, untreated gout can make it more and more difficult to perform everyday tasks that include standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid in the body (hyperuricemia). Needle-like crystals form in the joints causing them to become red, swollen, or inflamed. This condition typically begins in the base of the big toe but can spread to other joints like the ankles and knees. Symptoms can last from one day up to a few months, but with the elimination of certain foods and other lifestyle changes, they can be managed. If you think you have gout it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis and a medical treatment plan. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.