Ankle sprains, prevalent injuries that affect ligaments surrounding the ankle joint, can disrupt daily life and mobility. Occurring when the ankle is forced beyond its normal range of motion, these sprains lead to the stretching or tearing of ligaments, resulting in pain and swelling. The severity of an ankle sprain can vary, classified into three grades based on the extent of ligament damage. Common symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. In more severe cases, individuals may experience bruising and instability. Recognizing the signs of an ankle sprain is vital for appropriate management, as untreated sprains can lead to chronic instability and long-term complications. An accurate understanding of the definition and symptoms of ankle sprains empowers individuals to seek timely intervention, facilitating a smoother recovery and a return to normal activities. If you have endured an ankle sprain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the grade of the sprain is, and offer appropriate treatment methods.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, HPV, can develop in anyone, but certain factors may heighten vulnerability. Individuals with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk, as the body's defense mechanisms struggle to combat the viral invader. The symptoms of plantar warts often include small, fleshy growths on the soles of the feet, accompanied by tenderness or pain while walking. Children and teenagers, with developing immune systems, are particularly susceptible to these uncomfortable growths. Prolonged exposure to moist environments, such as communal showers or swimming pools, also escalates the risk. Additionally, those who frequently walk barefoot in public spaces may find themselves more prone to contracting the virus. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment options and prevention tips.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet, or edema, can disrupt daily life. This condition often has a spectrum of common causes that individuals should be attuned to for timely intervention and relief. Prolonged periods of standing or sitting, especially in positions that impede healthy blood circulation, can lead to fluid retention, resulting in swollen feet. Another frequent contributor is the choice of footwear, with ill-fitting shoes or high heels imposing pressure that hinders proper blood flow. Injuries, such as sprains or fractures, can trigger inflammation and swelling in the affected area. Underlying medical conditions, including venous insufficiency, arthritis, or heart failure, may manifest in swollen feet. Hormonal changes during pregnancy often result in fluid retention, causing noticeable swelling in the feet and ankles. Lifestyle factors, like a diet high in sodium, can exacerbate fluid retention. Swollen feet can be uncomfortable, and if you have this condition, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately determine the cause, and offer appropriate treatment tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Research reveals that nearly half of recreational runners sustain injuries, often affecting the Achilles tendon, calf, knee, ankle, lower leg, feet, and toes. Various factors contribute to injury risk, including running mechanics, footwear, and abrupt mileage increases. Fortunately, effective strategies exist to prevent running injuries before they disrupt your routine. It is essential to understand that injury prevention is complex, with factors like anatomy, history of injuries, and training methods playing roles. Each runner is unique, possessing distinct anatomical traits and injury histories, making injury prevention a challenging task. To reduce injury risk, experts recommend focusing on building a strong body, maintaining proper form, and choosing suitable footwear. Achieving a balance among these factors can significantly lower the likelihood of injuries, ensuring a rewarding and injury-free running experience. It is also advisable to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized advice on preventing running injuries.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal coalition, which affects approximately one in every 100 people, emerges during adolescence, causing pain and stiffness in the foot. The issue arises when certain tarsal bones fuse or abnormally connect. This leads to a rigid and inflexible region that includes the talus, calcaneus, cuboid, navicular, and cuneiform bones of the foot. The most common types are calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal coalition, where bridges form between the calcaneus and navicular bones, or between the calcaneus and talus. Three categories of tarsal coalition are osseus coalition, which involves bony growth, cartilaginous coalition which affects cartilage growth, and fibrous coalition which consists of fibrous tissue growth. Causes of tarsal coalition include genetic abnormalities and foot trauma, such as fractures or sprains, which can disrupt connective tissue development. This may lead to abnormal growth and fusion. Infections that weaken foot structures may cause inflammation, further disrupting normal tissue development. Arthritis, especially certain types and associated medications, increase the risk of abnormal growth and fusion in the foot. Understanding the types and causes is important for early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. For those experiencing persistent foot pain or suspecting tarsal coalition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective management. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.