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Foot Notes

Posts for tag: ankle sprain

By Clark Podiatry Center
August 29, 2018
Category: Shoes

An important aspect of foot care is to make sure that you have good shoe habits. That includes long-term shoe maintenance and wearing them properly so that they provide maximum support to your feet.

Here are some habits you should adopt, as well as some habits you should drop!

DOs:

  • Keep your shoes clean, which includes keeping your feet clean. This will help prevent the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that could rot your shoes and make them smell! You might use a shoe spray or an activated charcoal bag to absorb moisture if your feet tend to sweat a lot. Additionally, keeping them clean of dirt (and in the winter, of rock salt) can reduce the rate at which they degrade.
  • Wear socks with shoes, especially closed-toe shoes. You are more likely to have bacterial or fungal growth/infection without socks to absorb some of the moisture from your feet. Got hyperhidrosis? You may want to bring an extra pair of socks with you to change into midday.
  • Unlace your shoes before taking them off to reduce wear and tear on the materials that make up the structure of your shoe. Overstretching the material can reduce the supportiveness of the shoes and prevent your shoes from fitting with the proper snugness for your feet.

DO NOTs:

  • DON’T wear one pair of shoes every single day.  Not only are you wearing them down quicker, they can also become smelly and harbor bacteria and fungi, as these microorganisms thrive in damp, dark, warm surfaces. Try to rotate between at least two pairs of shoes to allow them to dry out completely. Additionally, do not put shoes in an enclosed space right away. Instead, allow them to air out overnight and then put them away if need be.
  • DON’T fold shoe backs. Some shoes have flexible backs that can forcibly be folded down if you’re in a hurry to get out the door. After a few instances of folding the back, you will notice that they stay folded down. This means that the structure of the shoe becomes compromised and your feet may have to strain more to remain stable. You might suffer from chronic overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
  • DON’T drag your feet. Dragging the feet will wear down the outer soles of your shoes and can also make you more prone to tripping over your own feet or a curb. You can sustain an injury like an ankle sprain or broken toe if you’re not careful!
  • DON’T continue to wear shoes that hurt. If shoes hurt your feet, you can either donate them or try adding cushioning with orthotic inserts to better support your feet.

Have your shoes turned on you and started causing you pain? Let us help you find a solution to your foot or ankle woes. Make an appointment today at Clark Podiatry Center. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy will assess your feet to find the best treatments or solutions for your feet. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all the surrounding Union County towns!

 

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By Clark Podiatry Center
July 05, 2017
Category: Ankle Pain

The excitement of drafting Malik Monk to the Charlotte Hornets quickly simmered down after his ankle injury during the draft workout process. He suffered an ankle sprain and is expected to be out for about 2 to 4 weeks as he gets treatment. In the mean time, the rookie shooting guard will be learning about the team from the sidelines.  

What determines when he comes back?

A couple things should be considered after an ankle sprain: severity of the sprain, as well as time for healing and recovery.

Ankle Sprain Grades (according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons):

  • Mild Sprain (Grade 1) – Overstretching and/or small tears of the ligament fibers.
  • Moderate Sprain (Grade 2) – Partial tears of the ligament.
  • Severe Sprain (Grade 3) – Complete tear of the ligament.

Healing and Recovery:

  • Grade 1 Sprain – PRINCE: Protection, Rest, Ice, NSAIDs, Compression, and Elevation. Swelling should subside within a couple of days, but the ankle should not be vigorously used until it is healed and rehabilitated with strengthening exercises (which takes about 2 weeks).
  • Grade 2 Sprain – In addition to the above, a removable air cast or boot can be used to immobilize and protect the sprained ankle while it heals. Crutches will probably be needed to assist in mobility. Physical Therapy will then help with recovery to strengthen and condition the ankle for regular use. The whole process can take 6+ weeks.
  • Grade 3 Sprain – For this kind of severe sprain, a short leg cast or cast-brace will be needed to immobilize and protect the ankle. The healing process can take much longer and so does the rehab process (with physical therapy). The whole process can take about 6 to 12 weeks.

Ankle sprains occur from a bad twist or injury to the ligaments of the ankle. Most occur on the outside of the ankle and symptoms will include pain and swelling. They can occur in many settings, with most occurring during athletic activity. Because of this, it’s important to strengthen and condition the ankles regularly, as it can happen to anyone – even start athletes like Malik Monk!

To properly diagnose the sprain and determine the best treatment, it’s best to consult our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy. Make an appointment today at Clark Podiatry Center to have your ankle assessed and treated with care. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all the surrounding Union County towns! We keep you walking!

 

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Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470