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Wallingford (203) 294-4977

March 2024

Foot stress fractures, although often underestimated, can pose significant challenges to individuals, particularly those engaged in high-impact activities or sports. These fractures occur when excessive and repetitive stress is placed on the bones of the foot, leading to small cracks or fissures. Common causes of foot stress fractures include sudden increases in physical activity, wearing inadequate footwear, improper training techniques, and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis or nutritional deficiencies. Athletes and military personnel, who frequently engage in activities that subject their feet to repetitive stress, are especially susceptible to stress fractures. Symptoms of foot stress fractures typically include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. If left untreated, stress fractures can worsen over time and lead to more severe complications. Therefore, early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical evaluation are essential for effective treatment and prevention of further injury. If you have endured a stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

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Plantar fasciitis, a common ailment among basketball players, arises from the intense physical demands of the sport. The continuous running, abrupt stops, and sudden directional changes put immense pressure on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Repeated stress can lead to inflammation and micro-tears, causing excruciating heel pain. Players often find themselves grappling with the debilitating effects of this condition, hindering their on-court performance. Ignoring the initial signs can exacerbate the problem, making it imperative for basketball enthusiasts to prioritize preventative measures. Adequate warm-up routines, wearing proper footwear, and incorporating stretching exercises into the daily regimen can aid in reducing the risk of plantar fasciitis. If you have developed heel pain from playing basketball, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

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Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

Insights Into Broken Ankles

A broken ankle, a distressing injury affecting many individuals, entails the fracture of one or more bones in the ankle joint. This injury commonly occurs due to sudden trauma, such as falls, twists, or impacts, which exceed the bone's strength. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a broken ankle is needed for a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms typically include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and possible deformity of the ankle joint. Diagnosis often involves physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays, and sometimes CT scans to assess the extent of the fracture and determine the appropriate course of action. With proper medical care from a podiatrist, most broken ankles heal effectively, allowing individuals to regain mobility and resume their daily activities. If you have fractured your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can perform an accurate diagnosis and offer the correct course of treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

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Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

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Tuesday, 05 March 2024 00:00

Risks of Having Flat Feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, pose several risks to foot health and overall well-being. This condition occurs when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to come into contact with the ground. Flat feet can lead to a variety of issues, including foot pain, swelling, and fatigue, particularly after prolonged periods of standing or walking. Individuals with flat feet are more susceptible to overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and shin splints due to the altered biomechanics of the feet. Additionally, flat feet can contribute to misalignment of the ankles, knees, and hips, leading to discomfort and increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis in these joints over time. Without proper support and management, flat feet can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer custom orthotics or other relief methods that are right for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

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