September 2020

Basketball is a sport that, while played professionally, is also often played year round by average people. While it is not considered a collision sport like football or hockey, basketball is considered a contact sport and has one of the highest injury rates when compared to other sports. The most common basketball injury is an ankle sprain due to the side to side movements and potential to land wrong while jumping. Proper stretching and strengthening are important to lower the risk of injury, especially since an ankle sprain is likely to reoccur. Achilles tendon injuries are also common in basketball due to the large amount of stress placed on the tendon. Overuse can result in Achilles tendinitis and tendinosis, and Achilles tendon ruptures are possible as well. Proper stretching of the calves is key to helping reduce the chances of an injury. If you believe that you have experienced an injury to your foot while playing basketball, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.  

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Preferred Footcare, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Burning pain in the joints of the big toe is a common symptom that is often associated with gout. This condition can be caused by excess uric acid in the blood levels and crystals can form in the joints. This can lead to severe pain and discomfort, and walking may be difficult. Some of the reasons gout may develop can come from genetic factors, obesity, and eating foods that have high levels of purines. These can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Patients who are afflicted with gout may find relief when healthy eating habits are implemented, and it can be beneficial to follow a simple exercise program. People who have gout are strongly advised to be under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Preferred Footcare, LLC. Our doctors 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 Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains are injuries to the ligaments that support the ankle, and are quite common among athletes. When you sprain your ankle, it is generally recommended that you avoid sports and other strenuous activities that put pressure on the affected ankle. Prior to returning to your typical activities, you will want your ankle sprain to be fully healed. Generally, this means that any swelling has gone down, you can bear weight on the affected ankle without limping, you have a full range of motion, your strength returns to normal, and your ankle is no longer causing you pain. You will also, of course, want to get permission from your doctor to return to your usual activities. For more information about ankle sprains and when to return to your normal routines, consult with a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Preferred Footcare, LLC. 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 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 Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that foot health may be compromised when obesity is a contributing factor. Common foot conditions of obese patients can include sprained ankles, general foot fatigue, blisters, calluses, and athlete’s foot. People who are overweight may find it difficult to exercise, which is helpful in maintaining an optimum weight. If you are struggling with obesity, it is important to purchase larger shoes as this may help to prevent blisters and corns from developing. To help prevent injury to the soft tissues of the foot, select a padded sock to be worn with new shoes. The padded sock helps ensure that the feet don't slip and slide in the shoe and that the toes don't pinch together. It is suggested that obese people who are experiencing various foot conditions visit with a podiatrist who can properly manage related foot ailments.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Preferred Footcare, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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