Anterior ankle impingement occurs when bone spurs or inflamed soft tissue at the front of the ankle joint cause pain. It is common during activities that involve dorsiflexion, such as walking uphill, squatting, or playing sports like soccer. These bone spurs, known as osteophytes, often form on the tibia or talus bones as a result of repeated bending or ankle sprains. Common symptoms of anterior ankle impingement include pain with activities that require bending or leaning forward. A podiatrist can use X-rays to detect bone spurs and MRI scans to assess inflammation or scarring. Non-operative treatments focus on wearing shoes with slightly elevated heels, modifying activities, using anti-inflammatory medications, and receiving corticosteroid injections. Strengthening exercises to prevent future problems are also helpful. In cases where conservative measures are ineffective, surgery may be required to remove the bone spurs and restore motion. If the front of your ankle consistently hurts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Flat feet can lead to discomfort and mobility issues, but specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles and improve arch support. One effective exercise is the short foot exercise. It involves consciously shortening the foot by pulling the arch upward while keeping the toes and heel grounded. Calf stretches are also beneficial, and by stretching the calves, you enhance flexibility and reduce tension in the lower legs. Heel raises are another excellent option, where you rise onto your toes and lower back down, helping to strengthen the calf muscles and support the arch. Toe yoga, which includes movements like spreading and curling the toes, can improve foot dexterity and promote overall foot health. There are some people who have pain and discomfort from flat feet. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer additional relief techniques, and monitor your foot health.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Diabetic foot care is essential for managing the long-term health of diabetics patients. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, which often affects the feet. This causes a loss of sensation, making it difficult to notice injuries like cuts or blisters. Unnoticed injuries can quickly develop into serious infections if not treated. People with diabetes are also at a higher risk for developing foot ulcers, which may lead to more serious complications such as gangrene or in severe cases, limb loss. Regular foot inspections, maintaining good hygiene, and choosing appropriate footwear can help reduce these risks. A podiatrist plays a key role in this process by providing medical care, addressing wounds before they worsen, and offering guidance on how to prevent foot issues. If you have foot problems related to diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Pinky toe pain can be a frustrating and often overlooked issue, but it can stem from various causes. One common reason for this type of pain is footwear choice, as tight or ill-fitting shoes can compress the toes, leading to pain and discomfort. Conditions such as bunions or hammertoes can also affect the pinky toe, causing misalignment and resulting in chronic pain. Injuries like fractures or sprains from stubbing the toe or twisting the foot may lead to significant discomfort. Another potential cause is neuropathy, where nerve damage results in tingling or shooting pain in the toes. Inflammatory conditions like arthritis can further contribute to pinky toe pain, causing swelling and stiffness. If you have injured your pinky toe or have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Deborah Holte, DPM of Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot bone anatomy is essential for understanding how the foot supports movement and balance. The foot is divided into three main sections, which are the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. The hindfoot consists of the talus and calcaneus, or heel bone, which play a critical role in weight bearing and shock absorption during walking and running. The midfoot comprises five tarsal bones that provide flexibility and stability, allowing for efficient movement. The forefoot includes the metatarsals and phalanges, which are vital for balance and propulsion. Together, these sections work in harmony to absorb impact, support the body, and facilitate walking, running, and jumping. A strong understanding of foot bone anatomy helps in identifying potential issues and developing effective treatment strategies for foot-related problems. If you have developed a foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot problems.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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