High ankle sprains, prevalent among athletes, are distinct from traditional ankle sprains due to the affected ligaments. These injuries typically occur during sudden twists or impacts that force the foot upwards, straining the ligaments connecting the two lower leg bones, the tibia, and fibula. These are unlike common ankle sprains, which involve the ligaments on the sides of the ankle. The injury causes pain, swelling, and instability, hindering mobility and performance. Sports that involve rapid changes in direction or jumping, such as basketball, soccer, and football, pose a higher risk. Factors like insufficient warm-up, wearing improper footwear, and fatigue exacerbate the likelihood of injury. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including rest, compression, and elevation, are critical for recovery and prevent long-term complications in athletes. If you have suffered an ankle sprain during a sporting activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine which type of sprain it is, and treat it accordingly.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 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 offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cold feet are often more than just a discomfort. They may be a sign of poor circulation, which is a condition where the blood flow to the extremities is inadequate, and often affects the feet. This issue can be caused by various disorders, including peripheral artery disease, or PAD. This condition reduces blood supply due to narrowed arteries. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels over time and result in poor circulation. Cold feet could also indicate Raynaud's disease, a condition that causes small blood vessels to tighten up or spasm, limiting blood flow under certain conditions. To address cold feet and poor circulation effectively, it is important to get to the root cause of the problem. If you frequently have cold feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess your symptoms, help pinpoint the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatment. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Heel pain is a frequent issue for tennis players. The sport involves intense footwork, with quick lateral movements and repetitive impact. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are two of the most common conditions for heel pain in tennis players. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes strained and irritated from continuous activity. Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone and often develop in response to the chronic strain, pulling, and inflammation of the plantar fascia. Symptoms typically include a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel, especially noticeable during the first steps after waking up or after long periods of rest. To manage and treat these conditions, tennis players may be advised to wear shoes with adequate cushioning and support, engage in proper warm-up and stretching exercises before playing, and incorporate rest days into their training schedules. It is important to get appropriate treatment for these conditions to prevent them from worsening. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can suggest specialized treatments such as custom orthotics, targeted stretching, or even corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain and prevent further injury. If you are a tennis player with heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.

Clubfoot, a condition present at birth, can cause challenges as your child grows. Clubfoot is recognized by inward and downward foot placement, sometimes leading to differences in leg sizes. Clubfoot is typically diagnosed shortly after birth and affects about one in every 1,000 births, with boys affected more often than girls. This condition puts strain on the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel. Treatment often involves gentle manipulation and therapy to help the foot develop normally. If left untreated, it can lead to difficulty walking and discomfort. Seeking early help from a podiatrist is important for managing clubfoot effectively and ensuring a healthier future for your child. In addition to Achilles tendon strain, other symptoms may arise, including pain, rigid leg movements, and difficulties with balance and sleep. Severe cases may require surgery, while milder cases can often be managed with braces and therapy. For help in managing clubfoot in your child, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.