Ankle osteoarthritis develops when the smooth cartilage that cushions the ankle bones wears down. Without this protective layer, the bones can rub against each other and form painful bone spurs. Many cases begin after a serious ankle injury, including a fracture or severe sprain. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling. The ankle may feel worse in the morning or after activity. Other symptoms include tenderness, limited motion, or trouble when walking. These changes can make work, exercise, and everyday tasks harder. Because ankle pain can have several causes, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

A podiatrist starts by asking when the pain began and whether the ankle was injured before. During a physical examination, the podiatrist checks the joint for swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. A gait analysis shows how the patient stands and walks. It can reveal limping, poor alignment, or weakness in the foot and ankle. X-rays can show lost space between the bones, bone spurs, and signs of an old fracture. Blood tests might be ordered to rule out other forms of arthritis. The results help the podiatrist judge how far the condition has progressed and which care plan fits the patient’s needs.

Treatment aims to reduce pain, protect movement, and help the patient stay active. A podiatrist can recommend changes in activity, weight management, and supportive devices. An ankle brace, custom orthotics, or shoes that provide proper support can reduce strain on the joint. Treatment also includes non-drug methods, medication options, and surgery. When less-invasive care does not provide enough relief, the podiatrist can explain procedures that clean out damaged tissue, fuse the ankle bones, or replace the joint. Each option has different effects on motion and recovery. Regular follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to track symptoms and adjust the treatment plan. If you have symptoms of osteoarthritis affecting your ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure. It develops when bone tissue breaks down faster than the body can rebuild it. Runners, dancers, and athletes in high-impact sports face greater risk. A sudden increase in training can place too much strain on the feet. Other risk factors include low bone strength, poor foot alignment, and shoes that lack proper support. Pain usually develops gradually and worsens with activity. Swelling and tenderness can occur near the injured bone.

A podiatrist can determine whether the pain comes from a stress fracture or another foot problem. The examination includes a review of recent activities, the location of tenderness, and changes in training habits. X-rays can help identify a fracture, but a hairline crack does not always appear. A podiatrist can order an MRI scan or another imaging test for a closer view. Early diagnosis is important because continued pressure can enlarge the crack and delay healing. A serious fracture can also move out of its normal position. Surgery is rarely required, but it can become necessary when a fracture is unstable or fails to heal properly.

Rest from the activity that caused the injury gives the bone time to heal. A podiatrist can protect the foot with a walking boot, cast, or crutches. The choice depends on the injured bone and the severity of the crack. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to track healing and decide when activity can safely resume. Returning too quickly raises the chance of another injury. Prevention includes increasing training by no more than 10 percent each week and avoiding sudden changes in intensity. Patients should choose well-fitting shoes designed for their activity and replace worn-out pairs. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, recommend custom orthotics, and guide a safe return to exercise. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . 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 contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sores on the feet develop when pressure damages the skin and tissue beneath it. They frequently form over bony areas, especially the heels and ankles. People who spend long periods in bed, sit in a wheelchair, or have limited movement face increased risk. Diabetes and poor blood flow raise the risk, because wounds can be harder to notice and heal. Early signs include red or discolored skin, warmth, and tenderness. The area may feel firm or spongy. A sore can later become a blister or open wound, and, in severe cases, extend into deeper tissue.

Pressure is the main cause, but friction and sliding can add to the damage. Moisture can weaken the skin and make it more open to injury. Foot deformities, prominent bones, and shoes that create repeated pressure can lead to sores. Reduced feeling in the feet is concerning, because a patient may not notice pain or skin changes. A pressure sore should receive medical attention. Increasing redness, drainage, or swelling can point to infection. An unpleasant odor is another warning sign. Fever or spreading redness requires urgent care. Without treatment, the wound can deepen and affect muscle or bone.

A podiatrist can examine the pressure sore, measure its depth, and check blood flow and sensation in the foot. The evaluation also identifies the source of pressure and looks for infection. Treatment includes professional wound cleaning, dressings, and monitoring. The podiatrist can provide off-loading devices that shift weight away from the injured area. Orthotics or shoe changes can reduce harmful rubbing and pressure. For deeper sores, the podiatrist can remove damaged tissue to support healing and coordinate care with specialists. Early podiatric care can help limit tissue damage, reduce infection risk, and protect mobility. If you have pressure sores on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Falls in older adults are a major health concern that can lead to serious injury and reduced independence. Many factors contribute to falls, including muscle weakness, poor balance, and underlying medical conditions. Lack of regular exercise plays a significant role, as it leads to reduced strength and slower reflexes. Maintaining foot and ankle stability is essential for safe movement and long term mobility.

Symptoms that increase fall risk often develop gradually. These include unsteady walking, difficulty standing for long periods of time, and reduced coordination. Some individuals may experience foot pain, numbness, or stiffness that interferes with balance. Social isolation and loneliness are also important contributors. Older adults who are less socially active may engage in less physical movement, which weakens muscles and reduces confidence in mobility. This cycle can increase the likelihood of falls and related injuries.

Risk factors for falls include aging-related changes in muscle strength, wearing poor footwear, and untreated foot conditions. Lack of exercise reduces flexibility and balance, while improper shoes can limit stability and grip. Loneliness may lead to decreased activity levels and delayed medical care. Falls can result in a range of foot and ankle conditions, including sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries. These injuries may take longer to heal in older adults, increasing the risk of further complications.

Preventing falls involves staying active, wearing supportive footwear, and addressing foot pain early. Regular exercise can improve strength, coordination, and balance. Staying socially engaged can also encourage movement and reduce isolation. Routine foot evaluations can help identify problems before they lead to injury. If you sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.