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Ankle sprains are common in children, especially during sports, playground activities, or accidental falls. These injuries happen when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, causing pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble walking. While many ankle injuries are true sprains, some more serious conditions can appear  similar at first, including growth plate injuries, fractures, or even tumors. This is why a careful evaluation is important rather than assuming the injury is minor. A podiatrist may assess the ankle through a physical examination, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tools to determine the exact cause of the pain and choose the proper treatment. Early and accurate diagnosis helps prevent delayed healing or long-term problems with stability and movement. If your child has ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking after an injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

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 Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A number of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, nerve irritation, and Morton’s neuroma, can cause  pain on the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue along the arch. It often causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Nerve-related pain may feel like burning, tingling, or numbness and can worsen with activity. Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue around a nerve, usually between the toes. It may feel like walking on a pebble or cause a sharp, shooting pain in the ball of the foot. Symptoms can become more noticeable with pressure or when wearing certain shoes. Causes include overuse, wearing improper footwear, foot structure, or repetitive stress. A podiatrist can evaluate the source of pain and order imaging or physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include supportive footwear, padding, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises. If you have pain on the bottom of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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 care needs.

Diabetes can affect multiple systems in the body, including the eyes, nerves, and circulation, all of which play a role in foot health. Retinopathy damages the blood vessels in the eyes and can reduce vision, making it harder to notice cuts, sores, or changes in the feet. Neuropathy affects the nerves and may cause numbness or burning, so injuries can go unnoticed. Circulation problems can slow healing, increasing the risk of infection. Together, these issues can raise the chance of serious foot complications if not managed carefully. Regular monitoring is critical to catch problems early. A podiatrist is an important part of the health care team, providing routine exams, treating wounds, and helping prevent complications through proper foot care and footwear guidance. If you are managing diabetes and have foot concerns, it is suggested that you schedule routine appointments with a podiatrist.

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 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.

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 offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ongoing redness, swelling, and pain surrounding a toenail are often treated as a nail fold infection or an ingrown toenail. However, another condition called retronychia may be the cause. Retronychia happens when a new nail grows under an old nail and pushes it backward into the skin. This can look very similar to other nail problems, which can lead to confusion and delayed care. Signs may include repeated flare ups, thickened nails, and pain with pressure or shoes. Standard treatments may not work because the cause is different. Without proper care, this condition can lead to infection or lasting nail changes. Early identification helps guide the right treatment and can prevent complications. If symptoms do not improve or keep returning, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.