Ankle osteoarthritis, though less common than arthritis in the knees or hips, can still cause significant discomfort and impairment in affected individuals. This degenerative joint condition typically develops due to wear and tear over time, often as a result of previous injuries, such as ankle fractures or sprains, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Ankle osteoarthritis primarily affects older adults, although younger individuals with a history of joint trauma may also develop the condition. Conservative treatments for ankle osteoarthritis include lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and low-impact exercises, in addition to the use of supportive devices like braces or orthotics. Pain management techniques, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections, may provide mild relief. In more severe cases, surgical interventions, such as ankle fusion or replacement may be considered to alleviate pain and improve function. If you have ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition and guide you toward a treatment plan that is tailored for you.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Eddy Caldwell from Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Custom foot orthotics are personalized inserts designed to address a range of foot-related issues, offering support, alignment, and comfort. These orthotics are crafted based on an individual's unique foot structure and biomechanics, providing a tailored solution to various conditions. They work by redistributing pressure, correcting alignment, and improving foot function, ultimately alleviating pain, and preventing further complications. Custom foot orthotics may be prescribed for conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, or overpronation. They can also aid in the management of injuries, such as stress fractures or Achilles tendonitis. There are different types of custom foot orthotics to suit specific needs, including accommodative orthotics for cushioning and pressure relief, functional orthotics for correcting biomechanical abnormalities, and sport-specific orthotics designed to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. If you have persistent foot discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to address this issue, as well as to discuss the role custom foot orthotics may be able to play in improving your comfort.

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts are not just for cushioning the soles; they are about supporting the foundation of our body - our feet. The advantages extend far beyond immediate relief from discomfort. These personalized solutions, that Our doctor can prescribe, can significantly impact a person’s posture, alleviate pain in various parts of the body, and even enhance athletic performance.

As we lace up our shoes each day, having the right support can make a world of difference. Custom orthotics are like tailored suites for our feet, offering a bespoke solution to address our unique biomechanical needs. They provide stability where it is lacking, correct imbalances, and ensure that every step is a confident and pain-free one. 

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts offer long-term health benefits. By addressing issues such as overpronation or underpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, etc. orthotics can help prevent injuries and mitigate the progression of existing conditions. It’s an investment not just in the present, but in the future health of your feet and consequently, your overall well-being. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Selecting the right running shoe involves considering several factors to ensure optimal support, comfort, and injury prevention. The first is your foot type, such as flat feet, high arches, or normal arches. You may also have a certain gait pattern, which is how your foot moves when you walk or run. Some people have feet that roll to the outside or inside, and certain shoes address this. Another consideration in choosing running shoes is the type of running you'll be doing. The right shoe should provide adequate cushioning to absorb impact, support tailored to your foot's arch type, and a comfortable fit for natural foot movement. Podiatrists can help you to understand all of the factors in this selection process. With their expertise in foot mechanics and conditions, podiatrists can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your feet to recommend shoes that match your needs. For example, they can conduct a gait analysis to recommend the right shoes for the way you walk. They can also identify any underlying issues that might affect your choice, such as pronation concerns or the need for custom orthotics. If you are in the market for new running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to find shoes that will maintain your foot health and optimize your running performance.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell from Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Blisters on the feet, though seemingly minor, can lead to more serious complications if not treated properly. These small pockets of fluid form as a result of friction or pressure, commonly from wearing ill-fitting shoes or increased physical activity. While they often heal on their own, blisters can become infected. Infections are indicated by increased pain, redness, swelling, or the presence of pus. It is important to seek medical attention if there are signs of infection, which can escalate into cellulitis, a deeper, more serious skin infection that can spread quickly. For individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems, the risk of complications from foot blisters is significantly higher. These conditions can impair blood circulation and wound healing, making even small blisters potential gateways to severe infections. If you have a blister that is showing signs of infection, especially if a blister is not healing as expected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Minimally invasive foot surgery, known as MIS, involves performing surgical procedures with smaller incisions and specialized instruments, often utilizing advanced imaging technology for precision. This approach reduces tissue damage, postoperative pain, and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. For bunions, MIS techniques focus on correcting the bony deformity at the base of the big toe with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Podiatric surgeons may use small incisions to access and realign the bones, remove excess bone or tissue, and stabilize the joint with screws or other fixation devices. MIS for bunions offers several advantages over open surgery, including faster recovery, reduced risk of complications like infection and scarring, and less postoperative pain. It is particularly suitable for mild to moderate bunions with minimal joint involvement and flexible deformities. However, severe bunions or those requiring extensive bone correction may still require traditional open surgery for optimal outcomes. If you have discomfort from a bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether surgery might be a good option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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