Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM, PhD, FACFAS
Ankle sprains are the most common injury sustained by volleyball players. They often result in significant lost playing time and affect overall performance. Ankle sprains typically occur when a player overstretches or tears the ankle joint ligaments while diving for the ball or landing the wrong way after a jump. A sprain can also result from landing on another player's foot. Treating and preventing ankle sprains is essential to avoid long-term problems, such as chronic pain, arthritis, and ongoing instability. Immediate treatment focuses on reducing pain, swelling, and stabilizing the ankle joint. Depending on the severity of the sprain, recovery times and treatment plans will vary. To further prevent future sprains, an ankle brace may be recommended during play along with maintaining a routine of rehabilitation exercises aimed at rebuilding strength and balance. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or instability in your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment plan.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . 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?
Preventing a Sprain
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 office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Understanding your gait, or the way you run, can improve your running technique. As a runner, you have likely developed your own style, but analyzing your gait can reveal areas for performance enhancement and injury prevention. During analysis, a podiatrist would typically start by observing your running pattern on a treadmill, paying close attention to the movements of your lower limbs, pelvis, and trunk. They may use video recording or specialized motion analysis software to capture and analyze your gait in detail. They also may conduct physical examinations to assess your joint mobility, muscle strength, and any structural abnormalities that could affect your running mechanics. By combining these observations with your medical history and any reported symptoms, the podiatrist can identify specific areas of concern and develop a tailored treatment plan. This plan may include exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility, recommendations for footwear or orthotics to provide support and alignment, and guidance on proper running technique. If you experience recurring discomfort or want to maximize your running potential, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation of your gait, and suggestions for improving it.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . 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
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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Bunions, medically known as hallux valgus, are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. They develop when the bones in the front part of the foot move out of place, while the tip of the big toe pulls toward the smaller toes. This forces the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out. Over time, the movement of the big toe toward the others creates a noticeable bump, which can become painful due to inflammation or arthritis within the joint. It may require treatment ranging from padded shoes and orthotics to surgery. Certain people are genetically predisposed to develop bunions, whereas other cases of bunions may develop due to ill-fitting footwear. High heels or shoes with a narrow toe box can exacerbate this condition. Additionally, conditions like arthritis can also contribute to bunion development by weakening and damaging the cartilage in the joint. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for treatment options and to prevent it from worsening.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, a chronic autoimmune condition, can have a profound effect on the feet, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness that significantly impair mobility and quality of life. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, many of which are in the feet, leading to inflammation and joint damage. Common symptoms of RA in the feet include tender, swollen joints, particularly in the toes and ankles, and difficulty walking or bearing weight due to pain and stiffness. Over time, untreated RA can cause deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet, further compromising foot function and comfort. Additionally, RA can increase the risk of other foot problems, such as corns, calluses, or ulcers, particularly if mobility is limited or proper foot care is neglected. If you are afflicted by this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose RA and provide you with a comprehensive management plan.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
