ankle sprain

Sprained ankles may occur when a person accidentally rolls, twists, or turns their ankle in an awkward way. When this occurs, ligaments in the ankle are being forced beyond their range of motion, thus causing an injury. Some symptoms that point to having a sprained ankle may include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and pain inflicted on the affected area. Some may also experience restricted range of motion or feel instability in the ankle.

There are many factors that play into the cause of ankle sprains. Simple, everyday activities like walking can lead to an ankle sprain if the activity is being done on an uneven surface. The same goes for running or exercising. Those who partake in sports may be more susceptible to obtaining a sprained ankle because they’re more likely to fall or land uncomfortably after a jump, which can lead to an injury.

It’s important to note that some of the main risk factors that can lead to sprained ankles are improper footwear, a prior ankle complication, weakness or lack of flexibility in the ankle region, and as mentioned above, uneven surfaces and involvement in sporting activities.
To better prevent an ankle sprain, it’s recommended to warm up before partaking in intense physical activities, use caution when walking or running on rough surfaces, consider using tape or wearing a brace on a previously injured ankle, and avoid frequently wearing footwear that puts tension on your ankles, like high heels.

In order to alleviate some discomfort caused by an ankle sprain, it’s recommended to get plenty of rest, try icing the affected area, keep the ankle elevated, and wrap or compress the ankle so it has little to no motion. For a professional diagnosis and information on treatments for a sprained ankle, consult with a podiatrist.

diabetic foot

Unfortunately, foot problems are often a common result of having diabetes. As time goes by, it’s likely that diabetes can cause nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. This can lead to tingling or a painful sensation, and it may also cause you to lose feeling in your feet. The loss of feeling in your feet can become incredibly dangerous, especially if you can longer sense a blister or cut on your foot; this can lead to sores or infections.

There are many ways to maintain healthy foot care when dealing with diabetes. Most importantly, you want to ensure that you’re managing your blood glucose levels, otherwise known as your blood sugar. You also want to ensure that you’re checking your feet daily. As mentioned before, it’s important to recognize if your feet have cuts, sores, blisters, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or other troubling foot conditions to stay ahead of the issue and prevent yourself from further harm. Along with foot checks, you should also wash and dry your feet daily using lukewarm water. It may also be useful in certain cases to moisturize your feet a few times a week, especially if you’re prone to dryness. Please be advised, however, to avoid moisturizing between the toes as they will not dry properly. Another rule you may want to follow is to ensure you’re cutting your toenails straight across. You should also refrain from digging into the sides of the toes; this will help prevent the development of an ingrown toenail. If you do happen to develop a corn or callus, never treat them yourself; seek the help of a professional. It may also be beneficial to look into socks made specifically for those with diabetes to help provide yourself with extra cushion. You may also want to refrain from walking barefoot, as well as avoid smoking, as it restricts the blood flow to your feet.

In certain serious cases, you may notice a cut, blister, or bruise is not healing after a few days. If this occurs, it’s important to seek the help of a professional. Other warning signs include redness, swelling, a callus with dried blood inside of it, or an infection that causes discoloration of the foot and an odor.

If you’d like more information on how to maintain healthy feet while living with diabetes, seek the assistance of a podiatrist who can provide you with the tips needed for healthy foot care.

Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM

Podiatrist Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM, PhD, FACFAS of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists is dedicated to providing the highest quality foot and ankle care. With one office conveniently located in Rome, Georgia, Dr. LaPointe is the only podiatrist in the area board certified in both Forefoot and Rearfoot and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. He is the only podiatrist in the country with three years of surgical training and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. His thesis and focus was on lateral ankle instability and how to surgically repair it. Dr. LaPointe is a faculty member of the Podiatry Institute and is constantly lecturing on his work and research.

Dr. LaPointe provides treatment for a variety of podiatric conditions, such as heel pain and fungal nails, and offers sports medicine and surgical procedures. Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists accepts most insurance plans and welcomes new patients! We are following the recommended guidelines of the CDC and are requiring that masks are worn when entering the office.

Dr. LaPointe received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. He received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Drexel University and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. After graduating in 1996, he completed three years as a surgical resident at Emory Northlake Regional Medical Center in Tucker, Georgia. Dr. LaPointe is board certified in both forefront and rear-front and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He has hospital affiliations with Floyd Medical Center and Polk Medical Center and has been in practice since 1996.

Dr. LaPointe has done medical missions for the Baja Crippled Children’s Project in Mexico, Healing the Children in El Salvador and has responded to provide surgical services in Haiti after the earthquake in 2010.