There are 52 bones in your feet and ankles, which means that feet contain about 25 percent of the bones in our bodies. Our feet also contain about 20-25 percent of the total joints in our body; therefore, it’s not too surprising to find out that your feet and ankles are unfortunately more likely to deal with tendon and joint pain at some point, whether through injury or certain conditions such as arthritis. When pain and other foot problems arise it’s important that you have a podiatrist you can turn to.

Common Causes of Tendon and Joint Pain in the Feet

Tendons are soft tissues that connect the muscles to the bones. Everything from overuse and foot injuries to structural imbalances can lead to pain. Common causes of tendon and joint pain include:

• Tendonitis: inflammation of the tendon caused by injury or overuse
• Sprains and strains: a common but usually minor foot and ankle injury, typically caused by physical activity
• Arthritis: a chronic, progressive condition that leads to joint pain, stiffness, and damage (osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect feet and ankles)
• Obesity: being overweight or obese can also put excessive pressure on the joints and tendons of your feet and ankles, leading to pain and other problems

Treating Tendon and Joint Pain

Visiting a podiatrist is the best choice you can make if you are dealing with severe, persistent, or new foot and ankle pain. Since some conditions can get worse without proper care and rest it’s important to find out what’s causing your pain so you know how to effectively treat it.

If you are dealing with pain caused by a sports injury or strain it’s a good idea to see a medical professional so you know the extent of the injury. More severe sprains may require protective boots or crutches to reduce the amount of weight being placed on the injured ankle or foot.

Arthritis is also a surprisingly common cause of foot pain. If you notice joint pain and stiffness that affects functionality, range of motion and mobility in your feet then you could be dealing with arthritis. Since arthritis can get worse without treatment, it is important that you work with your pediatrician and a team of medical professionals to determine the best medications and course of action to help manage your foot pain and to prevent permanent joint damage.

If you are experiencing foot pain it’s important to see a qualified medical professional that can determine the best way to treat your symptoms. Call your podiatrist today for a comprehensive evaluation.

Did you know that the metatarsals, or bones in the foot, are the most commonly broken bones in the human body? These long bones run the length of the foot and a fractured metatarsal means that there is a break in at least one of these five bones (the fifth metatarsal is the most commonly fractured metatarsal bone). If you suspect that you’ve broken a bone in your foot it’s important that you see a podiatrist right away.

Broken metatarsals most commonly occur as a result of a sports injury; however, this fracture can also occur over time due to overuse and wear (this is commonly known as a stress fracture). Dropping a heavy item on the foot or experiencing a bad fall can also cause broken metatarsals. Signs and symptoms of a broken toe caused by trauma to the foot include:

• Hearing a snapping or popping sound at the moment of injury
• Severe and sudden pain in the toe immediately after impact or trauma
• Bruising or swelling of the toe (this may not appear until the day after the injury)
• Changes in the alignment or appearance of your toe

Symptoms of a stress fracture will be a bit different from traumatic fractures. Since stress fractures occur over time as a result of overuse you may start to notice foot pain with your routine activities or pain that goes away with rest but is exacerbated by physical activity. A metatarsal that has sustained a stress fracture may also be tender to the touch.

Some people assume that if they can walk on their foot then they must not be dealing with a broken metatarsal, but this is simply not true. This is why it’s always best to play it safe and to schedule an immediate evaluation with a foot and ankle specialist if you have experienced a traumatic foot injury that you suspect has led to one or more broken metatarsals. Not treating the broken bone could lead to certain deformities, which can greatly impact mobility. You may also experience chronic pain or be at an increased risk for arthritis.

Treating Broken Metatarsals

Common ways to treat a traumatic fracture include rest, splinting, or tapping toe affected toe, custom-made shoe inserts and wearing rigid footwear such as a special boot or shoe that provides the foot with protection, support, and cushioning.

If the break is severe enough your podiatrist may recommend surgery, but surgery is rarely necessary for treating broken toes. Those with stress fractures will want to avoid any activity that causes repetitive stress on the foot, to prevent the stress fracture from getting worse.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a broken bone after a fall, accident or injury then it’s time to schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist. The sooner you seek treatment the sooner you can begin your road to recovery.

The feet are particularly vulnerable to frostbite, which is a condition that can occur due to exposure to extreme cold. The feet can be affected by frostbite more quickly than other parts of the body since they are farthest from the heart and core, where it is warmest. Medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible if frostbite is suspected. The skilled podiatrists at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridian, ID are experienced at effectively treating frostbite.

Symptoms and Stages of Frostbite

It is always important to seek medical treatment if frostbite might have occurred. Some of the symptoms associated with frostbite include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Blistering
• Cold sensations
• Burning sensation
• Skin appears hard or waxy
• Joint and muscle stiffness
• Loss of sensation

Frostbite develops in three stages. During the initial stage of frostbite, only the top layer of the skin is affected. As frostbite progresses, additional layers beyond the epidermis become damaged. The three stages of frostbite include:

• Frostnip — First-degree frostbite that affects only the epidermis. It causes a cold feeling, redness, and numbness.
• Superficial Frostbite — Second-degree frostbite that affects the dermis, which is the layer of skin below the epidermis. The skin begins feeling warm and fluid-filled blisters can appear within 24 to 36 hours after the skin has been rewarmed.
• Deep Frostbite — Third-degree frostbite that affects the subcutaneous tissue below the epidermis and dermis. This is the most serious stage of frostbite. Numbness, large blisters, and joint and muscles stiffness commonly occur at this stage. As tissues dies, deeply frostbitten skin eventually turns hard and black.

Treating Frostbite on the Feet

Exposure to extreme cold can cause the water found within skin tissues to freeze and form ice crystals, which can cause skin tissue to die. The feet are particularly vulnerable to frostbite since they are so far from the body’s core. The best way to prevent frostbite is to keep the feet dry and warm at all times, and to limit exposure to cold temperatures.

If frostbite does occur, see our podiatrists for treatment as soon as possible. Even if it is only first-degree frostbite, it is critical to seek professional medical treatment and ensure proper healing and to avoid causing further damage to the feet. For example, it can be tempting to aggressively rub the feet or use a hair dryer to try warming them up. However, doing so could lead to burns if the skin has become numb and lost sensation

When dealing with frostbite, it is best to seek professional medical attention right away. The podiatrists here at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates can administer the appropriate treatment methods based on the stage of frostbite that has developed. To schedule an appointment at our Boise location, call (208) 327-0627. For our Meridian office, call (208) 888-9876 or call (208) 463-1660 for the Nampa/Caldwell location.

How your podiatrists in Boise, ID, can help you with an ankle sprain

Ankle sprains are a common injury, especially if you are an active runner or participate in sports. However, anyone can experience an ankle sprain just from walking on uneven ground, stepping into a hole in the ground, or walking off of a curb on the way to work.

Fortunately, the podiatrists here at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates have a wide range of foot and ankle treatments, including those that can help with a sprained ankle. With several convenient office locations in Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridian, ID, read on to learn how we can help you!

Ankle sprain treatments

So, what should you do when you sprain your ankle? The idea is to keep the swelling down and relieve pain. You can:

• Place ice packs on your ankle several times each day
• Elevate your ankle and try to keep your weight off of it
• Wrap your ankle in compression bandages to support it
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication

In the event that ankle sprain pain doesn't go away, your podiatrist can evaluate the issue and help you find relief. When you visit the podiatrists at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates, they may recommend:

• Using crutches when you walk to take the stress off of your ankle
• Wearing a walking boot, splint, or cast to support your ankle so it can heal
• Physical therapy and stretching exercises to maintain strength and flexibility
• Taking prescription-strength anti-inflammatory and pain medication.

Need relief? Give us a call

You don’t have to suffer from an ankle sprain when help and relief are just a phone call away. To learn more about treating ankle sprains and other podiatry services, call the podiatrists here at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates with offices in Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridian, Idaho. Call today:

• (208) 327-0627 - Boise
• (208) 463-1660 - Nampa/Caldwell
• (208) 888-9876 - Meridian

Heel pain is a common foot problem that podiatrists often treat. Knowing the cause of your pain is important in determining the most effective treatment method. Even if the pain seems minor, it’s amazing how much it can affect your whole body, making it difficult to get out of bed let alone go on your regular run. If you are struggling with heel pain you might be dealing with a condition known as plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The source of your pain may originate in the plantar fascia, a tough band of connective tissue that connects your toes to your feet. If the fascia becomes inflamed, you may feel pain in your heel. Of course, everything from wearing high heels to long runs can actually irritate and cause inflammation within the plantar fascia. When this happens this is known as plantar fasciitis. This condition is usually the result of overuse and repeated stress rather than an injury.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that originates at the bottom of the heel below the heel bone. The pain may spread to the arches of the feet and may also be accompanied by stiffness. These symptoms are often exacerbated first thing in the morning or after long bouts of sitting or standing. Sometimes, light activity and exercise can momentarily lessen the pain.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

If you know that you have plantar fasciitis (perhaps you’ve had it before) then you know it’s important to rest, avoid physical activity, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Of course, if you’ve never experienced heel pain before it’s important to see a podiatrist to find out whether it’s plantar fasciitis or another condition such as heel spurs or Achilles tendonitis. A thorough evaluation from a medical professional is often necessary, especially if this is the first time dealing with heel pain.

Your podiatrist can also show you stretching and strengthening exercises that you can perform to help stretch the plantar fascia to reduce pain and discomfort. Some patients also choose to wear a night splint to reduce morning stiffness and arch pain.

If your symptoms aren’t being alleviated through conservative treatment methods or if you are experiencing chronic heel pain your podiatrist may recommend surgery.

If you are dealing with stubborn and painful heels turn to a podiatrist for a consultation.