March 2023

If your ankles hurt after completing an aerobic workout, it may be a sign that should not be ignored. The main causes of ankle pain after working out include ill-fitting shoes, an Achilles tendon problem, arthritis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is important to wear shoes that offer ample cushioning and arch support and that you wear the right type of shoe for the activity you are doing. Achilles tendonitis is one of the most common causes of ankle pain because it is prone to overuse. This causes tears in the tissue, which results in pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on joints as you age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the tissues in your joints. Tarsal tunnel pain can be caused by compression of a nerve in a portion of the ankle joint. Any of these conditions can be diagnosed by a podiatrist who will offer the appropriate treatment options. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist if you feel ankle pain after working out. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Mark Spier from Maryland. 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
• Bursitis
• 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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot wounds can be a serious health issue. A small cut on the skin for many people can be overlooked, but patients who are diabetic understand the need to check their feet daily for existing wounds. Diabetes is a condition that is caused by elevated blood sugar levels in the blood which may lead to neuropathy. This is defined as the inability to feel sensation in parts of the body, particularly the feet. Many diabetic patients find it helpful to check their feet by using a mirror, or possibly a family member or caregiver may be able to help. Foot wounds require immediate care, and this begins with cleaning the wound, followed by applying an appropriate dressing. It is beneficial to refrain from walking barefoot or to avoid it entirely until the healing process is completed. If you would like additional information about how to care for foot wounds, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who is an expert in foot care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Mark Spier from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The reasons behind toe pain can consist of having nerve damage or enduring an injury. It may also happen from a joint deformity, such as hammertoe, and may reduce the ability to walk and stand comfortably. Many people have arthritis, and the toe joints may become inflamed, often causing severe toe pain. Additionally, gout is another form of arthritis and happens when excess uric acid in the blood converts to crystals that form in the joints of the big toe. This condition can develop from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. A source of pain can be a bunion, which is defined as a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. This generally occurs from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. Severe bunions may cause the other toes to shift together, and it may be uncomfortable while wearing shoes. If you have pain in your toes for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer you a proper diagnosis and correct treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Mark Spier of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

With 26 bones in the feet, accompanied by many tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints, foot pain is often a fact of life at some time or another. Foot pain can make conducting simple daily activities difficult as well as interfere with sleep. Paying attention to persistent foot pain and getting treatment for it is suggested by seeing a podiatrist. Many treatment options are available, depending on the cause. Pain in the joints of the feet, commonly in those between the toes and metatarsals, is often caused by arthritis or nerve damage. It also may be a side effect of bone deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes. This may develop into metatarsalgia or pain in the ball of the foot. Stress fractures in the long bones of the foot are generally caused by overuse, such as long-distance running. Damage to the tendons and muscles of the foot, along with overuse and non-supportive footwear, can also cause foot pain. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening pain in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a full diagnosis, followed by appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Mark Spier from Maryland. 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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.