November 2022

A high ankle sprain involves the ligaments and shin bones, which are located above the ankle. It is defined as the tearing or stretching of these ligaments, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, ankle stability may be affected from potential damage that can happen to the surrounding tendons and muscles. An ankle sprain can occur as a result of twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion, which can happen from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. People who have endured a high ankle sprain generally feel pain when the foot is flexed upward, such as in climbing the steps. The ankle can feel weak, and walking may be difficult. An X-ray is necessary to help determine if the ankle is sprained or fractured. The squeeze test is also an effective method of detecting a high ankle sprain, which is performed by squeezing the patient’s leg under the knee. If a high ankle sprain is present, it may cause pain to radiate down to the ankle. If you have experienced an ankle sprain, please contact a podiatrist who can begin an effective treatment method.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Selecting the right kind of running shoe is critically important for any runner to not only feel their best during runs, but to also protect their feet from potential injury. Far more important than selecting a pair of running shoes for how they look is selecting shoes that fit. Something to be mindful of when choosing running shoes is how the ankle collar fits. This part of the running shoe wraps around the heel at the back of the shoe. The purpose of this feature of the shoe is to hold the heel in place. When selecting a pair of shoes, you might consider taking note of how the back of your foot interacts with the ankle collar. For example, notice if the padding in the ankle collar feels comfortable or if your heel is slipping out of the shoe. For more information about the ankle collar in running shoes, contact a podiatrist today. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Looking after the feet is crucial for diabetic patients because a minor cut on the bottom of the foot can pose very serious health threats. This can be prevented when the feet are checked every day which can be accomplished by using a mirror. If a family member or caregiver is available, they may be able to help with this task. Additionally, washing and drying the feet is important in maintaining proper foot hygiene, and doing this may stop an infection from entering the body. Diabetes can increase the chances of having poor circulation, foot ulcers, and infections, and there are methods that can be implemented which may help to control this condition. The overall body can be helped by checking blood glucose levels often, in addition to quitting tobacco products for diabetic patients who smoke. Trimming the toenails weekly is important in practicing foot care, and this is often done by a podiatrist. If you have diabetes, it is strongly advised that you visit a podiatrist often, who can help you to manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wheeling and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing flip-flops during the warmer months is simple, stylish, and convenient. Despite these fun facts, they can wreak havoc on your feet. Foot pain may gradually develop when flip-flops are frequently worn. Most flip-flops don't have arch support, and shock absorption is minimal. Additionally, they are not sturdy shoes, and the heels are not cushioned. The toes work hard to keep the flip-flops securely on the feet, and hammertoe may be a foot condition that develops as the toes bend to keep the shoe from slipping off. Flip-flops are designed in different styles, and it is suggested to choose sandals that have a back strap. This may help the toes to maintain balance instead of gripping the front of the shoe to stabilize the foot. If you have questions about what type of flip-flops to purchase, please confer with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Anna Petrov from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

Throbbing pain in one or more toenails can make running an uncomfortable exercise. If your toenail turns black, blue, or gray after a long run, it can be a sign of bleeding underneath the nail. This condition is known as a subungual hematoma, more commonly as runner’s toe. If the toenail raises from the nail bed, it is likely to fall off, but eventually, a new nail will grow to replace it. The main reason for black toenails is the continued rubbing of the toe against the inside of the shoe. This is frequently the result of running downhill or wearing running shoes that don’t fit properly. Taking a break from running, and avoiding downhill terrain are suggested as ways to treat runner’s toe. If swelling and pain persist, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for an examination. One possible treatment is to drain the fluid beneath the nail by drilling a hole in it, a procedure called trephination. Your podiatrist can suggest the proper treatment to get you back to running.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Anna Petrov of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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