Chronic ankle instability is a condition where the ankle frequently gives way, especially during physical activity or walking on uneven surfaces. It often develops from recurrent ankle sprains, multiple ligament injuries, or even a first-time ankle sprain at a young age that did not heal properly. Symptoms may include persistent swelling, pain, and a feeling of weakness or looseness in the ankle. A podiatrist can help by assessing joint stability, taking radiographic images, prescribing strengthening exercises, fitting supportive orthotics, and providing treatments to improve balance and prevent future injuries. If chronic ankle instability is limiting your mobility or causing repeated sprains, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors 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
• 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 our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy is a condition where the nerves are damaged or not functioning properly, often affecting the feet. This can lead to neuralgia, which is sharp, burning nerve pain, or cause numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation. Feet may feel weak or overly sensitive. Risk factors of neuropathy include diabetes, alcohol use, infections, and certain medications. These symptoms can increase the risk of injury, infection, and balance issues. A podiatrist can help by identifying the type and cause of neuropathy and offering treatment to manage symptoms, protect the feet, and improve quality of life. If you notice unusual sensations or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to begin proper care and prevent further complications.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people age, their feet become more vulnerable to a range of issues, including fractures, gout, toenail disorders, and peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Fractures can occur from falls or weakened bones, and may cause swelling, bruising, and sharp pain. Gout, often affecting the big toe, causes sudden, intense pain, redness, and warmth due to uric acid buildup. Thick, discolored, or ingrown toenails can lead to pain and infection, while PAD, a circulation problem, can cause leg cramping, cold feet, and slow-healing wounds. These conditions may make walking difficult and affect overall mobility and independence. A podiatrist can diagnose these issues through exams and imaging. Treatment options include medications, custom orthotics, nail care, wound management, and footwear changes to reduce pain and improve function. If you have any of these issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

If you need your feet checked, contact James P. Huish, DPM of Arizona. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Knowing your correct shoe size is important for foot comfort and health. To measure at home, place your foot on a piece of paper, mark the tip of the longest toe and the end of the heel, then measure the length. For width, measure across the widest part of your foot. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to blisters, bunions, hammertoes, and arch pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot shape, identify pressure points, and recommend proper footwear. If you have developed foot pain from wearing the wrong shoe size, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help guide you toward the right fit and prevent future foot problems.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.