If you sustain an injury to your ankle and wonder whether it is broken or not, you should remain calm and assess your symptoms. A broken ankle is quite painful, especially when you try to move it or put weight on it. The ankle is usually swollen from blood or fluid accumulating at the site of injury and it may be discolored or bruised. Less common symptoms of a broken ankle can be feeling a numb or tingling sensation and/or what is called “crepitus” or a feeling of bone grinding on bone when the ankle is manipulated. Beyond a bone sticking out of the flesh, the only way to know for sure if you have a broken ankle is to obtain an X-ray or bone scan. If the ankle is broken, these diagnostic tests will show that something is out of place. A CT scan or MRI may be ordered to determine the severity of the break. It is vital to see a podiatrist if you have injured your ankle as this professional can order the appropriate test and proceed to treat the fracture or whatever condition might be identified.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Since it's said that 75% of seniors experience foot problems as they age, it stands to reason that foot care is an important part of their overall health care. If seniors maintain the health of their feet, they will be able to stay active longer, keep better balance and prevent falls (a key reason for injury and hospitalization in elderly years), and remain aware of signs that other health issues might be present (such as diabetes, arthritis and other serious conditions). The elderly should check their feet each day to make sure there is nothing visible that appears unusual (like blisters, swelling, or infections), wash and dry feet daily, trim toenails regularly, tend to any corn or callus, moisturize the tops and bottoms of feet if the skin is dry or cracked, wear well-fitting shoes and socks, and make sure socks are clean and do not restrict circulation or irritate the feet in any way. Regular exercise, eating healthy, and stopping smoking may also contribute to foot health. If a senior is unable to tend to their feet by themselves, it is advisable to set up routine visits with a podiatrist to maintain proper foot care and diagnose and treat any problems as they arise.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Arthritis, especially in older adults, brings with it a chance of problems that can affect your feet and your overall health. A loss of blood supply to your lower extremities can cause numbness. Your skin can become thinner, and your feet can change shape, which may increase the chance of wounds, or ulceration, and slow the healing process. Because of this, preventing wounds can be an important part of your foot care health plan. Preventative measures include keeping your feet clean and dry, moisturizing them, and avoiding wearing socks that are too tight. If you discover a foot wound, avoid touching it, wash and pat dry the affected area, and loosely cover it with sterile gauze. If after taking these precautions, you notice that it is still not healing or has become infected, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can examine the problem and suggest further treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

The tarsal navicular bone helps connect the ankle to other bones that are lower in the foot. This bone gets its nautical sounding name because it has a shape that is like a small boat. The navicular bone helps form and stabilize the arch and helps us walk efficiently. Kohler’s Disease is a rare bone disorder in which the navicular bone experiences a loss of blood supply and density, causing the bone to weaken and be susceptible to compression from other bones in the foot. This can affect some children typically aged 3-7, and it most commonly occurs in boys. The symptoms a child may experience with Kohler’s Disease include pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness in the middle of the foot. While this disorder may sound scary, the prognosis is usually good: Kohler’s Disease generally corrects itself as the child matures. Until that time, the child may compensate for the discomfort they are feeling by walking on the outside of the affected foot. If you see your child walking like this or even limping, it is wise to take them to a podiatrist for an examination and diagnosis. If their findings indicate that your child has Kohler’s Disease, the podiatrist can help treat the disorder and provide relief through techniques such as casting, anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics and special supportive footwear.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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