An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often after the foot twists awkwardly during walking, sports, or a misstep. While many people assume they should simply rest and wait, proper treatment can help recovery move along more safely. A podiatrist may use specific examination guidelines to decide whether imaging is needed to rule out a fracture. Treatment often includes measures to reduce swelling and discomfort, hands-on techniques to improve joint movement, and supportive bracing or wrapping to protect the ankle while it heals. In many cases, gentle walking is encouraged sooner rather than keeping the ankle completely still for too long, since controlled movement can support recovery. Short-term protection combined with the right treatment plan can help restore strength and stability. If you have ankle pain, swelling, or trouble walking after an injury, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . 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 our office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining of the joints. It often affects the feet and ankles early in the condition. This ongoing inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and warmth in multiple joints at the same time. Many patients notice morning stiffness that improves slowly throughout the day, along with difficulty walking or standing for long periods. The feet may appear swollen or develop changes in shape as the joints become damaged over time. Common problems include bunion formation, hammertoes, and pain in the ball of the foot caused by joint instability. Rheumatoid arthritis can also weaken surrounding ligaments and tendons, making movement more uncomfortable. A podiatrist can evaluate how the disease is affecting foot structure and function and recommend treatment to improve comfort and mobility. Care may include wearing supportive footwear, targeted exercises, and coordination with other healthcare providers for long-term management. If   rheumatoid arthritis is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

The cuboid is a small bone on the outer side of the foot. Injuries involving it can cause significant pain, and are not always the same problem. Some people develop stress fractures from repeated impact during running or sports, while others injure the area during an ankle twist that affects the joints surrounding the bone. Direct trauma, such as dropping something heavy on the foot, can also lead to bruising or fracture. Pain is often felt along the outer edge foot, especially with walking, standing, or pushing off. Because these injuries can resemble ankle sprains, tendon problems, or general foot strain, proper diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can examine the foot, assess stability, and order imaging when needed, to identify the exact injury and guide treatment. If you have ongoing pain on the outer side of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Wearing the wrong shoes can place unnecessary stress on the feet and lead to a variety of uncomfortable conditions. Bunions may develop when tight shoes push the big toe out of alignment, creating a painful bony bump. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, damp footwear, and can cause itching and peeling skin. Ingrown toenails can occur when shoes crowd the toes, causing the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Additionally, corns can develop from repeated pressure and friction, leading to thickened areas of skin. A podiatrist can evaluate these issues, provide effective treatment, and recommend proper footwear to prevent future problems. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions and guide you on the correct shoes to wear.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . 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 our office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.