An ankle sprain can weaken muscles and reduce joint control, making exercises an important part of recovery. Gentle range of motion movements, like slowly drawing the alphabet with the toes, can help restore mobility without placing excess stress on healing tissues. Stretching the calf muscles may reduce stiffness around the ankle and improve flexibility while walking. As strength improves, controlled exercises like heel raises help rebuild stability by engaging the muscles that support the ankle joint. Balance activities, including standing on one foot, are often used to improve coordination and reduce the risk of repeat sprains. These exercises should progress gradually, since pushing too quickly may delay healing or cause further injury. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle stability and recommend exercises that match the stage of recovery, while monitoring for ligament damage or joint problems. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, treatment, and exercise options.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Winter activities challenge the feet and ankles in ways that warm weather sports do not. Skiing, skating, and snowboarding can place sudden force on the lower joints, leading to sprains, tendon irritation, or bruising. Additionally, fractures can occur if a landing or turn goes wrong. Boots that are stiff or overly tight can cause pressure points, while icy surfaces increase the chance of slipping and twisting the ankle. Cold temperatures also make muscles less flexible, which can reduce stability and slow reaction time. When discomfort develops, early care helps prevent a minor issue from turning into something more serious. A podiatrist can assess swelling, tenderness, or difficulty bearing weight, and determine which structures are involved. This foot doctor can also recommend protective footwear or supportive inserts, as well as offer targeted treatment to promote healing. If winter activities leave you with lingering foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunion surgery is used to correct a painful bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe and interferes with normal foot alignment. Several types of bunion surgery exist depending on severity and joint condition. An exostectomy involves removing the enlarged bone to reduce pressure and irritation. An osteotomy corrects the deformity by cutting and realigning the bone to restore proper positioning, and arthrodesis, used for more advanced cases, involves fusing the joint to relieve pain and improve stability. Each approach is selected to reduce discomfort and improve function. A podiatrist evaluates foot structure, symptoms, and lifestyle needs to determine the most appropriate surgical or nonsurgical care. If bunion pain is limiting walking or daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to explore treatment options and steps toward lasting foot relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Hagland's deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that often develops where the Achilles tendon attaches. It is commonly caused by wearing rigid footwear or high heels, repetitive irritation, or inherited foot structure. This condition may look like a noticeable bump on the back of the heel, and is often accompanied by redness or swelling. It can feel sore, stiff, tender, or painful, especially when wearing closed shoes or during walking and exercise. Some people experience aching or burning sensations as the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed. A podiatrist can help from the start by performing a thorough examination, reviewing footwear habits, assessing biomechanics, and using imaging, if needed for confirmation. Treatment may include shoe modifications, padding, stretching programs, and inflammation management to relieve pressure and discomfort. Early care can prevent worsening symptoms and improve daily comfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and effective treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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