May 2021

A sprained ankle and a broken ankle have similar symptoms and can sometimes be difficult to tell apart. Ankle sprains occur when ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, ankle instability, and a restricted range of motion. Sometimes you may also feel a popping sensation at the time of injury. An ankle fracture occurs when one or more bones around the ankle joint break. This can cause an immediate, sharp pain that is usually more painful than a sprain, bruising, swelling, tenderness, a visible deformity, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. If you have injured your ankle, please see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat the injury, as soon as possible.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails (when the nail grows into the surrounding skin) are a very common malady that podiatrists treat, as oftentimes the toenail becomes very painful, inflamed, or even infected. You can help prevent ingrown toenails from developing by avoiding shoes that are too tight and trimming your nails straight across—and not too short. There are a couple of home remedies you can try to get relief from an ingrown toenail, such as soaking the toe in warm water mixed with either Epsom salts, apple cider vinegar, or a mild soap. Also, try applying an antibiotic cream to the nail several times a day and keeping it wrapped in a bandage to help reduce the chances of an infection developing. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive shoes that give the toes plenty of room. You can even try using an over-the-counter toe protector, which is a padded ring that cushions the toe and prevents it from rubbing against other toes or footwear. If your ingrown toenail becomes a chronic issue, the pain worsens, or you see signs of an infection, contact a podiatrist for more advanced treatment options.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While it can be difficult to watch someone you care about suffer with rheumatoid arthritis, there are some things you can do that may help them deal with their illness and possibly even reduce pain in their feet and ankles. Try to reduce the swelling in your loved one’s joints with progressive relaxation—a technique where the muscles are tensed and then relaxed, working up from the feet. Their pain from swollen joints can also sometimes be eased by icing them with an ice pack or even a bag of frozen peas which conform to the joint’s shape. Help your loved one choose the right foods to maintain a healthy body weight to reduce the amount of pressure put on the joints of the feet, hips, and knees. You can also schedule an appointment for your loved one with a podiatrist for an exam, and to discuss if doing certain physical activities like tai chi, yoga, aqua therapy, or walking may help to strengthen their muscles and reduce their pain.

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 Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Children's feet grow and change quite rapidly throughout childhood. It is very important to make sure that your child is wearing the right shoes to protect their feet, as well as prevent foot pain and injuries. Since children’s feet tend to grow quickly, it can be difficult to determine whether your child needs new shoes. After all, you just bought a new pair two months ago - could your child have outgrown them already? You should look for new shoes if your child can no longer fit their foot comfortably or wiggle their toes within their current shoes. New shoes should also be purchased if the sole of the shoe is broken or torn as well as if your child is limping or if you notice a different walking pattern. To learn more about the connections between footwear and your child’s foot health, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.