Ankle Sprains: Types, Prevention, and Treatment

Ankle Sprains: Types, Prevention, and Treatment

Posted on by Dr. Hubert Lee

Whether you simply stepped the wrong way while walking down the stairs, or you’re an athlete who injured your ankle during a game, ankle sprains can be quite painful. And they require the right treatment to heal quickly and correctly. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing all you need to know about ankle sprains and how to prevent them.

What Causes Ankle Sprains?

Ankles are made up of tendons and ligaments that let our feet rotate in a full range of motion. When you move beyond this range of motion, the ligaments that connect the foot and the ankle can tear or stretch, resulting in a sprained ankle.

Sprains are more common in people whose heels naturally turn in, who have a weak muscle that runs down the outside of the ankle, or anyone who previously had a sprained ankle.

Types of Ankle Sprains

When you visit your podiatrist, they will examine the foot to determine the type of sprain you have, either an:

  • Eversion sprain which occurs when you roll your ankle inward;
  • Inversion sprain which occurs when you roll the ankle outward;
  • High ankle sprain which happens when the whole foot rolls outside and forces the leg to roll inward.

All of these sprains will cause bruising and swelling and tenderness of the area. It may also be difficult to put weight on the foot.

Ankle Sprain Treatment

After you injure your ankle, even if there is limited bruising and swelling and you can put weight on the foot, it is still important to seek treatment from your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option.

In general, there are a couple of things that are important in the proper treatment of an ankle sprain and in preventing future injuries.

Reduce the Swelling: This can be done using the RICE technique, which includes rest, icing, compression, and elevating the feet.

Strengthen the ankle: When you can put weight on the ankle, it’s important that you perform exercises that will help build strength and prevent future injuries. Your podiatrist can recommend the best exercises.

Regardless of whether mild or serious, ankle sprains should be treated immediately by an experienced podiatrist. If you injure your foot, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists ASAP at (425) 455-0936 to book an appointment or schedule it online.

Can Orthotics Help With Your Foot Pain? Yes!

Can Orthotics Help With Your Foot Pain? Yes!

Posted on by Dr. Hubert Lee

Has walking, running, or standing become increasingly uncomfortable or painful?

If you experience it, you know that foot pain is not a laughing matter. But for adults – especially those with arthritis – it is quite common. Orthotics can help relieve your foot pain. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing all you need to know about orthotics and how they might be able to help you.

Also known as insoles, orthotics are molded pieces of leather, metal, plastic, rubber, or other synthetic material that is placed in your shoe. They are meant to provide relief from discomfort and pain by reducing the stress and pressure on your feet and reallocating weight. Simply put, they work by balancing your foot in a neutral position to cushion it from too much pounding.

Prescription orthotics are divided into two categories – functional and accommodative orthotics. The functional styles are designed to control irregular motion, and the accommodative orthotics provide support and cushioning.

There is a wide variety of orthotics available for various foot problems. Some of the conditions they can treat include:

What Benefits Do Orthotics Provide?

While orthotics may not be right for every patient, they can make a substantial difference in the wellbeing and physical function of those who benefit from them. For example, orthotics can reduce pain and discomfort, reduce the risk of injury, and improve balance. They are available in a wide variety of prices to work with almost any budget, they are not permanent, and they are noninvasive.

If your feet hurt, you may want to talk to your podiatrist about your pain. He or she will examine your feet, back, and lower extremities and appraise your gait to determine which orthotics are the best choice for you.

If you would like to know if custom orthotics can help diminish your foot pain, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists at (425) 455-0936 to book an appointment or schedule it online.

Back To School Tips: Don’t Neglect Your Child’s Foot Health

Back To School Tips: Don’t Neglect Your Child’s Foot Health

Posted on by Dr. Hubert Lee

The development of your child’s foot is vitally important to ensure that they can enjoy a healthy, active, happy adult life. And proper footwear is an important part of a child’s foot health. So today, Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing information you need to know about your child’s feet.

Painful feet and legs are common among adolescents and children, but it is in no way normal.

Any type of foot pain should be examined if:

  • Symptoms last for 48 hours or more;
  • Your child is tripping or falling;
  • There are any visible differences between your child’s legs and feet;
  • Your child withdraws from activities.

Some of the most common areas of concern for parents include:

The start of the new school year typically means that you’ll be taking your child to shop for new school shoes. There are certain benefits that quality shoes provide, while improper footwear can exacerbate existing ailments.

Watch for signs of redness, blistering, and/or irritation that may be caused by shoes that are too small or big. Closely examine the heels of your child’s shoes for unevenness as this could be an indication of something more serious.

Here are some tips for getting properly fitted shoes for your child.

  • Because feet can swell, shop for shoes later in the day.
  • Take your child with you while shoe shopping;
  • Involve them in their foot health.
  • Shoes should feel comfortable right away, not after being broken in.
  • Choose shoes for the foot that is the longest since they are seldom the same size.
  • Try on the shoes with the same socks that they will be wearing with them.
  • Get fitted by someone trained and knowledgeable.

It’s important that you have your child’s feet assessed by a podiatrist each year, beginning around the age of three. Your podiatrist can educate parents regarding proper footwear and normal development of your child’s feet and provide management options if treatment is required.

Before you go shopping for new school shoes, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists at (425) 455-0936 to book your child’s annual foot checkup or schedule it online.