A weekend athlete is someone who exercises intensely on days off after being mostly sedentary during the week. This pattern can place sudden stress on feet and ankles. Common injuries include ankle sprains, plantar fascia irritation, Achilles tendon strain, stress fractures, and tendon inflammation. Wearing poor footwear, uneven surfaces, and skipping warm ups can increase risk. Symptoms may involve swelling, stiffness, bruising, or sharp pain during movement. Diagnosis starts with a detailed history of activity and onset of pain, followed by a physical exam. Imaging may be used to evaluate bones, ligaments, and soft tissue. Early attention helps prevent repeat injury and supports safer return to recreational sports. When foot or ankle pain lingers after weekend activity or interferes with daily walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM of Ankle and Foot Clinic . 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 office located in Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Puncture wounds to the feet are often caused by sharp objects, such as nails, glass, or thorns. Animal bites.might also cause puncture wounds. They should never be considered minor injuries. Even the smallest puncture wounds can trap bacteria deep beneath the skin. If care is delayed, this increases the risk of infection, abscess formation, joint involvement, or bone infection. Symptoms may initially appear mild, but pain, swelling, redness, or drainage can develop days or even weeks later. A podiatrist evaluates the depth, location, and cause of the injury, checks for retained foreign material, and assesses surrounding nerves, tendons, joints, and bone. Diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing may be used to detect hidden damage or early infection. Prompt medical management can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications for people with diabetes, who may lack sensation in the feet. For help with foot pain caused by a puncture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot drop is a condition marked by difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause the toes to drag while walking and increase the risk of tripping. It often results from nerve injury, muscle weakness, or neurological conditions that affect normal foot movement. Symptoms include a high stepping gait, foot weakness, numbness, and instability. Risk factors include diabetes, stroke, spinal disorders, and prolonged nerve compression. Relief options focus on improving safety and function, and may include wearing supportive footwear and custom orthotics to help hold the foot in a proper position. A podiatrist can identify contributing foot and ankle issues, coordinate care, and recommend bracing or orthotic solutions. If you have foot drop, and walking has become difficult or unsafe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kent DiNucci, DPM from Ankle and Foot 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 Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle fusion surgery, also called ankle arthrodesis, is a procedure used to relieve severe ankle pain by permanently joining the bones of the ankle joint. One advantage of ankle fusion is reliable pain reduction, especially for people with advanced arthritis, joint damage, or deformity that limits walking. By eliminating joint motion, the ankle can become more stable and better aligned, which may improve daily function. Fusion is also durable and may last longer than other surgical options in certain cases. However, there are drawbacks to consider. Loss of ankle movement can change walking mechanics and place added stress on nearby joints in the foot, which may lead to discomfort over time. Recovery can be lengthy and often requires a period of limited weight-bearing. A podiatrist carefully evaluates whether the benefits outweigh the risks based on symptoms, activity level, and overall foot structure. If you have ankle problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Kent DiNucci, DPM of Ankle and Foot Clinic . 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 office located in Omaha, NE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.