An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. Children and teenagers can develop sprains during sports, play, or daily activities. A sudden twist, awkward landing, or collision can force the ankle beyond its normal range. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and trouble putting weight on the foot. Some sprains are mild, while others can cause significant ligament damage.

Sports are a common cause of ankle sprains in young people. Basketball, soccer, and running can involve quick movements that stress the ankle. Uneven surfaces and awkward landings may also increase injury risk. A previous ankle sprain can make another injury more likely, especially when the ankle has not fully healed. Children with repeated pain or ankle instability should receive an evaluation instead of playing through symptoms.

Some injuries require prompt attention because they may involve a fracture or another serious problem. Severe pain, major swelling, or the inability to bear weight can signal a trauma emergency. A podiatrist will review how the injury happened and examine the foot and ankle. Imaging tests may be recommended when a fracture is suspected. Treatment may include rest, compression, or wearing supportive footwear. Follow-up visits can help monitor healing.

Returning to sports too soon can increase the chance of another sprain. Children should gradually resume activities after pain and swelling improve. The ankle should also regain normal movement and strength before returning to demanding sports. Parents can watch for continued limping, swelling, or pain after an injury. Early treatment can help reduce the chance of lasting ankle problems. If your child or teenager has sustained an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors 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 Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters between the toes are small, fluid-filled areas that develop when skin becomes irritated or damaged. They can be uncomfortable and may make walking difficult, especially when footwear presses against the affected area. Friction is one of the most common causes. Wearing tight shoes, damp socks, and repeated rubbing can create enough irritation to form a blister. However, not every blister between the toes comes from friction. Common skin conditions, including athlete's foot and eczema, can also cause irritation, peeling, or small fluid-filled bumps.

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause. A friction blister may appear as a raised area filled with clear fluid and may feel tender when touched. Skin affected by athlete's foot can become itchy, red, peeling, or cracked. Risk factors include wearing poorly fitting shoes, excessive foot sweating, and spending long periods of time walking or standing. People who frequently participate in sports may also experience repeated friction that increases the chance of developing blisters.

A podiatrist can determine why blisters are developing by examining the skin and reviewing your symptoms. If a fungal infection or another skin condition is suspected, additional testing may help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A podiatrist may protect the area from further friction, recommend appropriate wound care, or prescribe medication when an infection or skin condition is involved. If a blister is large or painful, professional drainage may sometimes be considered. The area should be monitored for signs of infection during healing.

Blisters between the toes should not be ignored, especially when they return or become painful. Keeping feet dry and choosing properly fitted footwear can help reduce irritation. However, recurring blisters may signal an underlying condition that requires professional attention. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and support healthier skin. If you have blisters between the toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention solutions.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

A heel bone fracture can happen when a powerful force drives the heel against a hard surface. Falls from heights and motor vehicle crashes are leading causes. A severe ankle twist can also crack the heel bone, called the calcaneus. Pain, swelling, and bruising can develop quickly. Some patients cannot place weight on the foot, while those with a minor fracture may walk with a limp. The heel can look wider, shorter, or misshapen when pieces of bone move out of position. Because the force may injure other areas, a complete medical evaluation is needed.

A podiatrist examines the foot and ankle for tenderness, skin damage, and changes in heel shape. This also includes checking blood flow, feeling, and toe movement. X-rays can confirm the break and show whether bone pieces have shifted. A CT scan creates detailed pictures and helps the podiatrist understand the fracture pattern. Treatment depends on the injury, the position of the broken pieces, and tissue damage. A cast, splint, or brace can hold a stable fracture in place. Patients must avoid placing weight on the injured foot while the bone heals. When fragments have moved or the heel has lost its normal shape, surgery may be required to realign and secure the bone.

Recovery from a heel bone fracture can take several months, especially after a high-impact injury. The podiatrist monitors healing with examinations and imaging, then advises when weight-bearing can increase. Custom orthotics may improve support and reduce pressure inside the shoe. After treatment, some patients develop stiffness, swelling, or pain. Arthritis can form if the fracture damages the joint below the ankle. These problems may affect balance on uneven ground and make demanding work difficult. Prompt diagnosis helps the podiatrist protect the skin, restore heel alignment, and reduce further problems. If you have injured your heel, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors 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 Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis causes pain where a strong band of tissue runs along the bottom of the foot. This band, called the plantar fascia, connects the heel bone to the toes. Repeated strain can irritate it. Pain is sharpest with the first steps after resting, and can return after long periods of standing. Running, a sudden increase in activity, and shoes that lack proper support can place added stress on the area.

Heel cups are small inserts that sit beneath and around the heel inside a shoe. They are usually made of gel, foam, or firm plastic. By cradling the heel, a cup can provide cushioning and help spread pressure across a wider area. It can also raise the heel slightly, which may reduce tension on the plantar fascia. However, heel cups do not correct every cause of plantar fasciitis. The wrong size can slide, crowd the shoe, or change how the foot rests. A heel cup should fit securely in a supportive shoe without forcing the toes forward. Patients should also understand that a softer product is not always the best choice. The right amount of firmness depends on the foot, symptoms, and daily activities.

A podiatrist can determine whether a heel cup is appropriate by examining the heel and checking how the foot moves. The evaluation includes a review of when the pain began and which activities make it worse. The podiatrist can also rule out problems like a stress fracture, nerve irritation, or damage to the heel's natural padding. Treatment can include professionally selected heel cups, supportive shoe recommendations, or custom orthotics. A podiatrist can adjust these devices so they support the foot without creating pressure elsewhere. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check progress and change the treatment plan when pain continues. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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