Volleyball Ankle Sprains and Podiatric Care

A sprained ankle in volleyball is a common injury caused by landing awkwardly from a jump or quickly changing direction on the court. It occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn beyond their normal range. A first-degree sprain involves mild stretching of the ligaments with slight pain and swelling. A second-degree sprain includes partial tearing leading to increased pain, swelling, and instability. Additionally, a third-degree sprain is a complete ligament tear causing significant pain, swelling, and loss of ankle support. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing the severity, providing proper treatment, and guiding rehabilitation to restore strength and stability. If you have sprained an ankle while playing volleyball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment for you, enabling you to return to playing again as soon as possible.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

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Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

Foot Blisters and How to Protect Your Feet

Foot blisters are small pockets of fluid that form on the skin of the feet, often as a result of friction or pressure. They commonly develop from wearing poorly fitted shoes, engaging in extended physical activity, or sustaining burns such as a sunburn or frostbite. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and fluid filled bumps that can make walking uncomfortable. Risk factors include moisture, high activity levels, abnormal foot shape, and sensitive skin. While most blisters generally heal naturally, improper care can lead to infection or prolonged discomfort. A podiatrist can provide safe treatment, protect the skin, address underlying causes, and recommend footwear or other protective measures. If you develop frequent foot blisters, or if they become infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and prevention solutions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Standing All Day Can Lead to Foot Pain

Standing for long periods of time places constant pressure on the muscles, joints, and ligaments of the feet, often leading to soreness, fatigue, and inflammation. Common causes of foot pain include muscle overuse, poor circulation, inadequate arch support, and hard work surfaces. Relief can begin with simple stretching exercises such as the towel stretch, which gently lengthens the calf and plantar fascia using a towel for support. Additionally, the toe extension, which improves flexibility by pulling the toes upward to stretch the bottom of the foot. Wearing compression socks may help reduce swelling and improve circulation, while taking frequent breaks allows tissues to recover. A podiatrist can identify biomechanical problems, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and create a personalized care plan. If you have foot pain from standing most of the day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief, treatment, and prevention solutions.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

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Neuropathy and Toe Numbness and Tingling

Toe numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations often described as obdormition, which refers to a feeling of pins and needles or loss of sensation. These symptoms may be caused by peripheral neuropathy, where damaged nerves disrupt normal sensation in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy is a common form or neuropathy that develops from prolonged high blood sugar and can lead to burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the toes. Symptoms may worsen at night or with prolonged standing. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, identify the underlying cause, and recommend treatment to protect sensation and prevent complications such as wounds or infections. If you notice ongoing numbness or tingling in your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief tips.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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