Zumba is a fun way to stay active, but its fast footwork and sudden movements can lead to ankle sprains or fractures. Sprains occur when ligaments stretch beyond their limit, while fractures happen from direct impact or awkward landings. Prevention starts with wearing the right shoes that provide cushioning and ankle support. Avoiding crowded classes reduces the chance of accidental collisions. A proper warm-up and cool-down improve flexibility, and staying hydrated helps muscles and joints perform safely. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle health, provide treatment for injuries, and guide a safe return to activity. If you have ankle pain from Zumba, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you relief and treatment solutions, enabling your return to this popular activity.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Orthotic devices, including various foot inserts, orthoses, braces, and shoe modifications, serve as essential tools in the conservative management of numerous foot and ankle conditions. These conditions can range from congenital disorders like planovalgus and tarsal coalition to sports-related issues, such as plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis. They are also important in managing systemic disorders with foot and ankle implications, like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The primary goal of using orthotics is to restore normal foot function as much as possible and to prevent further progression of the disease affecting the foot and/or ankle. Achieving this involves designing orthotics that offload high-pressure areas, minimize shear forces, provide cushioning at tender sites, correct flexible deformities, and offer necessary foot control and support. If you are interested in custom-made orthotics conforming to your specific foot structure, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for more information.

Experience a transformative solution to heel pain and foot pain through the personalized benefits of custom orthotics and shoe inserts. If you’re grappling with the persistent agony of plantar fasciitis, these customized inserts are designed to alleviate the strain on the plantar fascia, providing targeted relief. Engineered to adapt to your unique foot anatomy, custom orthotics tackle not only plantar fasciitis but also general foot and heel pain, offering unparalleled support and comfort. Don’t let every step be a reminder of discomfort; step into a world of tailored well-being. Say farewell to the limitations imposed by heel pain and embrace the freedom of pain-free mobility. Invest in your foot health and redefine your daily stride with the transformative power of custom orthotics and shoe inserts, ensuring each step is a step towards lasting comfort. 

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

Over-pronation occurs when the foot rolls too far inward with each step, placing excess stress on the arch, ankle, and surrounding soft tissues. Instead of evenly distributing weight across the foot, the inward roll causes the inner edge of the foot and big toe to bear too much pressure. This can flatten the arch, limit shock absorption, and strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet and ankles. Over time, over-pronation may contribute to painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel pain, ankle sprains, and posterior tibial tendon problems. Over-pronation is often linked to flat feet, but can also develop from weak or imbalanced muscles, loose ligaments, or excessive flexibility in the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait and foot posture, prescribe custom orthotics, recommend supportive bracing, or discuss surgery for severe cases. If you are experiencing foot pain, especially after activity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Warts on the feet can appear in different forms, and knowing the difference helps in choosing the right treatment. Plantar warts usually form on the soles of the feet where pressure is greatest. They may grow inward due to walking, and often feel like a painful pebble under the skin. These warts sometimes show small black dots, which are tiny clotted blood vessels. Other types of warts, such as common warts, may develop on the top of the foot or around the toes, and are usually raised and rough to the touch. While both are caused by strains of the human papillomavirus, treatment may vary depending on the location and severity. If you notice unusual growths on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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