An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear. The two main types are inversion sprains, which happen when the foot rolls inward and affect the ligaments on the outer ankle, and eversion sprains, which occur when the foot rolls outward and strain the inner ligaments. These injuries often result from sudden twisting motions, uneven surfaces, sports activities, or missteps. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the sprain, provide targeted treatment, and create a rehabilitation plan to restore strength and stability. If you think you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions to ensure proper healing. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The intrinsic muscles of the foot play a vital role in shock absorption, protection of the plantar fascia, and guiding how force transfers from the ground back into the body, which is especially important for runners who place repeated stress on their feet. Keeping these muscles strong helps improve balance, stability, running efficiency, and overall foot health. Helpful exercises include toe crunches by curling your toes while keeping your heel down, calf raises by lifting your heels slowly while standing tall, and toe extensions by lifting your toes upward while the rest of your foot stays flat. These movements strengthen the small muscles that support your arch and reduce strain during long runs or speed work. A podiatrist can assess your running mechanics and create a personalized strengthening plan. If you experience foot pain, scheduling a visit with a podiatrist can help you stay injury-free and improve performance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Foot drop syndrome occurs when a person cannot lift the front of the foot, causing the toes to drag while walking. This can make walking difficult and lead to a high-stepping motion, called a steppage gait. Foot drop can affect one or both feet. It often results from nerve injury, muscle weakness, or brain disorders that affect muscle control. Sometimes, pressure on the peroneal nerve near the knee or trauma to the leg can cause foot drop. A podiatrist can help by checking muscle strength, testing nerve function, and studying foot movement to find the cause. They can order imaging or nerve tests and fit ankle-foot braces or orthotic inserts to improve walking. Surgical remedies can be discussed if nerve or muscle damage is deemed permanent. If you are experiencing symptoms of foot drop when you walk, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Falls prevention begins with simple habits that help strengthen the body and create safer movement. Staying aware of your surroundings, keeping pathways clear, and choosing supportive footwear can greatly reduce your chances of slipping. Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that promotes better balance, coordination, and stability through slow and controlled movements. It helps improve muscle strength and body awareness, both of which are important for preventing falls. A podiatrist can identify foot or ankle issues that may affect balance, recommend proper footwear, and create a personalized plan to support safer mobility. If you have injured your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on additional falls prevention techniques.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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