April 2024

Sudden onset ankle pain without any apparent injury can be perplexing and concerning for many individuals. While it may seem mysterious, there are several potential causes behind this discomfort. One common reason can be overuse or strain, particularly from activities like running or jumping. Excessive stress on the ankle joint can lead to inflammation and pain. Additionally, conditions like both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can flare up suddenly, causing discomfort in the ankle joint. In some cases, sudden ankle pain may be linked to an underlying medical condition, such as gout or tendonitis. Improper footwear or sudden changes in physical activity levels can also contribute to ankle pain. It is essential to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms and seek medical evaluation from a podiatrist to determine the root cause of the pain. If you have sudden ankle pain, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can offer you relief and treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns on the feet are often the result of rubbing and mechanical stress on the skin. When there is repetitive friction on a certain area of the foot, the skin may respond by thickening and forming a hardened, raised bump known as a corn. Bony prominences, such as the toes or the sides of the feet, are more susceptible to corn development caused by rubbing against the shoes. Corns can also form in response to wearing ill-fitting footwear, high heels, or possibly from having foot deformities that alter the distribution of weight and pressure on the feet. While corns themselves are not usually harmful, they can cause discomfort or pain, especially when walking or wearing shoes. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can address corns through various treatments, such as trimming, padding, or orthotic devices to provide relief. If you are struggling with corns on the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for personalized treatment options. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic patients require special attention to foot health due to their increased risk of developing complications such as neuropathy, poor circulation, and foot ulcers. Neglecting foot care can lead to serious consequences like infections, foot deformities, and even amputation. To maintain optimal foot health, people who are diabetic should adhere to a few simple tips. First, inspect the feet daily for cuts, sores, or blisters, as early detection is crucial. Second, wash and dry the feet thoroughly, paying attention to the spaces between the toes. Moisturize regularly, but avoid applying lotion between toes to prevent fungal infections. Additionally, wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and never walk barefoot, even indoors. Regular exercise improves circulation, benefiting foot health. Most importantly, if you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you schedule regular check-ups with a podiatrist who can monitor foot health and promptly address any concerns.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fibroma is a condition where a benign lump forms within the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This lump is made up of connective tissue and is usually located in the arch of the foot. It can cause discomfort or pain as pressure is applied to the area, especially when standing or walking. Diagnosing a plantar fibroma typically involves a physical examination from a podiatrist, or foot doctor. The podiatrist may feel the lump in the foot's arch and might confirm the diagnosis through imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI. These tests help to visualize the fibroma's size and exact location within the plantar fascia to ensure it is not something else. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to manage symptoms and prevent the fibroma from worsening. If you have a lump in the arch of the foot, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, often characterized by sudden and intense pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, primarily affects individuals who exhibit certain predisposing factors. Men over the age of 40 are particularly susceptible, as are postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes. Additionally, those with a family history of gout are at an increased risk, suggesting a genetic component to the condition. Lifestyle choices can also play a significant role. Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly beer, and a diet rich in purine-containing foods such as red meat, seafood, and organ meats can elevate the risk. Additionally, obesity and conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease are associated with a higher likelihood of developing gout. Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, can contribute to elevated uric acid levels, increasing the likelihood of gout flare-ups. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.