Ankle pain is common among ice skaters due to abrupt starts and stops, repetitive movements, and long hours spent on the ice. These actions place continuous stress on the ankle joints and surrounding muscles, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort. Prevention begins with using properly fitting skates that offer the right degree of flexibility to support the ankle without restricting natural movement. Strengthening and stretching exercises also help improve stability and reduce strain during skating sessions. A podiatrist can assess ankle alignment, identify overuse issues, and recommend custom supports or treatment to relieve pain and prevent further injury. If you have sustained an ankle injury from ice skating, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief, treatment and prevention tips. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the outer side of the foot can sometimes signal an avulsion fracture, also called a pseudo Jones fracture. This type of injury affects the base of the fifth metatarsal, which is the long bone below the pinky toe. The fracture happens when a tendon pulls a small piece of bone away from its attachment. The injury can occur after a sudden twist, roll, or direct impact to the ankle or foot. People typically notice sharp pain, swelling, and tenderness near the outer edge of the foot, making walking or bearing weight difficult. Because this fracture can be mistaken for a sprain or a more serious type of fracture, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can perform an exam, order X-rays, and recommend the best course of treatment, including immobilization or, in some cases, surgery. If you are experiencing outer foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that form on the soles of the feet due to infection by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus enters through tiny cuts or cracks in the skin, often in moist environments like locker rooms or around swimming pools. Two main types are myrmecial warts, which grow inward under pressure and often cause pain while walking, and mosaic warts, which form clusters that tend to be flatter and less painful. Plantar warts often appear on weight-bearing areas, like the heels or balls of the feet, developing thickened skin with tiny black dots that are clotted blood vessels. They can make standing or walking uncomfortable and sometimes alter gait mechanics, leading to additional foot strain. A podiatrist can confirm a diagnosis, safely remove painful lesions, and provide effective treatment to prevent recurrence. If you believe you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. 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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that occurs when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes partially dislocated or misaligned, affecting the surrounding joints and tissues. It is often caused by changes in the cuboid joint structure, overuse, ankle sprains, or repetitive stress during physical activity. Common symptoms include lateral midfoot pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort while walking or standing. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose cuboid syndrome through a physical examination and imaging, if needed. Treatment may include manual manipulation, supportive taping, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to restore alignment and relieve pain. If you have persistent outer foot pain or instability, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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