Foot and ankle injuries are common among skateboarders due to the high-impact and dynamic movements involved in the sport. One major cause of injury is inversion sprains, where the foot rolls outward, and eversion sprains, where the foot rolls inward. These sprains can vary in severity, ranging from grade 1, which involves mild stretching of ligaments, to grade 2, where ligaments are partially torn, and grade 3, which involves a complete ligament rupture. In addition to sprains, overuse injuries can occur from repetitive motions, such as pushing off or landing incorrectly, leading to stress fractures or tendinitis. Skateboarders may also suffer from ankle instability, which can increase the likelihood of sprains. If you enjoy skateboarding and have endured an injury, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions and injury prevention tips.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors 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
• Plantar Fasciosis
• 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever's disease, a common heel condition in growing adolescents, is caused by repetitive stress on the growth plate at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. This overuse injury often occurs during growth spurts and is particularly seen in young athletes engaged in activities like running and jumping. Symptoms of Sever's disease include heel pain that worsens with physical activity, tenderness when the heel is pressed, and occasional limping or discomfort while walking. Although the condition resolves over time, it can take several months to a year for symptoms to fully disappear. A podiatrist can evaluate your child’s foot structure, recommend custom orthotics to reduce strain, and provide strategies for managing pain and activity levels. This may include modifying footwear or recommending supportive heel cushions to relieve pressure on the growth plate. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Orthotics can play a vital role in managing foot challenges for individuals with cerebral palsy. While they do not prevent deformities, orthotics improve the foot’s contact with the ground, enhancing balance and stability. These devices can address alignment issues and provide essential support to the foot. By stabilizing the foot and correcting excessive pronation or supination, orthotics help distribute weight more evenly and improve overall posture. They enhance balance, reduce the likelihood of falls, and optimize foot function during walking. By promoting better weight-bearing and efficient movement, orthotics can make everyday activities safer and more comfortable. If you or a loved one with cerebral palsy could benefit from custom orthotics, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Young runners often face nail issues like inconsistent thickness or ingrown toenails due to repetitive pressure and friction from training. Running, especially over long distances, places stress on the toes as they repeatedly hit the front of the shoe. This pressure can cause nails to thicken unevenly, making them brittle or prone to splitting. Ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often result from wearing tight or poorly fitted shoes or improper trimming techniques. These conditions can lead to pain, swelling, or infection, impacting performance and comfort. Maintaining consistent nail care, such as trimming straight across and ensuring proper shoe fit, helps prevent these problems. If you are a young runner experiencing persistent toenail pain or ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for individualized treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pointe shoes are essential for many ballet dancers, allowing them to perform on the tips of their toes, creating an ethereal, floating appearance. However, wearing pointe shoes can complicate the biomechanics of ballet. These shoes shift the body’s natural alignment, often altering the way dancers move and place weight on their feet. The rigid structure of the shoe prevents the foot from flexing and distributing force evenly across the foot and ankle, leading to increased pressure on the toes and forefoot. Over time, this unnatural positioning can lead to imbalances, pain, and even injury. Furthermore, the added strain on the feet and lower limbs can cause overuse injuries in muscles, tendons, and joints. If you have developed foot pain from ballet dancing on pointe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors 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 offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.