High-ankle pain develops above the ankle joint, where ligaments connect the lower-leg bones. These ligaments hold the bones together and keep the ankle stable. Pain can begin after the foot twists outward while the leg turns inward. This motion can cause a high-ankle sprain, which differs from a sprain on the outside of the ankle. High-ankle pain can also result from a fracture, arthritis, or tendon irritation. Symptoms include tenderness above the ankle, swelling, and pain when the foot turns outward. Walking, climbing stairs, and pushing off can become difficult.

Because several problems can cause pain above the ankle, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist will ask how symptoms began and where pain is strongest. The examination includes checking swelling, movement, and stability. The podiatrist may rotate the foot or press along the lower leg to identify injured tissue. X-rays can reveal a fracture or unusual spacing between the lower-leg bones. An MRI scan provides a closer look at ligaments and tendons when the cause remains unclear. Severe pain, an inability to bear weight, or a misshapen ankle needs prompt medical attention. Redness, warmth, or fever can also signal a problem requiring timely care.

Treatment depends on the cause and extent of damage. A podiatrist can protect the ankle with a brace, walking boot, or cast. These devices limit harmful motion while tissues heal. The podiatrist can recommend an activity change and guide a gradual return to movement. Custom orthotics can improve alignment and reduce stress when poor mechanics contribute to pain. A severe ligament injury can leave the lower-leg bones unstable and sometimes requires surgery. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and adjust treatment as needed. Early care can reduce the risk of lasting weakness, stiffness, and repeated injury. If you are experiencing high-ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Frank Colabella, DPM from Crosstown Podiatry. 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 offices located in Wayne and Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are bony bumps that form when the bones near a toe joint move out of their normal positions. Three types of bunions are frequently seen by a podiatrist. The most common bunion develops at the base of the big toe. As the tip of the big toe leans toward the second toe, the base of the joint protrudes on the inner side of the foot. A bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion, develops in a similar way at the base of the pinky toe. An adolescent bunion is frequently linked to an inherited foot shape, and begins in childhood or the teenage years. 

Another way of describing bunions is by their severity. X-rays show the positions of the bones and the amount of joint misalignment. A mild bunion has a smaller change in the bone angles and can cause limited discomfort. A moderate bunion has a greater shift, which can make the bump more noticeable and shoes harder to fit. With a severe bunion, the big toe can press against or overlap the second toe. Pain can interfere with standing, exercise, and daily activities. Some patients also have stiffness or arthritis in the big-toe joint. Skin irritation, corns, or calluses can develop where a bunion rubs against a shoe or where crowded toes touch.

A podiatrist can determine the type and severity of a bunion through an examination and weight-bearing X-rays. Treatment is based on symptoms rather than the bump’s appearance alone. A podiatrist can recommend wearing fitted shoes with a wide toe box, protective padding, or custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution. When pain remains severe or the deformity limits activity, surgery can realign bones and joints. The procedure chosen depends on the bunion’s location and degree of misalignment. Early evaluation can help protect joint function and guide care before symptoms become more limiting. If you have pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Frank Colabella, DPM of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot blisters are fluid-filled bumps that form when the upper layers of skin become irritated or damaged. Friction is a frequent cause, especially when shoes rub repeatedly against the skin. Blisters can develop on the toes, heels, or other areas exposed to pressure. Burns and cold injuries can also produce blisters. A blood blister can form when the skin is pinched hard enough to damage tiny blood vessels. Depending on the cause, a blister can feel tender or painful and can make standing or walking uncomfortable.

Blisters can also develop because of infections, allergic reactions, or certain medicines. Some viral infections cause groups of blisters, while bacterial infections can produce tender areas that later blister. On the feet, broken blisters require careful evaluation because damaged skin can allow infection to develop. Warning signs include increasing redness, warmth, and swelling. Pus or red streaks spreading from the area can also point to infection. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation should take foot blisters seriously because these health problems can raise the risk of complications and make healing more difficult.

A podiatrist can examine a foot blister, identify possible causes, and check the surrounding skin for infection. This evaluation is especially useful when a blister is very painful, keeps returning, or lasts longer than expected. A podiatrist can also determine whether pressure or friction from shoes is contributing to the problem. Treatment depends on the blister's cause, location, and condition. Care can focus on protecting the affected skin and reducing pressure on weight-bearing areas. A podiatrist can also address an infected blister and recommend ways to reduce repeated friction from shoes. If you have developed foot blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Frank Colabella, DPM of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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