An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, usually as a result of twisting or rolling the foot in an unnatural direction. Symptoms of a sprained ankle include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and a limited ability to place weight on the affected foot. Discoloration and stiffness may also develop. Ankle sprains can happen during sports activities, walking on an uneven surface, or simply from wearing shoes that do not offer proper support. In more severe ankle sprains, tendons, cartilage, or nearby blood vessels may also be affected. A podiatrist can assess the sprain through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to rule out fractures and identify the extent of the ligament damage. Depending on the severity, a podiatrist may recommend immobilizing the joint with a brace or boot. In some cases, surgery may be needed to restore joint stability and function. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD . 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 misaligned or partially dislocated, often due to overuse or injury. The cuboid is a small bone located on the outer side of the foot, near the middle, and plays a key role in foot stability and movement. Pain from cuboid syndrome is typically felt along the outer edge of the foot and may extend into the arch or toward the toes. The discomfort can be sharp or aching and often worsens with walking, running, or standing for long periods. Causes may include repetitive strain, wearing improper footwear, or sudden twisting motions. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

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 Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. 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 office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pronation and supination describe how the feet move during walking or running. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward, placing more weight on the inside edge, often flattening the arch. Supination is the opposite, with the foot rolling outward and weight shifting to the outer edge. Both are natural motions, but when either is excessive, it can lead to imbalance and discomfort. Overpronation may result in pain in the arch, heel, or ankle, while too much supination can strain the outer foot and cause heel pain or calluses. The uneven wear on shoe soles can often reveal if a person’s gait leans inward or outward. Factors such as high arches, leg length differences, past injuries, or prolonged standing on hard surfaces can contribute to these gait patterns. A podiatrist can assess the alignment of your foot and ankle, examine the extent of pronation or supination, and recommend orthotics or footwear changes to reduce strain and prevent further injury. If you have gait issues that are causing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, possible gait analysis, and treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. 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 Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, making daily activities more challenging. It often develops from wear and tear on the joints, inflammation, or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Regular foot exercises can help improve flexibility, reduce discomfort, and strengthen the surrounding muscles. The plantar fascia stretch involves gently pulling the toes back to stretch the bottom of the foot, easing tension and improving movement. A calf stretch helps loosen the Achilles tendon and reduce strain on the heel. Rolling a golf ball under the foot massages the plantar fascia, promoting circulation and relieving tightness. Additionally, marble pick-ups strengthen the toes by encouraging small movements that improve coordination and flexibility. If you have arthritis that is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you find relief, and also recommend additional foot stretches.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. This firm lump is usually found in the arch and may cause discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Symptoms include a noticeable mass under the skin, tenderness, and pressure-related pain. The exact cause is not always clear, but trauma to the foot, certain medications, and improper footwear may contribute to its development. Some health conditions, including diabetes and liver disease associated with alcoholism, have also been linked to plantar fibromas. Treatment options focus on reducing discomfort through orthotics and stretching, as well as other medical interventions. If you have one or more lumps on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor 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 our office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.