Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries among female basketball players. The fast pace of the game requires repeated jumping, sudden direction changes, and quick stops, which place high stress on the ankle joint. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other, are stretched or torn. Research following professional female players over two seasons found that ankle sprains led to significant time missed from games and practices. Most injuries occurred during games, often after contact with another player and frequently inside the key area of the court. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle stability, assess ligament damage, order imaging if needed, and provide bracing or other medical treatment to reduce the risk of repeat injury. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony enlargement that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned and shifts outward. This structural change occurs as the tip of the big toe angles toward the other toes. Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, and red, hot, swollen skin over the affected joint. Bunions may develop from inherited foot structure, wearing improper footwear, repetitive stress, or underlying conditions that affect joint stability. Risk factors include family history, flat feet, and working in occupations that place pressure on the forefoot. A podiatrist can evaluate the deformity and recommend personalized treatment options. If you have developed a bunion that is causing pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

A hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of the smaller toes to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a curled appearance. This condition develops when muscle imbalance places excessive pressure on the toe, often due to wearing tight footwear, foot structure issues, or arthritis. Over time, the toe may become stiff, painful, and difficult to straighten. Symptoms include swelling, redness, corns, calluses, and discomfort while walking. Wearing shoes with sufficient width, a flexible upper, and good cushioning can reduce pressure and improve comfort. Proper fit is essential to prevent worsening of the deformity. If you have symptoms of a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and management tips.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Toe swelling can appear gradually or seem to show up overnight, and the cause is not always obvious. Common reasons include minor injuries, repetitive pressure from footwear, arthritis, gout, infections, and circulation problems. Swelling may also be linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney issues. A podiatrist begins a diagnosis by listening to symptoms, timing, and recent activity. A physical examination looks at skin color, temperature, tenderness, and range of motion. Imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasound may be used to check bones, joints, and soft tissue. Blood work can help identify inflammation, infection, or metabolic causes. Because toe swelling can signal anything from irritation to serious disease, evaluation matters. If toe swelling is painful, persistent, worsening, or unexplained, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.