An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often due to twisting or rolling the foot. Sprains are classified by grade. Grade one is mild, involving slight stretching with minimal swelling or pain. Grade two is moderate, with partial tearing, noticeable swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Grade three is severe, a complete ligament tear causing significant instability, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Risk factors include previous sprains, weak ankle muscles, uneven surfaces, and wearing improper footwear. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the injury, recommend supportive braces and guide recovery to prevent long-term instability. If you think you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . 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 San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Nerve entrapment syndromes in the foot and ankle occur when surrounding tissues compress or irritate a nerve. This pressure can create pain, tingling, numbness, or even burning sensations that often mimic other conditions, making diagnosis more complex. Common areas where this happens include the tarsal tunnel along the inner ankle and the top of the foot where nerves can become trapped by wearing tight footwear or repetitive strain. Athletes and individuals who spend long hours on their feet are especially prone to these syndromes. Early detection is important because untreated nerve compression can lead to long term discomfort and muscle weakness. Identifying the underlying cause, whether it is footwear, injury, or repetitive stress, is the first step to relief. If you are experiencing persistent foot or ankle nerve symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have endured a broken toe often notice daily activities can be difficult to accomplish. Many people fracture their toe from trauma, such as dropping something heavy on it, or by stubbing it against a piece of furniture. The symptoms often experienced with this type of injury include severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and the affected area may appear to be bruised. Minor fractures can be treated effectively by using the buddy taping method. This consists of taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, and this is often helpful in providing the necessary support as the healing process begins. It is beneficial to rest and elevate the affected foot, and this may help to diminish any existing swelling. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, who can perform a proper diagnosis and begin the best course of treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

The medical condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease can affect children and young adults who participate in sporting activities. There is a soft area in the heel bone known as the calcaneal growth plate, and it is surrounded by the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. The heel plate may become inflamed as consistent body weight is placed on the foot, and this may cause your child to limp. It is beneficial to stop the activity that has caused the injury. Additionally, your child may feel relief when a heel lift is placed inside the shoe, as this may help to relieve a portion of the pressure. If your child is complaining of heel pain, consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and begin effective treatment as soon as possible.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor 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 office located in San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.