Items filtered by date: May 2025

Recovering from a broken ankle depends on the type and severity of the fracture. A podiatrist can assess the injury and recommend proper treatment, which may involve immobilization using a cast or walking boot. In more complex cases, surgery might be necessary to reposition fractured bones and stabilize them with screws or plates. A broken ankle can take several weeks to heal, and additional time may be required to restore full ankle motion and strength. If the ligaments or tendons are also affected, this can lengthen recovery. A podiatrist will monitor your progress, evaluate healing through imaging, and determine when it is safe to begin gradual weight-bearing. Improper healing can lead to long-term instability, pain, or limited function, so close medical supervision is important. A podiatrist can also help prevent reinjury through supportive devices or orthotics and ongoing monitoring of the foot and ankle during recovery. If you have fractured an ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

As people age, their feet often lose strength and mobility, which can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Stiff joints, weaker foot muscles, and reduced ankle flexibility can make walking less stable, especially on uneven surfaces. A podiatrist may recommend exercises that focus on improving the function of the feet, toes, and ankles. Strengthening the small muscles in the feet and increasing ankle mobility can enhance balance and coordination. Exercises such as calf raises, toe lifts, and towel curls can help improve the ability of the feet to respond to sudden shifts in weight. Controlled movement in the ankles also helps with walking and changing direction safely. By improving how the foot and ankle work together, these exercises support better posture and movement. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and recommend an exercise plan to help prevent falls by addressing weakness, joint stiffness, or other underlying conditions. If you have balance issues that put you at risk for falls, or have injured your feet from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer helpful guidance.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in children and young teens, especially those who participate in sports. It is not actually a disease but a growth-related condition that affects the heel’s growth plate. As the foot grows, the Achilles tendon can pull on the developing heel bone, causing pain and swelling. Running and jumping often make it worse, and the heel may feel sore to the touch. The pain usually comes and goes, and may be more noticeable after activity. Rest and stretching can help ease symptoms. Wearing supportive shoes or heel cushions may also reduce strain. Most children outgrow the condition once their bones finish growing. If your child complains of heel pain during or after sports, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, also known as posterior tibial neuralgia, is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel along the inside of the ankle. This compression can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the foot and ankle. Risk factors for developing tarsal tunnel syndrome include having flat feet, which can stretch the nerve, previous ankle injuries that cause swelling, or conditions like arthritis and diabetes that lead to nerve damage or inflammation. Symptoms may worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or physical activity and pain can radiate into the toes or heel. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.