Ruth Ann Cooper, D.P.M

If you are a weekend warrior and experience any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with my office for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment:

1. Aching, stiffness or tenderness above your heel upward to the area just below your calf muscle. This is a sign of Achilles tendonitis or tendonosis which often occurs from overuse or from trying to do too much too soon. You may notice pain upon rising in the morning or after periods of rest. This pain typically improves somewhat with motion but later worsens with increased activity.

2. Pain, soreness, swelling, bruising or stiffness in the ankle joint that hinders your ability to walk. These are classic symptoms of an ankle sprain to one or more ligaments in the ankle. An ankle sprain’s severity depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn or completely torn, as well as the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains are different from strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.

Ankle fractures are most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward and they can sometimes occur as the same time as an ankle sprain. If you experience any ankle pain, follow the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) and schedule an appointment with me as soon as possible.

3. Protect your feet from bacteria. Sweaty shoes and public showers at the gym are breeding grounds for bacteria. Never go barefoot while in public areas and be sure to cover cracks and cuts in the skin or ingrown toenails to help keep out germs. If you have a cut or scrape that becomes infected and does not heal, call my office to have it examined.

4. Painful blisters anywhere on your feet. Blisters occur from excessive moisture and friction usually caused by nonacrylic socks or poor-fitting and constricting athletic shoes. My office can evaluate your athletic footwear so blisters do not get in the way of your weekend workout.

If you are suffering from unexplained foot pain, schedule an appointment with my office for a proper diagnosis.