A lateral ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn after the foot rolls inward unexpectedly. This often happens during sports, quick changes in direction, or simple missteps on uneven ground. The most commonly affected tissue is the ligament at the front of the outer ankle, which is more vulnerable to sudden twisting. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, soreness when touching the outer ankle, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Some people feel unsteady or notice that the ankle wants to give way. Early care focuses on reducing swelling and protecting the joint while it begins to heal. As pain improves, targeted movement and strengthening help restore stability. A podiatrist can determine the extent of the injury and outline the safest recovery plan. If your ankle remains painful or unstable, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief and treatment solutions.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arch does not lift properly, causing the entire sole to touch the ground and placing extra pressure on the feet and ankles. This can begin in childhood or develop later from tendon problems like a tight Achilles tendon or weakness along the inside of the ankle. People with flat feet may feel aching in the arches, stiffness, or fatigue after long periods of walking or standing. Some notice the ankles leaning inward or calluses forming from added friction. A podiatrist can evaluate the arch, check tendon strength, and determine how the flat feet affect foot movement. Treatment options include orthotics to support the arch, improve alignment, and reduce strain, along with guidance on shoe choices. The podiatrist can also discuss surgery if the bones or tendons need correction. If you have foot problems related to flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the nerves between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Foot pain often feels sharp, burning, or tingling and may radiate into the toes. Causes include repetitive pressure or irritation from tight shoes, high heels, or abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms can include numbness, a feeling of a pebble in the shoe, swelling, and discomfort that worsens with activity. Risk factors include wearing narrow or pointed shoes, participating in high-impact sports, and having foot deformities such as bunions or flat feet. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, recommending footwear modifications, providing orthotics, performing conservative treatments, and, if needed, guiding advanced care. If you have developed toe or forefoot pain it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

High heels may look sexy and make the legs look longer, but a lifetime spent wearing high heels can cause a lot of damage to the feet. The angle at which the toes and ball of the foot are jammed into a pointy toe box adds undue pressure on the bottom of the foot. The higher the heel, the more pressure is added. This may result in several painful foot conditions including bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, and Achilles tendonitis, to name a few. Other effects in the long-term wearing of high heels is plantar fasciitis, Haglund’s deformity at the back of the heel, which is also called pump bump, knee and back pain caused by the shifting of weight, and Morton’s neuroma, which affects the nerves under the third and fourth toe. If you are experiencing any of these foot conditions and the pain is ongoing or worsening, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and discussion of treatment options. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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