Items filtered by date: March 2025

Foot injuries are a frequent problem in many sports, but some athletes face a higher risk than others. Studies show that athletes in gymnastics, cross-country, track and field, and soccer tend to experience foot injuries more often. Both men and women in these sports are affected, but female track and field athletes appear to have a higher rate of injury compared to their male counterparts. The most common foot injuries include bruising of the foot or toes, injuries to the midfoot, plantar fascia strain, turf toe, and fractures of the metatarsal bones. Among these, metatarsal fractures, plantar fascia injuries, midfoot damage, and contusions are considered the most severe and frequent. If you are an athlete involved in high-impact sports, and experience persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can advise with prevention strategies and guide you toward treatment to keep you active and injury-free.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Gabrielle Clark, DPM from LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters on the feet can develop due to various causes, leading to discomfort and difficulty in walking. Friction from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes creates repeated rubbing against the skin, resulting in fluid-filled pockets. Excessive heat, such as walking on hot surfaces or prolonged sun exposure, can cause burns that form blisters. Additionally, exposure to extreme cold may lead to frostbite, damaging the skin and leading to blister formation. Chemical irritation from harsh substances or allergic reactions to medications can also contribute to blister development. There are different types of blisters, including those that are clear fluid-filled caused by friction or burns, blood blisters resulting from deeper tissue damage, and infected blisters that appear red, swollen, and filled with pus. Foot blisters can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have a blister on your foot that has become painful, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer safe treatment and prevention solutions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones fracture due to trauma or excessive pressure. It can result from dropping a heavy object on the foot, stubbing the toe with force, or experiencing a direct impact during physical activity. A jammed toe, on the other hand, happens when the toe is forcefully bent or compressed, causing soft tissue injury rather than a fracture. Symptoms of a broken toe include severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and possible deformity. A jammed toe usually causes pain, stiffness, mild swelling, and temporary discomfort but does not result in a visible deformity. While both conditions can be painful, a broken toe may require medical evaluation and immobilization. If you have toe pain that may indicate a broken toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity of the toes where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer shape. This condition typically affects the second, third, or fourth toes and can cause significant discomfort. The most common cause of hammertoe is wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, which put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend abnormally. Other factors include muscle imbalances, arthritis, or genetic predisposition. Symptoms of hammertoe include pain or irritation in the affected toe, swelling, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably. Over time, the condition can worsen, leading to more pronounced deformities. Treatment options range from wearing properly fitting shoes to corrective surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. If you have developed hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.