Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint break due to sudden or excessive force. Car accidents are a common cause, as the impact can twist or crush the ankle unexpectedly. Falling and tripping, especially on uneven surfaces, often result in awkward landings that place too much stress on the joint. Simple missteps, such as missing a curb or stepping wrong on a slope, can also lead to fractures. Overuse injuries, particularly in athletes, may weaken the bones over time, making them more vulnerable to breaks. Another frequent cause is falling from a height, such as slipping off a ladder, where the force of landing improperly can easily fracture the ankle. If you have fractured your ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the correct shoe size is essential for foot health, comfort, and overall mobility. Shoes that fit properly should provide enough space at the toe box, allow your foot to rest naturally, and feel secure without being tight. Signs that shoes may be the wrong size include blisters, pressure points, pain, or excessive movement of the heel while walking. It is important to check how your feet feel at the end of the day when they are slightly swollen, as this can give a better sense of fit. Wearing shoes that are too small or too large can lead to long-term issues, such as bunions, hammertoes, and joint pain. Choosing the correct size helps support proper alignment, reduces fatigue, and promotes healthier movement with each step you take. If you have developed foot pain from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and better guide you on determining your correct shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet can offer important clues about thyroid health, often showing symptoms that are easy to overlook. Cracked heels may be one of the earliest signs, especially when dryness persists despite moisturizing. Itchy feet can also occur due to slowed skin cell turnover, commonly seen with low thyroid function. Cold feet are another frequent symptom, as the thyroid helps regulate body temperature and poor circulation may result from an underactive thyroid. Additionally, swollen feet can develop due to fluid retention, which sometimes accompanies hormonal imbalances linked to thyroid conditions. These foot-related signs should not be ignored, especially when they appear together or persist. If you have any of the above foot symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and discuss the connection regarding possible thyroid disease.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful type of arthritis that can affect the ankle, not just the big toe. It develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals in the joints. When this occurs in the ankle, it may cause sudden, sharp pain along with swelling, redness, and warmth in the area. Movements like walking or climbing stairs can become difficult during a flare-up. Gout flare-ups in the ankle may last for several days and often return over time, if not properly managed. Risk factors include a diet high in red or organ meats, alcohol consumption, sugary beverages, excess body weight, and high blood pressure. A podiatrist can help determine whether gout is the cause of your ankle pain by examining the foot and ordering diagnostic tests, including bloodwork or imaging. Once diagnosed, a podiatrist can recommend treatment that may include medication to lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing sharp pain in your ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam to determine if gout is the cause.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.