Strengthening the ankle after a sprain helps restore control in the foot and reduce the risk of repeated injury. When ligaments around the ankle heal in a weakened state, the joint can feel unstable during walking. Strengthening focuses on improving motion, muscle support, and balance through controlled ankle and toe movements. Ankle exercises that move the foot in multiple directions help rebuild coordination. Weight bearing activities, introduced at the right stage, improve stability during movement. A podiatrist evaluates ligament healing, joint alignment, and weight bearing tolerance, then directs a plan that progresses safely. Ongoing instability or joint damage can require surgery to restore function and protect the ankle in the long term. Proper treatment lowers the risk of ankle weakness. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for advanced treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection seen by podiatrists, often affecting teens and adults who sweat in shoes. Symptoms include itching, peeling skin, cracking between toes, and blisters that form on the sole or instep. The skin may look white, scaly, or raw, and blisters can appear clear or cloudy. It may feel itchy, sore, or painful when walking. Causes include warm, moist environments, shared showers, tight footwear, and contact with contaminated surfaces. A podiatrist can help from the start by examining the skin, confirming a diagnosis, and ruling out similar conditions. Treatment may include topical or oral antifungal medications, blister care, drying strategies, and prevention education. Prompt professional guidance supports healing, reduces recurrence risk, and protects family members and teammates nearby. Early care helps prevent spread, so it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you are dealing with skin issues on your feet.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Diabetic foot refers to a group of foot problems that can develop in people with diabetes due to changes in circulation and nerve function. Causes include poor blood flow, nerve damage, and prolonged high blood sugar levels that affect healing and skin health. Symptoms may involve numbness, tingling, burning pain, or dry or cracked skin, in addition to color changes, slow healing wounds, or ulcers. Risk factors include long-term diabetes, poor glucose control, smoking, improper footwear, and a history of foot wounds or infections. Without proper care, diabetic foot problems can lead to serious complications. A podiatrist can help by providing regular foot exams, managing calluses and nail care, treating wounds, and recommending protective footwear or custom orthotics. If you have diabetes and have noticed changes in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Gout is a type of arthritis that can occur suddenly, often at night, causing severe pain and swelling in the affected joint. It is the result of uric acid building up in the bloodstream and forming crystals that deposit in joints, particularly in the big toe. This can result from consuming too many purine-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, and alcohol, or due to kidney issues that prevent uric acid from being excreted properly. Symptoms include intense joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, which can feel like a throbbing or burning sensation. The pain may be so severe that even the weight of a sheet can be unbearable. Gout attacks can last for days and may recur if left untreated. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing gout through a physical exam, blood test, or joint fluid analysis. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or other specific treatments to relieve pain and prevent future attacks. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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