Chronic Ankle Pain – Why You Have it and What to Do!

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Any nagging ache or pain can be just that – a real pain! When it happens to occur in your foot or ankle, it can really impact your quality of life. Simple tasks can become difficult and you realize how much you rely on your feet to get through the day.

Is chronic ankle pain something you are tired of dealing with? Numerous conditions can cause this and because it can lead to tissue damage and possible disability, it is worth getting to the bottom of why you have it and what you can do to keep it from getting worse.

When patients come in to Central Connecticut Footcare Center with persistent pain, we often start by asking about footwear. Shoes with tight toe boxes and higher heels don’t allow your feet to function properly, even if you claim to be comfortable! Good shoes help your feet gain strength and flexibility and without those and the proper support, pain can lurk around the corner.

Two other reasons for your sore ankles could be osteoarthritis and tarsal tunnel syndrome. The first is a degenerative joint disease typically affecting older people, while the latter can be caused by an ankle injury, bone spurs or having a condition such as diabetes. Our podiatrist, Dr. Tina Boucher will be able to find the root of your pain, get you on a tailored treatment plan and help you back to the freedom of living life without ankle pain!

How long have you been suffering, hoping your nagging problem will just go away? If you are like most people, your answer is probably far too long! Allow us to help get you back on your feet. Make an appointment at our Meriden, CT office today by calling (203) 238-3668 – you have nothing lose but that annoying pain!

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Arthritis in the Feet

Are you dealing with pain and inflammation in your joints?

Arthritis affects around 40 million Americans so you if you suffer from this painful disease, please know you are not alone! Our job at Central Connecticut Foot Care Center is to give patients relief from their foot and ankle pain. Foot specialist, Dr. Tina Boucher, treats patients with arthritis in their feet on a regular basis.

More specifically, it is osteoarthritis that develops in the joints of the foot and ankle. It is the most common type of arthritis and is degenerative in nature. This means that it gets worse over time as you age. The cartilage in your feet breaks down over time and because each foot has 33 joints, the result can be significant pain and loss of mobility.

How do I know if I have arthritis in my feet?

Arthritis can affect anyone at any age but typically those over 50 years of age are more susceptible. Early diagnosis can significantly limit and slow down the damage that this disease can cause. For this reason, please pay close attention if you experience the following symptoms:

• Stiffness in your feet and ankles in the morning

• Recurring pain or tenderness

• Inability to move your foot or ankle, walk or bear weight

• Redness or heat

• Changes in your skin

• Swelling

Please contact our office if you have any of these symptoms. Dr. Boucher can diagnose if arthritis has set in and start you on the right path of treatment. This may involve pain relievers, arch supports, physical therapy or special shoes. Don’t allow joint pain to affect your life any longer. Call us today (203) 238-3668 to make an appointment or visit us online.

Osteochondritis

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Are you having pain and stiffness in your ankle?

Persistent pain in your foot or ankle can be very frustrating as it impairs your ability to carry out daily tasks or takes you out of activities. Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT regularly sees patients complaining of ankle pain and ready for relief.

If you are experiencing pain and stiffness in your ankle joint, it could be the result of a condition called osteochondritis. This is a common condition that most often develops after you have had a twisting-type injury to your ankle. During an injury, a piece of cartilage from the end of a bone in your ankle can “chip” off or become loose. Sometimes a chipped piece of cartilage stays in place leaving no pain or symptoms. It is when a fragment of cartilage moves and and gets caught between a joint that pain or stiffness can develop. Swelling and aching are also common symptoms we hear from patients at our podiatric office.

This sounds like what I may have, what can be done?

This is one of those conditions where the early it is diagnosed and treated the better. Rest and immobilization in a cast can give the bone injury time to heal. If the condition is more severe, surgery may be needed to remove the loose fragments of cartilage. The area where the fragment broke off from may need to be addressed as well. This can be done by drilling holes which stimulates blood vessels resulting in scar tissue that fills in the area.

To avoid surgery, please call us today if you are experiencing nagging, aching pain or stiffness in your ankle. Dr. Boucher can diagnose the severity of your injury and start appropriate treatment immediately. Call our office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Staying Fit in Winter – Dangers in the Gym

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If you frequent a local gym, do you know of the hidden dangers that may be lurking? Here are a few important things Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT warns that you need to be aware of:

Contagious bacteria – Staph infections can spread from shared equipment, towels, mats and locker rooms. Even a small cut or scrape can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Cover any small injuries you may have, wipe down equipment before using it and always wear shoes in locker rooms.

Weight training woes – Most gyms offer some high intensity classes that draw people in who are eager to get fit. Problems can arise when you are not fit enough to keep up with the instructor or hold proper form when lifting weights. Straining your neck, shoulders and back can lead to serious injury. Find a class suitable to your fitness level and work your way up.

Mystery Machines – Walking into a gym and seeing all the equipment and machine options can be intimidating. Trying to pretend you know what you are doing when you don’t can lead to serious injury as well. Form and technique is very important to make exercise safe and effective so ask an employee or a veteran gym member how to use machines properly.

If going to the gym has exposed you to one of these dangers and you are experiencing foot or ankle pain or a fungal infection, get treatment from Dr. Boucher right away. Call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us online at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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