While ankle sprains are extremely common orthopedic injuries, they are often treated poorly during the recovery process. Although many ankle sprains resolve without long-term problems if given appropriate early care, failing to rest an ankle sprain early on or returning to sports too quickly are two of the most common causes of delayed healing, persistent pain or weakness, and recurrent ankle sprain injuries. We’ve put together this complete guide on how to treat an ankle spr

Ankle pain that won’t go away might seem like an annoyance at first. If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or instability that lingers long after an ankle injury should have healed, there could be an underlying issue that has never properly recovered—or one that never healed properly to begin with. Although many assume ankle pain will eventually subside with time, most reasons for chronic ankle pain involve tendon injuries, joint instability, arthritis development, or biome

Swelling in the foot and ankle is common. Most people experience foot puffiness from time to time. Standing all day, hot weather, traveling, or trauma can cause feet to swell. These instances of swelling are harmless and should subside with rest. However, when swelling becomes persistent, worsens, or occurs suddenly, it may be a sign of something more serious. Swelling can be symptomatic of an underlying medical condition that needs medical attention. Foot Swelling 101 Swelli

Running, hiking, basketball, soccer, dancing, tennis. There are many athletic activities that involve your feet taking repeated pounding over many years. Over time this can lead to repetitive injuries to the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot, which are exacerbated when mileage is suddenly increased, proper recovery isn’t allowed, training errors are made, or poorly supportive footwear is used. As you continue working toward your physical activity goals, you may begi

Have you ever noticed a yellow spot on your toenail and tried covering it up with polish? You’re not alone! Many people do this without realizing nail polish may disguise an infection or serious health issue. How can you tell if your toenail condition is medical or cosmetic? The truth is they can appear very similar to a brown spot, thick nail, ridges, or lifting of the nail plate. In most cases, medical nail conditions indicate infection, trauma, damage to nail growth or att

Progressive foot deformities can develop slowly. You may notice one of your toes gradually becomes crooked, one of your shoes doesn’t feel like it fits in usual areas or you fatigue while walking sooner than you used to. Each of these can be signs of early deformity. Over time these deformities can develop, causing further changes to your walking mechanics, pain, and limitation in activities. Catching them early allows conservative treatment to slow the deformity down while m

Bone injuries of the foot can present themselves in sneaky ways. Fractures can start with mild symptoms that seem innocent, causing you to write them off as strain or temporary soreness. Many minor fractures or stress reactions can turn into larger problems if you continue to aggravate them before they heal. Symptoms that don’t improve or stop you from weight bearing should always be evaluated. Foot fractures can range from stress reactions from repetitive loading to acute br

Successful recovery from foot surgery is more than just a function of time. Strategic steps taken in the weeks after your procedure to protect healing tissue, restore function, and avoid complications make a big difference in outcomes. Surgical repairs to bones, tendons, or soft tissue all require post-operative management to achieve the strongest possible healing and safe return to normal activity. Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle patients typically follow a staged recovery plan

Your posterior tibial tendon plays an essential role in supporting your arch and keeping your foot flat on the ground when you walk, run, and perform many other activities. Inflammation, overstretching, and tearing of this tendon can lead to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which is commonly associated with pain at the inner ankle and flattening of the foot over time. It is important to pay attention to signs of dysfunction early on, so that proper treatment can be admini

Fractures in the foot can have a significant impact on work, exercise, and daily activities. Foot fractures can range from minor stress fractures that develop over time to more significant fractures caused by an acute trauma. Education about mechanisms of injury, symptoms, and appropriate evaluation can have a meaningful impact on outcomes and long term foot health. A fracture of the foot occurs when the force exerted on one of the many bones in the foot exceeds its ability t

Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve condition that commonly affects the feet and lower legs. Years of high blood glucose can injure nerve fibers and small blood vessels, resulting in loss of sensation and slower healing. Small cuts and pressure areas often go unnoticed and may turn into more serious wounds. Good foot care is one of the most important measures to avoid ulcers, infection, and loss of function. Our diabetes patients at Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle are screened regula

Adult flatfoot, a condition in which the foot arch collapses or is noticeably low, is much more than just an altered appearance. The collapse of the foot arch changes the way the foot absorbs shock and supports the body. These changes can cause flatfoot pain, tiredness, and activity limitations. Some people with flat feet have no symptoms, but others notice progressive pain and discomfort when walking, standing, and may have associated knee or lower back issues. Treasure Vall

Step-by-Step Look at Relief Options for Persistent Heel Pain There is nothing worse than chronic heel pain. Pain with walking, exercise, and standing can really take a toll. If simple heel stretches, supportive shoes, orthotics, and physical therapy have not resolved your heel pain, your provider may suggest an injection as the next step. Heel injection therapy is a well-known treatment option for plantar fasciitis and certain types of Achilles irritation. It can take time to

Your favorite pair of shoes just became one of your least favorites, all because of a painful bump at the back of the heel. Haglund’s deformity is a foot problem that occurs when the bone at the back of the heel increases in size. This irritates shoes, as well as the nearby soft tissue. This results in a swollen and painful bump at the back of the heel. Though this bump is the symptom, if left untreated, it can make it hard to walk, exercise, and do simple day-to-day activiti

If your shoe feels like it has a stone or a bunched sock in it, then Morton’s neuroma could be to blame. This common condition of the forefoot, which involves the nerve between the toes, most frequently between the third and fourth toes, causes pain, burning, and discomfort that can interfere with normal activities. Protect your foot health and return to comfortable mobility by understanding what causes this sensation, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when to seek treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a foot nerve condition that can be easily missed but is important to your foot health and mobility. It occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed in the tarsal tunnel. If missed or left untreated, the nerve can become pinched causing chronic pain, numbness, and loss of function. Knowing how to identify the first signs of tarsal tunnel syndrome can help you receive care and keep you moving. The most common pain symptoms Tarsal tunnel syndrom

Lisfranc injuries are among the most commonly missed midfoot injuries in athletics, but they are far from inconsequential. When they do occur, Lisfranc injuries happen during high-impact and cutting movements, as well as during awkward landings. Learning how a Lisfranc injury happens, what it feels like, and how it can be treated, is an important part of keeping your midfoot safe and your long-term performance intact. Let’s start with a brief review of the midfoot. Midfoot An

Managing gout is more than just taking medication. Your daily food choices can make a significant difference in how often and how intensely you experience flare-ups. Gout, a painful type of arthritis, is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. This uric acid creates sharp crystals in your joints, causing swelling, redness, and intense pain, particularly in the big toe area. Understanding which foods can trigger these episodes is key to living comfortably with gout. H

Foot arthritis is a common concern for many adults seeking ways to manage pain and improve mobility. If you’re looking for natural solutions, you’re not alone. With the right combination of dietary changes, tailored exercises, and lifestyle adjustments, it’s possible to ease discomfort and support healthier joints sometimes even slowing the progression of arthritis. What Is Foot Arthritis? Arthritis in the foot refers to inflammation and deterioration in one or more joints, o

Hammertoe is often underestimated as a simple foot issue that might resolve on its own. Yet, ignoring the early signs can lead to chronic pain and, eventually, surgery. Understanding how to recognize and manage hammertoe early can help you maintain healthy, pain-free feet. This guide shares essential insights and practical tips to prevent hammertoe from worsening and preserve your mobility for the long term. What Is Hammertoe? Hammertoe is a common deformity where a toe bends