An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the joint are stretched or torn due to excessive force. The most common type is an inversion sprain, where the foot rolls inward, causing damage to the outer ligaments. An eversion sprain is less common and happens when the foot rolls outward, affecting the inner ligaments. The severity of ankle sprains is classified into grades. A mild sprain involves slight stretching of the ligaments with minimal swelling. A moderate sprain includes partial tearing, increased swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. A severe sprain results in a complete ligament tear, significant swelling, and joint instability. Strengthening exercises, balance training, and supportive footwear can help prevent future injuries and maintain ankle stability. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer treatment solutions based on the type and severity of the sprain.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Child athletes frequently experience foot and ankle injuries due to the physical demands of sports. Activities such as soccer, basketball, and gymnastics place significant stress on these areas, increasing the risk of sprains, fractures, and overuse injuries. Ankle sprains are particularly common, often resulting from sudden changes in direction or missteps. Overuse injuries in child athletes, such as stress fractures and tendon inflammation, can develop when repetitive motions strain the bones and soft tissues without adequate recovery time. Growth plate injuries are another concern, as the developing bones in children are more vulnerable to damage, which may affect long-term growth. Ignoring persistent pain or swelling may lead to chronic issues and a higher risk of re-injury. A podiatrist can evaluate your child’s condition, provide treatment to manage the pain and swelling, and recommend ways to prevent future injuries, such as wearing proper footwear and activity modifications. If your child experiences foot pain after sports activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact David Carmack, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Dancers place significant stress on their feet, toes, and ankles, making proper foot care essential for preventing injuries and maintaining mobility. Keeping toenails short and cutting them straight across helps reduce the risk of ingrown toenails, which can be painful and interfere with movement. Calluses act as a protective barrier against friction, but should be carefully maintained to prevent thickening that can cause discomfort. Corns, which often develop between the toes due to pressure from wearing tight-fitting shoes, may require adjustments in footwear or evaluation by a podiatrist. Pointe dancers are especially prone to bruised toenails, which may turn black and eventually fall off, leading to temporary discomfort and limitations in performance. Persistent pain, swelling, or structural concerns like bunions or stress fractures should not be ignored. A podiatrist can assess foot health, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment, including orthotics or surgery, if necessary. If you have foot, toe, or ankle pain caused by dancing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Many women experience foot pain later in life, often due to years of wearing fashionable but unsupportive shoes. High heels, pointed toes, and narrow-fitting styles put excessive pressure on the forefoot, leading to bunions, hammertoes, and chronic joint pain. Decades of squeezing into restrictive footwear can also contribute to nerve damage, calluses, and structural changes in the feet. Men, on the other hand, are less likely to develop foot pain from past footwear choices. Their shoes tend to have a wider toe box, lower heels, and better arch support, reducing long-term strain. While men can still  develop foot issues, their footwear history rarely plays as significant a role. If you are a female dealing with lingering foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can help correct or manage the damage caused by years of wearing impractical footwear.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Sometimes an ankle injury, like a broken ankle, can lead to a gradual joint breakdown that affects everyday movement. When the cushioning tissue is damaged by a fracture, sprain, or repeated impact, the smooth surface that helps bones glide becomes worn. As the bones begin to rub against each other, discomfort and stiffness develop, along with swelling and persistent pain. Over time, these changes make walking and other activities increasingly difficult. Early detection is important to prevent further damage. Treatments may include rest, targeted exercises, and special shoes to reduce pressure on the joint. In some cases, injections or surgery are considered to restore function and relieve pain. If you experience ongoing pain or limited mobility after an ankle injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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