Items filtered by date: February 2025

Ankle arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage in the joint wears away, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. If nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief, ankle surgery may help to restore movement and reduce pain. Several procedures address different levels of joint damage. Ankle debridement and removal of extra bone growths and damaged tissue can improve mobility in mild cases. Ankle fusion, also called arthrodesis, permanently joins bones to stop painful friction, although it limits flexibility. Cartilage repair methods, such as microfracture or grafting, aim to regrow lost cartilage and preserve movement. In severe cases, ankle replacement, or arthroplasty, removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial parts to restore function. This option helps to maintain flexibility but requires careful long-term management. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms, recommend the best procedure, and provide guidance for recovery. If you have ankle pain that interferes with daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Tipton, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, as the top of the toe angles toward the inner toes. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, and redness surroundig the joint. Over time, bunions may become more noticeable, with the bump growing larger and causing the skin to thicken or develop corns. Bunions are often caused by genetics, but factors like wearing tight shoes, high heels, or arthritis can also contribute. Symptoms include pain when walking, tenderness, and difficulty in finding comfortable shoes. Treatment options range from non-surgical to surgical solutions. A podiatrist can recommend changes to footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to ease pain and improve foot alignment. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe and remove the bony bump. If you have a bunion causing discomfort or affecting your mobility, a podiatrist can provide personalized care. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment to explore your best treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Standing for long hours at work can lead to foot pain, swelling, and fatigue. Over time, it may cause conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, or ankle instability. To prevent discomfort, wear supportive shoes with cushioning and arch support. Custom orthotics can help distribute pressure evenly. Taking short breaks to stretch and shift weight between feet can reduce strain. Standing on anti-fatigue mats provides extra cushioning, while compression socks help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Regular foot exercises, such as toe stretches and calf raises, can strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces stress on the feet. If pain persists despite these efforts, it may indicate an underlying issue. If you have chronic pain, swelling, or numbness in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment tips.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can be caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury. People with naturally curved nails or certain foot conditions are more prone to developing ingrown toenails. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, redness, and in some cases, the formation of pus if an infection develops. The area surrounding the nail may feel tender or sore, especially when walking or wearing shoes. Treatment for an ingrown toenail starts with soaking the foot in warm water to reduce swelling. For mild cases, a podiatrist may lift the nail or trim it carefully. In more severe cases, part of the nail may need to be removed or treated with a local anesthetic. If you are experiencing an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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