A broken ankle occurs when one or more bones surrounding the ankle joint crack. A twist, fall, or direct blow can cause this injury. The break can affect the fibula and tibia, which are the two lower-leg bones, either one or both. The bony bump on the ankle’s outside, called the lateral malleolus, or the bump on the inside, called the medial malleolus, also may be injured. The back edge of the tibia, called the posterior malleolus, may be fractured. 

Pain, swelling, and trouble putting weight on the injured foot can indicate a broken ankle. Bruising or a change in the ankle’s shape can occur. Because some small breaks feel like a severe sprain, symptoms alone cannot confirm the injury. A podiatrist examines the ankle, checks tender areas, and evaluates its stability. X-rays show whether a bone is broken and if so, whether the pieces remain lined up. These findings help the podiatrist decide if the fracture is stable or unstable. Prompt diagnosis matters because an unstable joint or poorly aligned bone can lead to lasting stiffness, weakness, or arthritis.

A podiatrist creates a treatment plan based on the fracture’s location, alignment, and stability. A stable break can be protected in a walking boot or cast while the bone heals. The podiatrist monitors healing with follow-up visits and imaging. An unstable fracture can require surgery to place the bone pieces into their correct position. Plates, screws, or pins may be used to hold them steady. After treatment, the podiatrist develops a plan for a safe return to standing, walking, and regular activities. Follow-up care helps identify poor alignment or delayed healing before further problems occur. Following weight-bearing limits and appointment schedules protects the healing ankle and lowers the chance of another injury. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Pain under the base of the big toe may be caused by two small bones, called sesamoids. They sit beneath the end of the long bone that connects to the big toe. The tiny bones help the big toe move and absorb pressure as the foot pushes off the ground. In some cases, a sesamoid bone is fractured or shifts from its usual position. Dancers, certain athletes, and runners face a higher risk because their activities place repeated pressure on the front of the foot. High arches, bunions, and frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes can also increase strain in this area.

Pain from sesamoiditis is usually centered under the big-toe joint and can develop gradually. It may become sharper when walking, running, or bending the big toe upward. Walking barefoot can be painful because there is little protection beneath the sore area. Wearing thin-soled and high-heeled shoes can also make symptoms worse. The skin near the joint may appear red, warm, or swollen. These signs can resemble a fracture, arthritis, or gout. Continuing to place pressure on the area can limit movement and make a patient change how the foot meets the ground.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area, check big-toe movement, and evaluate the way pressure moves through the foot. X-rays can help identify a fracture, arthritis, or a change in the position of a sesamoid bone. An MRI scan or another imaging test can provide more detail when the source of pain remains unclear. A podiatrist can provide offloading pads, prescribe custom orthotics, or recommend shoes with thick soles and lower heels. A podiatrist also may suggest taping, a brace, or a walking boot to limit painful movement while healing. Surgery is rarely considered, but it can be an option for severe damage that does not improve with other care. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Normal foot and ankle biomechanics describe how the bones, joints, and ligaments work together during movement. Healthy biomechanics allow the foot to absorb impact, adapt to different surfaces, and provide stability when needed. During weight-bearing activities, the feet support the body while distributing pressure across the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. Proper alignment and controlled movement help reduce unnecessary stress on the lower extremities and support efficient walking, standing, and exercise.

Walking follows a coordinated sequence that begins when the heel contacts the ground and continues as the body moves forward over the foot. The ankle and foot gradually adjust to absorb impact before becoming more stable for push-off. Muscles and tendons provide control throughout this process. If alignment, flexibility, or joint motion is altered, certain areas may experience increased pressure. These changes can contribute to discomfort, overuse injuries, or changes in walking patterns.

Running places greater demands on foot and ankle biomechanics because the body experiences increased impact and faster movement. The foot must absorb force and then become stable enough to help propel the body forward. Risk factors for abnormal biomechanics include previous injuries, muscle weakness, and limited flexibility. Structural differences, improper footwear, and sudden increases in activity may also be factors. Symptoms of a biomechanical problem may include persistent foot or ankle pain, uneven shoe wear, or discomfort during weight-bearing activities.

A podiatrist can evaluate biomechanics by observing walking and running patterns and examining foot alignment, joint movement, and weight distribution. The foot doctor may also recommend supportive shoes, orthotics, or activity changes when appropriate. Follow-up visits can help determine whether treatment is improving movement and reducing stress. Understanding foot mechanics can support injury prevention and better mobility. If you have foot or ankle pain and want to understand your foot biomechanics, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Sever’s disease is a painful heel condition that affects growing children, especially those who participate in running and jumping activities. Despite its name, it is not an illness or an infection. It develops when repeated pulling on the growth plate, which is an area of developing bone near the end of a bone, irritates the back of the heel. Growth plates are weaker than mature bone, making them more vulnerable during periods of rapid growth. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, limping, and discomfort that becomes worse after sports or other physical activities. Some children also walk on their toes to avoid placing pressure on the painful heel. The condition usually affects children between 8 and 15 years of age and can involve one or both heels.

A podiatrist evaluates the child's foot structure, walking pattern, ankle movement, and heel tenderness to identify factors contributing to the condition. The examination also looks for tight muscles and abnormal foot mechanics that increase stress on the heel. Treatment includes custom orthotics when appropriate, footwear recommendations, and exercises that improve flexibility and strength. Wearing shoes that provide proper support can also reduce repeated stress on the heel during sports and everyday activities. Regular follow-up visits help monitor progress and adjust treatment as the child's feet continue to grow. Early podiatry care also supports comfortable movement and encourages a safe return to normal activities.

Although Sever’s disease can be painful, it does not cause permanent damage to the heel when properly managed. Symptoms usually improve once the growth plate matures and closes. Early evaluation helps reduce unnecessary strain on the heel and identify contributing factors before pain interferes with sports or daily life. Prompt podiatry care supports healthy foot development, improves comfort, and helps children stay active with greater confidence. If your child has symptoms of Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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