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Northampton (610) 261-1001


Easton (610) 253-4821

review Edward D. Hutson Jr, DPM on google
review Edward D. Hutson Jr, DPM on google
review Edward D. Hutson Jr, DPM on google

April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

3 Grades of Ankle Sprains

An unexpected fall may result in an ankle sprain. It can happen from suddenly stepping off of a curb and occurs when the ligaments stretch beyond their normal range of motion. Swelling, pain, and an inability to walk are often associated with an ankle sprain and generally require prompt medical attention. A lateral ankle sprain happens when the foot rolls inward while damaging the outer ankle. It is less common to injure the inner ankle, and a syndesmotic sprain may happen during a contact sport. Sprains are categorized into three grades, based on severity. When the ligaments are mildly stretched and accompanied by minimal pain and swelling, this may be a Grade 1 sprain. A partially torn ligament may produce moderate pain, and will fall into the Grade 2 sprain. Finally, a Grade 3 sprain consists of intense pain, and the patient is unable to walk. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment methods.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . 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 offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Three Grades of Ankle Sprains
Monday, 24 April 2023 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Stress Fractures in the Feet

Many runners, dancers, and other athletes develop stress fractures in the feet. This injury occurs when the force on the bone is greater than its ability to adapt. The result is a hairline crack in the bone. The most common location of stress fractures in the feet is the metatarsal bones. These are the long bones of the feet that connect the toes to the midfoot. The 2nd and 3rd metatarsals are most often affected, accounting for a third of stress fractures in feet and ankles. The heel bone, called the calcaneus, is the second most common location of foot stress fractures. Stress fractures are often the result of overtraining, such as increasing running speed, distance, or intensity too quickly. One of the main problems of developing stress fractures is the difficulty in diagnosing them. They are hard to detect through X-rays and can easily be thought of simply as sore feet, at first. To see if you have developed stress fractures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a complete exam and diagnosis. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

When Is an Ankle Brace Needed?

Patients with a condition known as foot drop, as well as other foot and ankle-related problems, may need the assistance of an ankle brace. This device is commonly called an AFO, or ankle-foot orthosis. The brace aids the wearer by providing stability in the ankle joint, maintaining its alignment, and preventing the foot from dragging on the ground while walking. AFOs are made of plastic, metal, or strong fiber, depending on the needs of the patient. A podiatrist can determine the type of AFO required by conducting a series of tests to assess muscle strength, joint mobility, and gait issues. Ankle-foot orthoses come in various forms, including solid, which encases the joint, and hinged, which provides controlled ankle movement. A typical AFO begins just below the knee and extends to the base of the toes. This type of device is commonly prescribed for patients with foot drop, nerve disorders, trauma, and other conditions that affect the gait. For more information on an ankle-foot orthotic device, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . 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 offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain
Monday, 10 April 2023 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Several Reasons to Have Foot Pain

The feet carry the weight of the body and are responsible for walking, running, and jumping. They can become damaged, and various types of foot pain may be experienced. There are several different causes of foot pain and discomfort, and one reason may be from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Athlete’s foot is a common condition that many people get. It is defined as a fungal infection of the skin, and the feet may begin to itch, especially between the toes. Bunions are considered to be a deformity and are noticeable by the hard lump that develops on the side of the big toe. It can be caused by wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. People who have diabetes may have different levels of foot pain which can be accompanied by a numbing and tingling sensation. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and offer relief and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . 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 offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

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