Foot and ankle problems are quite common and because they affect mobility, they should be evaluated as soon as possible. These often occur during chores or projects around the home, work-related tasks, and sports or recreational activities.

Acute injuries of the foot may be due to a fall, twisting, and can be very painful and severe. Puncture wounds may be due to sharp objects such as nails, knives, tacks, needles, etc. These carry a high risk of infection, more commonly by the bacteria Pseudomonas.

Acute injuries also include injuries to the tendons such as ruptured tendons in the heel. Sprains or injuries to the joints may cause persistent symptoms if they do not heal. Strains or pulled muscles of the foot and ankle can also rupture. Dislocations of the bone and broken bones, broken toes, crushing injuries are also foot emergencies.

Overuse injuries can also lead to foot problems such as stress fracture, plantar fasciitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, Achilles tendinitis, and metatarsalgia. These can also become emergencies, depending on their severity.

Other emergencies are lacerations, ulcers, foreign bodies in the feet, diabetic foot problems, infected ingrown toenails, other foot infections,  and acute pain.

It is best to consult and schedule an emergency visit with your podiatrist if you have sever pain and swelling, have an open wound, you are unable to walk, unable to put weight on your foot, or if you have signs of infection such as warmth, redness, or tenderness in the area. If you have persistent pain, have numbness or tingling in your foot, or you have swelling that persists for more than 2 to 5 days, consult your podiatrist.

For more information on foot and ankle emergencies, you may contact Dr. Kevin Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit NaplesPodiatrist.com

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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!