An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often due to sudden twisting or landing awkwardly. In volleyball players, this commonly occurs during jumping, blocking, or quick side-to-side movements. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. It can happen when a player lands on another 's foot or loses balance on impact. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, weak stabilizing muscles, poor balance, and inadequate footwear support. Repeated sprains can lead to long-term instability and reduced performance. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the injury, recommend proper support, and guide recovery to prevent future injury. If you enjoy playing volleyball and have sustained an ankle injury,  it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer appropriate treatment solutions, enabling you to return to this enjoyable sport.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to irritation and discomfort. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes drainage if the area becomes irritated. Risk factors include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, and natural nail shape. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, a partial nail avulsion may be recommended. This procedure involves carefully removing a small portion of the affected nail to relieve pressure and allow the area to heal. It is often advised for those with recurring or painful ingrown nails. A podiatrist can safely perform this treatment, provide care, and help prevent future issues of this kind. If you have developed a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the wrong shoes can place stress on the feet and lead to long-term discomfort. High heels can cause muscle contraction in the calves and feet, which may make it difficult to walk barefoot over time. Very flat shoes can concentrate pressure on the heels and force muscles and tendons to work harder for support, which may contribute to plantar fasciitis. Shoes that are the wrong size can constrict the front of the foot and toes, increasing the risk of corns and bunions. Risk factors include poor fit, lack of support, and prolonged wear of improper footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, recommend proper shoes, and provide treatment. If you have foot pain from wearing certain types of shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips and guide you footwear selection.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.