Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in athletes, caused by overstretching or tearing the ligaments that stabilize the joint. They often occur during sudden movements like jumping, pivoting, or uneven landings. Each sprain is unique, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the extent of ligament damage. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Immediate care involves rest, which helps reduce swelling and pain. However, more severe sprains may require medical attention and targeted stretching to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term instability. Prevention strategies include strengthening exercises, ankle taping, wearing supportive footwear, and avoiding risky movements. If you have persistent pain or repeated ankle sprains, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to develop a treatment plan and ensure a safe return to sports.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Heel pain often stems from two conditions, which are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often as a result of long-term pressure or inflammation. This growth can cause sharp pain, especially during walking or standing. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. It typically causes pain in the heel and arch, particularly in the morning or after long periods of rest. While both conditions can cause heel pain, they differ in their underlying causes and treatment approaches. Proper diagnosis and targeted treatment can help manage pain and improve mobility for people suffering from either condition. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it accordingly.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunion removal surgery, also known as a bunionectomy, is a common treatment for severe bunions that cause pain, difficulty walking, or deformity. A bunion occurs when the big toe joint becomes misaligned, causing a bump on the side of the foot. Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical treatments, such as wearing orthotics or changing footwear, do not provide relief. Choosing surgery depends on the severity of the bunion, the level of discomfort, and its impact on daily activities. The procedure itself involves realigning the bones in the toe, removing the bump, and sometimes fusing the joint or cutting bones to correct the alignment. Recovery time varies but often requires several weeks of rest and limited movement. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if bunion surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. 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 our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of back of the heel bone, often as a result of repeated stress or strain on the foot. It is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. While heel spurs themselves may not always cause pain, they can lead to discomfort when they press against the surrounding tissues. To diagnose a heel spur, a podiatrist will typically begin with a physical examination, assessing the foot for tenderness or swelling. An X-ray is the most common diagnostic tool used to confirm the presence of a heel spur, as it clearly shows the bony growth. If the heel spur is causing pain, relief may be found by practicing stretching exercises, and in some cases, orthotics may be prescribed. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer the treatment that is best for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Cold feet can be a bothersome sensation, often signaling underlying health issues. One of the primary causes is poor circulation, which may stem from conditions such as peripheral artery disease or diabetes. When blood flow is restricted, the extremities do not receive adequate warmth, leading to a chilling effect in the feet. Other factors contributing to cold feet include anemia, which reduces oxygen supply to tissues, and neuropathy, where nerve damage alters sensation. Environmental factors, such as exposure to cold temperatures, can also play a significant role. Lifestyle choices, including smoking and lack of physical activity, may further cause circulation issues. If you consistently have cold feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if poor circulation is the cause, and offer effective relief and treatment methods.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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