Ankle injuries are common, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture without proper evaluation. Both often occur after a fall, misstep, or sudden twist and can cause immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. A sprained ankle involves stretched or torn ligaments, while a broken ankle affects one or more bones. Symptoms may include bruising, stiffness, and instability along with swelling, tenderness, limited motion. The ankle may look puffy or misshapen and it can feel sharp, throbbing, or weak, especially during movement. Causes range from sports injuries to uneven surfaces or simple accidents. A podiatrist can help by performing a detailed examination and ordering imaging to accurately diagnose the injury and rule out fractures. Treatment may begin with immobilization, rest, and supportive devices, and can progress to targeted exercises, bracing, or surgical care depending on severity. If you have an ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. 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 office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falls are a leading cause of injury, and problems in the feet often play a quiet but important role. Painful joints, reduced sensation, and muscle weakness can interfere with balance and awareness of the ground. Conditions that affect nerve signaling may make it harder to feel uneven surfaces, while limited motion in the toes or ankles can disrupt a natural walking pattern. Thickened nails, skin buildup, or poorly fitting shoes may also alter stability and increase the risk of tripping. Warning signs often include unsteadiness, frequent stumbling, slower walking speed, or avoiding activity due to fear of losing balance. Addressing these issues early can make a meaningful difference. Treatment may include footwear guidance, custom orthotics, strengthening exercises, nail and skin care, or management of nerve and joint conditions. Improving foot function supports safer movement and confidence. If your balance feels off or falls have occurred, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can evaluate foot-related risk factors and recommend appropriate care.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Neglecting foot health can lead to pain, skin problems, nail concerns, and changes in walking that place strain on the ankles and lower legs. Taking care of your feet is essential because they support body weight, absorb impact, and help maintain balance with every step. Simple habits like keeping feet clean and dry, trimming toenails properly, and wearing shoes that fit well can reduce the risk of irritation, infection, and deformities. Daily attention also makes it easier to notice changes in skin color, swelling, thickened nails, or areas of pressure that may signal a developing problem. As people age or remain on their feet for long periods, flexibility and strength in the feet can decline, increasing the risk of instability and injury. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify early concerns, and recommend care or treatment to protect mobility. If you have foot discomfort or notice unusual changes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Gout can lead to several foot-related complications when flares repeat over time. Ongoing inflammation in the toes and ankles can damage cartilage and bone, causing joint deformity, stiffness, and limits in motion. Painful flares can interfere with walking, balance, and daily activities, increasing strain on other areas of the foot. Skin over inflamed joints can become fragile, raising the risk of cracks, sores, or infection, especially when swelling alters shoe fit. Changes in circulation linked to gout can also slow healing in the feet and increase the risk of ulcers. Long-term joint damage can result in instability that raises the chance of falls. A podiatrist can assess joint changes and recommend treatment or surgery. If you have complications from gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for help in managing this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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