Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in volleyball. The main causes are repeated jumping, sudden direction changes, and awkward landings near the net. The sprain often occurs when the foot rolls inward and stretches or tears the ligaments that support the ankle. Symptoms are immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or placing weight on the foot. The ankle can feel weak, unstable, or stiff, especially during side-to-side movement. In some cases, a popping sensation is felt at the moment of injury. Volleyball players are at higher risk when playing on uneven surfaces, landing on another player’s foot, or returning to sports too quickly after a previous sprain. A podiatrist can examine the ankle, evaluate ligament damage, and determine whether imaging studies are needed to rule out fractures or more serious injuries. Treatment may include bracing, activity modification, or therapies designed to restore stability and reduce pain. If you have sprained your ankle from playing volleyball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Deepa Diaram, DPM from Nanticoke Foot and Ankle. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Seaford, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The cuboid is a small bone on the outer side of the foot. Injuries involving it can cause significant pain, and are not always the same problem. Some people develop stress fractures from repeated impact during running or sports, while others injure the area during an ankle twist that affects the joints surrounding the bone. Direct trauma, such as dropping something heavy on the foot, can also lead to bruising or fracture. Pain is often felt along the outer edge foot, especially with walking, standing, or pushing off. Because these injuries can resemble ankle sprains, tendon problems, or general foot strain, proper diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can examine the foot, assess stability, and order imaging when needed, to identify the exact injury and guide treatment. If you have ongoing pain on the outer side of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Deepa Diaram, DPM from Nanticoke Foot and Ankle. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting the big toe. This can lead to redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. The area may feel painful with pressure from wearing shoes or walking. In some cases, the skin may become infected, causing drainage, warmth, or a throbbing sensation. The toe may look inflamed or slightly swollen, and symptoms can worsen if left untreated. Common causes include improper nail trimming,  wearing tight footwear, injury, or naturally curved nails. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the ingrown nail, and determine the most appropriate treatment. Care may include gentle removal of the ingrown portion, guidance on proper nail care, or a minor procedure to prevent recurrence. Early treatment can help relieve discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Deepa Diaram, DPM of Nanticoke Foot and Ankle. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Children and teens are active and still growing, which makes their lower extremities more prone to certain injuries. Growth plates, which are areas of developing bone near the ends of long bones, are weaker than surrounding tissue, and can be injured more easily than adult bone. Common problems include heel pain, ankle sprains, and stress injuries from overuse in sports. Rapid growth can also affect coordination and flexibility, increasing the risk of strain. These injuries may cause limping, pain during activity, or discomfort that lingers after rest. Early evaluation is important to prevent long-term issues with development and movement. A podiatrist can assess how a child walks, identify growth-related concerns, and recommend proper treatment to support healing. They can also guide a safe return to activity. If your child has ongoing foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Deepa Diaram, DPM of Nanticoke Foot and Ankle. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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