Ankle pain after a twist, fall, or awkward landing can leave you wondering whether you have a sprain or a fracture. A sprained ankle occurs when ligaments, which connect bones and stabilize joints, stretch or tear. A broken ankle involves a crack or break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint. Both injuries can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking, so symptoms alone cannot always confirm which injury has occurred. Prompt podiatric evaluation helps prevent complications and supports proper healing.

Ankle sprains commonly happen when the foot rolls inward or outward, stretching the supporting ligaments beyond their normal limits. Sports, uneven surfaces, and previous ankle sprains increase the risk. Pain often develops around the affected ligament and may worsen when moving the ankle or putting weight on it. Mild sprains may cause manageable discomfort, while severe ligament tears can produce substantial pain and instability. Treatment depends on injury severity and may include rest, compression, and a gradual return to activity.

A broken ankle often results from a fall, collision, or forceful twisting injury. People with osteoporosis or a history of falls may face greater fracture risk. Pain can be intense, particularly when standing or walking, and swelling may develop quickly. However, some fractures cause only moderate discomfort, while severe sprains can be extremely painful. Therefore, pain level alone cannot reliably distinguish these injuries. Deformity, an open wound, or inability to bear weight warrants urgent medical assessment.

A podiatrist will examine the ankle, check tenderness and stability, and order X-rays or other imaging when needed. Sprains may be treated with bracing and activity adjustments, while fractures may need a cast, walking boot, or surgery to restore bone alignment. Avoid putting weight on a suspected sprain or fracture until evaluated. If you have ankle pain after an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

The Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It helps your foot push off when you walk, run, or climb stairs. An Achilles tendon injury can range from irritation and small tears to a complete rupture. One common warning sign of a serious injury is hearing or feeling a sudden pop near the back of the ankle. Pain may follow immediately, making it difficult to continue normal activity.

Other symptoms can include swelling around the tendon, tenderness, and weakness in the affected leg. Some people have trouble walking or cannot push off the ground normally. A partial tear may cause ongoing soreness that becomes worse with activity. Achilles tendon injuries often happen when the tendon is suddenly overloaded. Running, jumping, or changing direction quickly can place significant stress on the tendon. A direct injury can also cause damage.

Several factors can increase the risk of an Achilles tendon injury. Age-related changes can make the tendon less flexible and more vulnerable to tearing. Sudden increases in exercise intensity can also contribute. Tight calf muscles and previous tendon problems may raise risk. Wearing unsupportive footwear or participating in high-impact sports can add stress. Certain medications may also affect tendon strength. Recognizing these risks can help people take foot and ankle symptoms seriously.

A podiatrist will examine the ankle and check strength, movement, and tenderness. Imaging tests may be recommended when a tear is suspected. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the injury. A podiatrist may recommend rest, immobilization, or other measures that protect the tendon while it heals. More severe ruptures may require surgical evaluation. Recovery should be guided carefully to avoid reinjury. If you have an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Toenail fungus develops when fungi enter a nail through a crack or the surrounding skin. The infection can affect one toenail or spread to several nails. Early signs include white or yellow discoloration, thickening, and a brittle edge. The nail can develop ridges or begin to crumble. As the infection progresses, debris can collect beneath the nail, and the nail may lift from the nail bed. Some patients develop tenderness or pain when shoes press against a thickened nail. Toenail fungus is more than a cosmetic concern because discomfort can interfere with standing, exercise, and daily activities.

The infection is more likely to develop in feet that remain warm and damp. Risk also increases with repeated nail injuries, heavy sweating, or exposure in shared changing areas. Older adults and athletes can be more vulnerable. Diabetes, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system can also raise the risk. However, not every thick or discolored nail has a fungal infection. An injury, psoriasis, or another nail disorder can produce a similar appearance. A podiatrist may examine the nail and collect a clipping or scraping for testing. Confirming the cause prevents patients from spending time on treatment that is not suited to the problem.

A podiatrist can determine how much of the nail is affected and whether the surrounding skin is involved. Treatment depends on the number of infected nails, the depth of infection, and the patient’s health. The podiatrist can reduce nail thickness, remove loose areas, and monitor the new nail as it grows. Professional trimming can reduce pressure inside shoes and make walking more comfortable. Because toenails grow slowly, visible improvement can take several months even when treatment is working. Follow-up visits help the podiatrist check progress and look for signs that the infection may have returned. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.