An unexpected fall or twist can result in an injury of the foot or ankle, such as a sprain or strain. Immediate first aid can help prevent complications, reduce pain and improve recovery.

Rest, ice, compression and elevation--commonly referred to as R.I.C.E.--is the first and best treatment for minor injuries. The following tips can aid in the early treatment of common foot and ankle injuries to help reduce swelling and control the inflammatory process during the initial phase of injury.

Rest: Whether you have a strain or a sprain, rest from any physical activity is essential to protecting your injured ligaments, tendons or muscles from further damage while your body starts the repair process.  Avoid putting weight on the injured foot or ankle as much as possible. In some cases, complete immobilization may be required.

Ice: Gently ice your foot or ankle with ice wrapped in a towel in a 20-minute-on, 40-minute-off cycle for the first few days post-injury. Ice is excellent at reducing inflammation and pain. 

Compression: Applying some type of compressive wrap or bandage to an injured area can greatly reduce the amount of initial swelling.

Elevation: Prop your foot up while lying down or sitting so that it is higher than or equal to the level of the heart.

After a few days of R.I.C.E., many acute injuries will begin to heal. If pain or swelling does not subside after a few days, or if you are unsure of the severity of your injury, make an appointment with your podiatrist. A skilled podiatrist can properly diagnose your injury and recommend the best course of treatment.

Find out the many ways in which you can reduce bunion pain and swelling.

A bunion is a foot deformity that most often occurs in women, although men can develop this problem, as well. Known professionally as a hallux valgus, a bunion occurs when the bone near the joint of the base of the big toe is out of alignment. This problem occurs gradually rather than suddenly, so many people don’t even realize that they have a bunion until it’s visible or causing pain. If you have been diagnosed with a bunion by our Vineland, NJ, podiatrist, Dr. Belancio, here are some of the ways to treat the problem:

Conservative Bunion Treatment

This is usually the first course of action when it comes to treating your bunion symptoms. If you aren’t sure whether your discomfort is actually due to a bunion or not, you should first visit our Vineland, NJ, foot doctor for a diagnosis. Once we have determined that you do have a bunion we will recommend certain lifestyle modifications and habits that are intended to reduce your pain and discomfort. Those treatment options include,

• Wearing appropriate footwear: Look for shoes that have a roomy toe bed that doesn’t bunch up toes or put pressure on the bunion. Stay away from shoes with a heel higher than 2 inches and shoes that have a pointed toe box, as this can put additional pressure on the bunion.
• Use padding or a splint: Bunion pads can be applied to the deformity to prevent friction and the development of a callus when walking around in shoes. You may also choose to splint the foot to realign the bone and joint to reduce the amount of stress being placed on the bunion.
• Try over-the-counter pain relievers: If you want a way to alleviate pain or swelling try ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can target both of these symptoms when they surface.
• Use an ice pack: No matter whether you want to avoid taking medication or you are just looking for a way to reduce achiness and inflammation, applying an ice pack to the bunion can help dull the pain and get rid of swelling. Just remember to always wrap the ice pack with a towel or cloth before applying to the skin and never leave it on the skin for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Do I Need Surgery?

While surgery is the only way to fully repair the deformity, this isn’t usually recommended unless you have exhausted all other treatment options or if bunion pain is persistent and severe. In most cases, your symptoms can be treated with simple at-home care and lifestyle modifications.

Call Us Today!

Do you suspect that you might have a bunion? Want us to sit down with you to help create the treatment plan that’s right for you? If so, call South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ, today to schedule a consultation. Our number is (856) 839-0579.

Is heel pain keeping you down? Pain that occurs following an injury or early in an illness may play a protective role, warning us about the damage we have suffered. So what causes heel pain?

Understanding Heel Pain with Help from Your Podiatrist

• Wear shoes that fit well
• Wear proper shoes for each activity
• Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles
• Prepare properly before exercising by stretching and warming up
• Pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities
• Don’t underestimate your body’s need for rest and good nutrition
• Lose excess weight