Pickleball is soaring in popularity as a low-impact, fast-paced sport enjoyed by players of all ages. However, its quick pivots and sudden stops can still lead to foot and ankle injuries. Acute injuries, such as ankle sprains, often occur when the foot rolls inward, called inversion, causing pain and swelling. Falls during gameplay can also lead to fractures or bruising, especially for beginners or those returning to exercise. Overuse injuries like Achilles tendon strain are common, especially in players who increase intensity too quickly without proper warm-ups. These injuries can result in stiffness, swelling, or even tears if untreated. Wearing supportive shoes, strengthening muscles, and maintaining flexibility are key to preventing injuries. If you have injured your foot or ankle while playing pickleball and pain or swelling persists, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an expert diagnosis and tailored treatment, ensuring you get back on the court as soon as possible without compromising your mobility.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when fatty deposits, called plaque, build up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. This lack of blood flow can result in pain, sores, infections, and, in severe cases, gangrene, which can be serious enough to require amputation. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and an age of 65 or older. A key screening tool for peripheral artery disease is the ankle-brachial index, or ABI test, which measures blood pressure at the ankle and compares it to blood pressure in the arm. This helps assess how well blood circulates in the lower limbs. Symptoms of PAD include leg pain or cramping during walking that eases with rest and wounds on the feet that heal slowly, or not at all. Additional tests include a Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound waves to visualize blood flow and detect blockages and a toe-brachial index, or TBI test, to measure blood pressure in the toes. If you experience symptoms of poor circulation to the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for testing and treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

Joint pain in the feet is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. RA typically affects both feet and hands, often starting in the smaller joints. The pain is usually accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and redness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. As the disease progresses, the inflammation can damage the cartilage and bones in the feet, leading to deformities and difficulty walking. In some cases, the pain can become chronic, limiting mobility and affecting daily activities. Early detection and treatment of RA are vital in managing symptoms and preventing further joint damage. Medications and lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation and improve joint function. If you experience persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to determine if RA or another condition may be the cause.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM of Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Ankle pain while running is an issue that many runners face. It can be caused by several factors, ranging from overuse to wearing improper footwear. Overuse, where repetitive impact from running leads to stress on the ankle joints and surrounding muscles, causes inflammation. Poor running form can put excessive strain on the ankles and lead to discomfort. Running on uneven surfaces or wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support can also contribute to ankle pain. In some cases, underlying conditions such as tendinitis, sprains, or stress fractures may be the source of pain. It is essential to listen to the body and take breaks when needed. Proper warm-ups, strength training, and wearing well-fitting shoes can help reduce the risk of ankle pain and improve overall running performance. If you enjoy running and are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief in addition to tips on preventing ankle pain.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.