A sprained ankle is a common injury in children, especially those who participate in sports and other physical activities. An ankle sprain happens when the strong bands of tissue that support the joint are stretched or torn. This often occurs when the foot twists or rolls unexpectedly. Children may sprain an ankle while running, jumping, or changing direction quickly. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. A child may also have trouble walking or putting weight on the injured foot. Because fractures can cause similar symptoms, a professional evaluation may be needed to identify the injury correctly.

Ankle sprains can range from mild stretching of the supporting tissues to more serious tears. The amount of pain does not always show how severe the injury is. Children also have areas of developing bone called growth plates, which can be injured and sometimes mistaken for a sprain. For this reason, ongoing pain or difficulty bearing weight should be carefully evaluated. A significant ankle injury may also affect joint stability and movement. Returning to normal activity before the ankle has properly healed may increase the chance of another injury. An accurate diagnosis can help guide treatment and support a safe recovery.

A podiatrist can examine a child’s sprained ankle and determine whether the injury involves the supporting tissues, bones, or growth plate. The evaluation may include checking swelling, tenderness, and ankle stability. Imaging may be recommended when a fracture or growth-plate injury is suspected. Podiatric treatment depends on the severity of the injury and can focus on protecting the ankle, restoring movement, and supporting proper healing. Follow-up care can also help determine when returning to sports or other activities is appropriate. If your child has persistent ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking after an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM of Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Roseville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gait conditions refer to abnormalities in the way a person walks. They can affect balance, efficiency, and overall movement. One common but often overlooked cause is mild leg-length discrepancy, where one leg is slightly shorter than the other. Even a small difference in limb length can disrupt normal biomechanics, leading to uneven weight distribution and compensatory movement patterns. This imbalance can place stress on the feet, knees, hips, and lower back, contributing to discomfort and reduced mobility.

Symptoms of gait problems related to mild leg-length discrepancy may include limping, uneven stride length, hip or knee pain, and foot fatigue. Some individuals notice that one shoe wears down faster than the other or that they feel off balance when walking or standing. Risk factors include congenital differences in limb length, past injuries, and joint degeneration. Surgical procedures that affect bone alignment may be another factor. Causes may also involve muscular imbalances or structural changes that develop gradually.

Orthotics are an effective solution for addressing gait abnormalities caused by mild leg-length discrepancy. They can be customized to include a lift on the shorter side, which helps equalize limb length and restore proper alignment. By correcting this imbalance, orthotics improve walking mechanics, reduce strain on joints, and enhance overall stability. They also help distribute pressure more evenly across both feet, which can relieve discomfort and prevent further complications.

Addressing gait problems early is important for maintaining long-term joint health and mobility. Orthotics provide a practical and non-invasive way to improve alignment and reduce symptoms associated with mild leg-length discrepancy. If you have this condition and want to know how orthotics can help, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions, which may include custom made orthotics. 

Our feet carry us through every part of life, absorbing the impact of thousands of steps each day. When they are not properly supported, the effects can extend far beyond the feet themselves. Custom orthotics provide the foundation the body needs by aligning, cushioning, and stabilizing each foot in its most natural position. They are carefully crafted to match the unique structure of each individual’s feet, allowing them to move efficiently and comfortably while reducing stress on the muscles, joints, and ligaments.

Proper foot support is essential for maintaining balance and preventing fatigue. Without it, the body compensates by shifting weight unevenly, which can lead to discomfort in the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. Custom orthotics help restore this balance by redistributing pressure and promoting a more natural walking pattern. They not only ease existing pain but also protect against future strain or injury by supporting the arches and controlling excessive motion.

Unlike store-bought insoles, custom orthotics are created through detailed assessment and advanced technology to provide precise correction and comfort. They fit seamlessly into most shoes, making them ideal for daily wear, work, or sports.

If your feet feel tired, sore, or unsupported, it is recommended that you contact our office for more information, or to make an appointment.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Roseville, CA . 

Ankle pain can make standing, walking, and climbing stairs difficult. The discomfort can develop after an injury, like tripping or rolling the ankle. It can also appear when an existing ankle problem becomes irritated or when muscles surrounding the joint are weak. The ankle contains soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons, that can become injured. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some people also develop a limp because putting weight on the ankle feels uncomfortable. Pain can spread into the nearby calf or foot, making everyday movement more challenging.

Ankle problems can affect movement and strength, especially after a sprain or other soft-tissue injury. A sprain happens when ankle ligaments are stretched too far and tear. Depending on the injury, the damage can range from a small tear to a complete rupture. An ankle that is misshapen or difficult to bear weight on can signal a more serious problem. Significant swelling, redness, or heat around the ankle also deserves prompt attention. Returning to normal movement safely is important because ankle strength and joint stability support balance. A podiatrist can determine which structures are contributing to the pain.

A podiatrist can examine the ankle, review how the injury happened, and assess the patient's walking pattern. The evaluation can also identify limited joint movement or weakness that places extra strain on the ankle. Treatment can focus on restoring comfortable motion, improving stability, and supporting proper foot mechanics. A podiatrist can recommend supportive devices when appropriate, and guide a safe return to normal activities. Addressing ankle pain can help reduce problems with walking and lower the chance of repeated injury. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated rather than ignored. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Kentston Cripe, DPM from Roseville Foot & Ankle. 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 Roseville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.