Items filtered by date: September 2025

Osteochondral lesions of the talus involve injury to the cartilage and underlying bone in the ankle joint. These lesions may follow trauma, such as an ankle sprain, or they may develop gradually from repeated stress. Symptoms often include deep ankle pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty with weight bearing activities. Treatment depends on the size, depth, and stability of the lesion. In early stages, rest, immobilization, and targeted exercises may help reduce symptoms and allow healing. When conservative care is not effective, surgical options may be considered. These include procedures to stimulate cartilage repair, grafting techniques, or even advanced restorative methods. Each treatment is tailored to improve ankle function and reduce long-term risk of arthritis. If you have persistent ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and management.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between an ankle sprain and a broken or fractured ankle. A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn, while a fracture occurs when a bone in the ankle is broken. Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the affected ankle, although an ankle fracture is usually more painful than a sprain. Those who have sprained their ankle may feel a popping sensation at the time of injury and experience ankle instability and a reduced range of motion. Those who have broken their ankle can have trouble bearing weight on the foot and may notice a visible deformity in the ankle, especially in cases where the ankle is also dislocated. If you have symptoms of an ankle sprain or an ankle fracture, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A fungal toenail infection often begins subtly, with a small white or yellow spot beneath the nail. Over time, the infection can spread deeper, causing the nail to thicken, become brittle, and change color. The surface may turn rough or crumbly, and, in some cases, the nail can lift away from the bed entirely. Warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes create the perfect setting for fungi to thrive, which is why this condition is common among athletes and older adults. Although not usually painful in the early stages, the infection can become uncomfortable and make walking or wearing shoes difficult. Mild remedies rarely provide a lasting cure, and untreated infections often persist for years. For safe and effective solutions tailored to your needs, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot occurs when the area between the toes and the long bones of the feet is placed under too much pressure. This part of the foot absorbs the impact of walking and running, so when the bones and joints located here do not line up properly, discomfort can follow. Conditions like arthritis can cause swelling and stiffness in these joints, while toe deformities such as hammer toes or bunions may increase strain. As people age, the natural fat pad that cushions the ball of the foot often becomes thinner, leaving less protection against pressure. Repetitive activities such as jogging, playing sports, or even long hours of standing can make the pain worse. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support, like high heels or flip-flops, may also add stress to this area. A podiatrist can examine the foot, prescribe custom orthotics to reduce pressure, and provide surgery, if needed. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Having flat feet is often seen as a concern for young athletes, but research shows it is not a disadvantage. Studies using balance testing, tiptoe standing angle, and repetitive leg movements have found no confirmed disadvantages for children or teens with flat arches when compared to those with higher arches. Athletic ability, strength, and coordination remain unaffected, allowing young athletes to perform at their best. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot structure, offering supportive footwear or orthotics, if needed, and guiding proper training techniques to prevent injury. If you are concerned about flat feet in your child, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for reassurance and expert advice to keep them active and confident.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.