We Offer Non-Surgical Relief for Common Foot and Ankle Conditions
Millions of Americans live with foot and ankle pain when a visit to a podiatrist could offer a permanent solution. Don’t suffer in silence. Schedule an appointment with our Indianapolis foot and ankle doctor today and start getting answers about what is causing your pain.
Sports Injuries
As a former competitive athlete, I know what it is like to deal with foot and ankle pain. It is part of the reason I have devoted my life to this profession. Our goal is to get you back to competing as quickly and safely as possible.
Common sports injuries we treat include:
The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn or completely torn and how many ligaments are involved. Ankle sprains require prompt attention to assess the degree of injury and initiate the proper treatment. In the meantime, begin using the " R.I.C.E." treatment method. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. This will reduce swelling, pain, and further injury.
Chronic ankle instability can develop after an ankle sprain has not healed adequately or was not rehabilitated completely. Repeated ankle sprains perpetuate the instability. Proper rehab to strengthen the muscles around the joint and retrain the tissues within the the ankle are necessary to promote balance. If you feel like your ankle is wobbly or feels like it gives way easily while playing sports, or when on uneven surfaces, further evaluation should be done to reduce continued instability and the potential for longer term arthritis and tendon problems.
An acute fracture is caused by a direct blow or injury while a stress fracture or hairline crack in the bone is caused by an unusual stress applied to the bone. Stress fractures may occur in athletes who too rapidly increase their running mileage or from wearing the improper shoe type. Structural abnormalities, deformities and decreased bone density may also increase risk for stress fractures. Sprains and fractures can have similar symptoms but usually with a sprain the entire region hurts while with a fracture there is more pain localized to one point.
The sesamoids are two small bones located under the big toe joint which act as a pulley and provide leverage for the tendon when pushing off during walking or running. Common injuries to this area include Turf Toe which is a sprain of the soft tissues surrounding the joint, Sesamoid Fractures, or bruising of a sesamoid bone called Sesamoiditis.
The Achilles Tendon or " Heel Cord" runs down the back of the back of the lower leg connecting the heel to the calf muscle. Under conditioned athletes and "week end warriors" are especially high risk for developing Achilles problems. Initial tendonitis (inflammation) can progress to a more chronic condition called tendonosis (degeneration of the tendon) which can then weaken and lead to an Achilles Rupture.
Although most heel pain is caused by plantar fasciits, it is important to rule out other potential causes in athletes. Heel pain may also be associated with a stress fracture of the heel bone, an irritated or pinched nerve, tendonitis, arthritis or occasionally a cyst. Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment are important to speed your recovery. Like most conditions, a delayed diagnosis and treatment often results in a longer recovery. The initial hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain upon arising after sitting or resting.
Custom Foot Orthotics
Orthotic devices can be one of the most effective nonsurgical treatments for almost any foot problem.
Before getting orthotics, it is important to make an informed decision. Please read the following information before getting orthotics from our office or elsewhere. Be assured that foot orthotics are right for your condition.
A properly designed orthotic must have a custom design to precisely control the mechanics of your foot to help resolve your problem.
How Orthotics Should Be Made Video
What Are Custom Orthotics?
“Orthotics” can refer to any device worn inside a shoe. These items can be found in infomercials, retail stores and even at the state fair or home show. With various sales pitches and information about orthotics, making an informed decision and understanding the facts can be difficult.
True custom foot orthotics are prescription medical devices created from a non-weight bearing molds or scans of the foot. Orthotics are designed to control the position and function of your foot to treat a specific condition and reduce risk for injury. A properly made orthotic should effectively reduce abnormal rolling in or rolling out motions of the foot and ankle. In addition, they can redistribute pressure on the bottom surface of the foot to relieve pain or reduce friction and pressure contributing to calluses or ulcerations.
How do Custom Foot Orthotics work?
A custom orthotic is much more than an arch support. Orthotics realign the joints of your foot and leg to reduce abnormal strain on muscles, tendons and ligaments. Small malalignments can cause significant discomfort. Over time, abnormal function can lead to problems such as bunions, hammer toes, heel pain, tendonitis, knee, hip and back pain. Once your foot is supported properly by the orthotic, it is consistently directed into the correct position for walking, running and standing.
Surgical Treatments
At Center Grove Foot & Ankle Care, we always take a conservative approach to the treatment of your painful foot condition. We start with the least invasive and least costly treatments available for bunions, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions. If padding, anti-inflammatories, and rest don’t improve the condition, we may recommend physical therapy, orthotics, or an alternative treatment. As a last resort, however, we do offer surgical options.
There are times when a foot condition or ankle injury is just too extensive to treat non-invasively. Surgical procedures have been developed that can cure a painful and debilitating foot or ankle condition and get you back on your feet and enjoying life again. Dr. Mark Runkle is a board-certified podiatric surgeon with privileges at both Franciscan and Community South Hospitals. Whether you have worked with us from the beginning or have just discovered a need for surgery, Dr. Runkle will evaluate your case and work with you to find a solution. Call our office to schedule an appointment to discuss surgery.
Diabetic Foot Care & Complications
As a person living with diabetes, you know how important it is to check your blood sugar, watch your diet, and see a doctor regularly. However, are you aware of the risk you face of serious foot conditions that could eventually lead to the need for an amputation? In our Indianapolis office, our podiatrist helps people with diabetes protect themselves from damage and injury and treats complications before they do permanent harm.
If you have diabetes, make regular visits to Center Grove Foot & Ankle Care a part of your wellness routine. We can assist you with diabetic socks, therapeutic shoes, wound care, and more to ensure that neuropathy and poor circulation do not mean you will lose your foot. Dr. Mark Runkle is trained and experienced in diabetic foot care and he and his team are here for you.
Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of intense heel pain. In fact, 90 percent of the patients who come to Center Grove Foot and Ankle Care with heel pain are found to be suffering from this condition. However, Dr. Runkle never assumes a diagnosis. When you come in with heel pain that is inhibiting your normal activity, he will do a thorough evaluation and determine the cause. Once the cause is known, Dr. Runkle will apply a conservative treatment approach, starting with the least invasive and least expensive options.
With 20 years of experience treating heel pain in Indianapolis, Dr. Runkle knows not only the time-tested traditional treatments, but is current on the latest options and techniques. He will provide the personal care and attention necessary to understand and treat your condition effectively. Your goals—whether they are to get back in the game or just get back on your feet—are his goals and he will find a solution to your heel pain that works for you.
Nail & Skin Care
Many people avoid seeing a podiatrist for skin and nail problems of the feet because they are embarrassed or they believe they can treat the conditions themselves. However, most over-the-counter medicines and home remedies simply extend the suffering. A visit to board-certified podiatrist Dr. Mark Runkle at Center Grove Foot & Ankle Care is your quickest route to a solution. Many skin and nail problems can be solved in a single visit!
Whether you are prone to plantar warts, athlete’s foot, or toenail fungus, or you are experiencing a skin or nail problem for the very first time, schedule an appointment in our south Indianapolis office on County Line Road. Dr. Runkle will diagnose the problem and proceed with the least-invasive treatment possible to resolve it. You will be wearing sandals again in no time!