Chronic ankle instability causes repeated sprains, pain, and ankle weakness. Learn how ligament repair surgery restores stability and alignment.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common orthopedic injuries. Almost everyone has experienced one at some point—whether as a child playing sports or as an adult stepping awkwardly off a curb.
But when does a simple ankle sprain become something more serious?
What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic ankle instability develops when the ankle repeatedly “gives out,” especially on uneven surfaces. Patients often report:
* Recurrent ankle sprains
* Persistent swelling
* Daily ankle pain
* A feeling of looseness or weakness
* Difficulty walking on uneven ground
Over time, repeated injuries can stretch or tear the supporting ligaments of the ankle, preventing proper healing and stability.
Understanding the Anatomy
The ankle joint is made up of three primary bones:
* The **tibia** (shin bone)
* The **fibula** (outer leg bone)
* The **talus** (ankle bone that sits between them)
On the outer (fibular) side of the ankle are key stabilizing ligaments. When these ligaments are torn—especially multiple ligaments—the ankle can become mechanically unstable.
Diagnosing the Problem
Diagnosis typically includes:
* Physical examination
* Stress testing of the ankle
* MRI imaging to evaluate ligament tears
During a stress test, the ankle is gently inverted and pulled to assess looseness. In cases of instability, imaging may show the talus tilting within the tibia, indicating ligament failure.
Surgical Treatment: Ligament Repair
When conservative treatments such as bracing and physical therapy fail, surgical repair may be recommended.
During surgery:
1. The ankle is stress-tested under anesthesia to confirm instability.
2. Torn ligaments on the fibular side are repaired.
3. The ankle is tested again to confirm restored stability.
After repair, imaging typically shows the talus sitting parallel within the tibia—indicating proper alignment and improved joint stability.
Modern techniques allow this procedure to be performed through a minimal incision, often leading to faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort.
Recovery and Outcomes
Most patients experience:
* Improved ankle stability
* Reduced pain
* Greater confidence walking on uneven surfaces
* Return to normal activities after rehabilitation
Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent long-term joint damage and arthritis.
When to See a Specialist
If you experience:
* Repeated ankle sprains
* Ongoing ankle pain
* Instability when walking
* Difficulty on uneven ground
It may be time for a professional evaluation. Chronic ankle instability is treatable, and surgical repair can dramatically restore function when indicated.
Chronic wounds of the heel can be some of the most difficult conditions to treat in lower extremity reconstruction. Unlike other areas of the foot and ankle, the heel has very limited soft tissue coverage, meaning there is little natural fat or muscle to protect the bone underneath. When a wound becomes long-standing, recurrent, or infected, healing becomes even more challenging—and in some cases, the patient may even face the possibility of amputation.
This case highlights the advanced limb salvage techniques used by Dr. Kevin Lam to successfully reconstruct a complex heel wound that had persisted for two decades.
The Challenge: A 20-Year Chronic Lateral Calcaneal Wound
This patient presented with a chronic wound on the lateral aspect of the calcaneus (heel bone) that had been present for approximately 20 years. Over time, the wound would intermittently flare up, causing repeated episodes of inflammation and breakdown.
Chronic wounds in this region often develop due to:
Previous calcaneal fractures
Surgical complications
Infected hardware or implants
Chronic pressure or trauma
Deep tissue damage involving bone
Because the heel does not have significant fat or muscle padding, wounds in this location can quickly become severe. When infection reaches the bone (osteomyelitis), it creates an even greater barrier to healing.
Why Heel Wounds Are So Difficult to Heal
Standard wound care methods such as:
debridement (cleaning dead tissue)
antibiotics
skin substitutes
skin grafts
may be helpful, but they often fail when there is not enough healthy tissue underneath the wound.
A skin graft requires a stable and well-vascularized bed to survive. If the wound is over exposed bone or chronically infected tissue, the graft may not take. This is where advanced reconstruction becomes critical.
The Solution: Peroneal Muscle Flap Reconstruction
To provide the wound with the best chance of healing and long-term durability, Dr. Kevin Lam recommended a peroneal muscle flap as part of a limb salvage approach.
A muscle flap is valuable because it brings:
strong blood supply
infection-fighting healing potential
durable coverage over bone
soft tissue padding in an area that lacks it
By transferring local muscle tissue into the wound defect, the reconstruction creates a biologically active environment capable of supporting closure and healing.
In addition to the peroneal muscle flap, this case was treated with a comprehensive reconstruction strategy including:
Ilizarov External Fixation
This method provides stability and offloading while allowing the foot and ankle to remain properly aligned during healing.
Skin Grafting
Once a healthy tissue bed was established, a skin graft was applied to provide final surface coverage.
Wound VAC Therapy
Negative pressure wound therapy (wound VAC) was used to:
support graft adherence
reduce swelling
improve blood flow
accelerate wound closure
This combination approach is often necessary for complex wounds where long-term success depends on both soft tissue coverage and biomechanical stability.
The Outcome: Healed, Functional, and Back to Normal Life
Following surgery and adherence to postoperative protocols, the patient healed successfully.
Today, the patient is:
fully healed
back to work
walking comfortably
wearing normal sneakers again
For both the patient and the surgical team, limb salvage cases like this represent the reward of combining experience, technique, and persistence to achieve a life-changing result.
When Muscle Flaps Are Essential
Many chronic wounds can be treated with routine wound care, but certain cases require reconstruction.
A muscle flap may be necessary when:
bone is exposed
chronic infection is present
there is poor soft tissue coverage
prior grafting or wound care has failed
amputation risk becomes a concern
The muscle provides coverage and protection that other methods cannot replace.
Expertise Matters in Complex Limb Salvage
Complex heel wounds are not routine cases. Successful limb salvage requires a surgeon with experience in both wound reconstruction and advanced lower extremity procedures.
Dr. Kevin Lam specializes in complex foot and ankle reconstruction, chronic wound management, and limb salvage surgery—helping patients preserve function, mobility, and quality of life even in challenging cases.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one is dealing with a chronic non-healing wound, recurrent infection, or has been told amputation may be necessary, advanced reconstruction options may still be available.
Consult with Dr. Kevin Lam to explore modern limb salvage solutions and personalized treatment options.
Skin cancer on the leg may start as a rough white patch or turn into a growing red bump. Learn the warning signs and when to see a podiatrist or dermatologist.
Skin cancer is often associated with the face, shoulders, or arms—but skin cancer can also develop on the legs, especially in areas exposed to the sun over time. Unfortunately, many people ignore early warning signs because the skin changes may seem minor at first.
In this article, we’ll explain what skin cancer on the leg can look like, including a common precancerous condition called actinic keratosis**, and how it may progress into squamous cell carcinoma.
What Does Skin Cancer on the Leg Look Like?
Skin cancer on the leg can appear in many forms, including:
* A white or pale patch
* A scaly or crusty spot
* A lesion that feels rough, like sandpaper
* A thickened area of skin
* A red bump that grows over time
* A sore that doesn’t heal
Sometimes skin cancer starts subtly, and patients may assume it is just dry skin, a rash, or irritation.
White or Rough Patches Could Be Actinic Keratosis
One of the most common early warning signs we see is a whitish or rough patch on the skin.
If you notice whiteness on top of a spot, especially on the leg, it may be actinic keratosis (AK).
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition caused by long-term sun exposure. These lesions often develop slowly and may appear as:
* A white, pink, or reddish patch
* A dry, scaly surface
* A rough or crusty texture
* A spot that comes and goes
Many people describe it as a patch that “just won’t go away.”
Why Actinic Keratosis Should Be Taken Seriously
While actinic keratosis is not always cancer, it is considered a warning sign. AK lesions can potentially progress into a type of skin cancer known as **squamous cell carcinoma**.
That’s why early evaluation is important.
Even if the lesion looks small, actinic keratosis is a sign that the skin has been significantly damaged by UV exposure, and additional lesions may develop.
When Actinic Keratosis Turns Into Squamous Cell Carcinoma
In some cases, actinic keratosis can develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as:
* A big red bump
* A raised growth
* A thick, crusty patch
* A firm lump that keeps enlarging
* A sore that bleeds, scabs, and reopens
Patients often notice that the area becomes more irritated, more inflamed, or begins to grow rapidly.
A larger red bump on the leg, especially one that is new or changing, should never be ignored.
Warning Signs That You Should See a Doctor Immediately
You should schedule an evaluation with a podiatrist or dermatologist if you notice:
* A patch that is white and scaly
* A lesion that feels rough or crusty
* A spot that is getting thicker
* A bump that is red and growing
* Bleeding, tenderness, or pain
* A wound that does not heal within a few weeks
* A lesion that changes in size, shape, or color
Early diagnosis is key. Squamous cell carcinoma is very treatable when caught early, but it can become more serious if left untreated.
Why a Podiatrist Can Help
Many people don’t realize that podiatrists diagnose and treat skin conditions of the lower extremities every day—including suspicious lesions on the leg, ankle, and foot.
If you notice a concerning spot on your leg, your podiatrist can examine it and help determine whether further testing, treatment, or referral is needed.
Don’t Wait: Get Checked Now
If you see a spot on your leg with whiteness on top, rough scaling, or a big red bump, it may be more than just dry skin.
Actinic keratosis can be an early warning sign, and in some cases it can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.
The best step you can take is simple:
See your podiatrist or dermatologist now.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are concerned about a skin lesion on your leg, foot, or ankle, we can help.
Call (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) to schedule an appointment.
When it comes to foot and ankle care, experience, skill, and leadership matter. Meet Dr. Kevin Lam, a highly respected podiatrist with over 20 years of clinical experience and the Founder & CEO of Family Foot & Leg Center, a trusted practice that has expanded from its roots in Downtown Naples to multiple locations across Southwest Florida.
From his first day in practice to leading a multi-location network, Dr. Lam’s mission has remained the same: helping patients walk, run, and live comfortably through expert, compassionate foot care.
A Career Built on Expertise and Compassion
Dr. Lam has dedicated more than two decades to mastering the treatment of foot and ankle conditions. His extensive experience allows him to treat a wide range of issues, from heel pain and plantar fasciitis to bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, Achilles tendon pain, and sports injuries.
Patients trust Dr. Lam not only for his technical skill but also for his personalized approach, ensuring every treatment plan is tailored to the individual. His philosophy is simple: treat every patient like family and provide care that truly makes a difference.
Founder & CEO: Growing a Trusted Practice Across Southwest Florida
Dr. Lam founded Family Foot & Leg Center with a vision: provide high-quality, patient-focused podiatry care that is accessible and consistent. What began as a single clinic in Downtown Naples has now grown into multiple locations across Southwest Florida, allowing more patients to access expert foot and ankle care close to home.
As Founder & CEO, Dr. Lam oversees a team of experienced podiatrists and staff, ensuring that every clinic maintains the same high standard of care, advanced treatments, and compassionate service that earned Family Foot & Leg Center its reputation.
Why Choose Family Foot & Leg Center?
* 20+ years of podiatry expertise
* Founder-led, patient-first care
* Multiple convenient locations across SWFL
* Advanced treatments for all foot and ankle conditions
* Same-day appointments available
📍 Downtown Naples Location: 730 Goodlette-Frank Road, Suite 102
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, a sports injury, or a complex foot condition, Dr. Lam and his team provide expert care that gets you back on your feet safely and comfortably.
Experience matters. Leadership matters. Results matter. Your feet deserve the best — and Dr. Kevin Lam delivers it across Southwest Florida.
Your feet are incredible workhorses—they carry you through your day, support your body, and keep you moving. But when blood flow to your feet is compromised, even simple activities can become uncomfortable or risky. Poor circulation in the feet isn’t just inconvenient—it can signal underlying health issues that need attention.
In this post, we’ll explore the warning signs of poor circulation, its causes, and what you can do to protect your foot health.
## What Is Poor Circulation?
Poor circulation occurs when blood flow to a part of the body is reduced. In your feet, this means oxygen and nutrients aren’t reaching the tissues as efficiently as they should. Over time, this can lead to pain, slow healing, and in severe cases, more serious complications.
* Elevate your feet when sitting to reduce swelling.
* Avoid smoking – it constricts blood vessels.
* Wear supportive shoes and socks to reduce pressure and improve circulation.
* Manage chronic conditions – like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you notice any warning signs of poor circulation, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent serious complications. A podiatrist can:
* Assess blood flow using tests like the ankle-brachial index (ABI).
* Recommend custom orthotics to improve foot function.
* Treat foot ulcers, infections, or nerve damage.
* Provide advice for ongoing foot care and lifestyle adjustments.
Key Takeaway
Your feet rely on healthy circulation to function properly. Persistent coldness, numbness, swelling, or slow-healing wounds are not normal and should be evaluated promptly. By paying attention to the warning signs and seeking professional care, you can protect both your foot health and your overall wellbeing.
Need a foot check-up? Dr. Kevin Lam and our team specialize in foot and ankle health, helping patients prevent complications and stay on their feet comfortably. Book an appointment today (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) to ensure your circulation—and your feet—are in top shape.
Ignoring bunions can lead to pain, joint damage, and limited mobility. Learn how early treatment options like scarless bunion surgery, minimally invasive bunion correction, and LAM bunionectomy can help protect your feet and quality of life.
Bunions are often brushed off as a minor inconvenience—something to tolerate, cover up with wider shoes, or put off dealing with until “later.” Many people don’t realize that bunions are a progressive condition, and delaying care can limit future treatment options, including advanced approaches like scarless bunion surgery and minimally invasive bunion correction. But bunions are not just a cosmetic issue. They are a progressive foot deformity, and ignoring them can come with real physical, emotional, and financial costs.
Understanding what happens when bunions are left untreated—and why early intervention matters—can help you protect not just your feet, but your overall quality of life.
What Is a Bunion, Really?
From a medical standpoint, a bunion is not just a bump—it’s a structural misalignment that can worsen over time if left untreated.
A bunion (hallux valgus) occurs when the big toe gradually shifts out of alignment, pushing toward the smaller toes. This creates a visible bump at the base of the big toe, where the joint becomes misaligned and inflamed.
Bunions don’t appear overnight. As the deformity progresses, the joint may become increasingly unstable, making early evaluation important for patients who want to qualify for no-scar bunion surgery or other minimally invasive options. They develop slowly due to factors like genetics, foot structure, repetitive stress, and footwear choices. And once they begin, they typically worsen over time.
The Physical Cost of Ignoring Bunions
Ignoring bunions doesn’t just mean tolerating discomfort—it often leads to long-term structural and functional problems.
1. Increasing Pain and Inflammation
Early bunion discomfort may come and go, but as the deformity progresses, pain often becomes more frequent and intense. The joint can become chronically inflamed, stiff, and tender—even during everyday activities like walking or standing.
2. Reduced Mobility and Activit
As bunion pain increases, many people unconsciously change how they walk to avoid pressure on the joint. Over time, this can limit mobility, reduce activity levels, and make exercise uncomfortable or impossible.
3. Secondary Foot Problems
Untreated bunions often lead to other foot issues, including:
* Hammertoes and claw toes
* Calluses and corns
* Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot)
* Nerve irritation or numbness
These secondary problems can be just as painful—and sometimes harder to treat—than the bunion itself.
4. Joint Damage and Arthritis
As the big toe joint continues to shift, cartilage can wear down, increasing the risk of arthritis. Once arthritis sets in, treatment options may become more limited and recovery more complex.
The Ripple Effect on the Rest of Your Body
Your feet are your foundation. When their alignment is compromised, it can affect the rest of your body.
Compensating for bunion pain can lead to:
* Ankle strain
* Knee pain
* Hip discomfort
* Lower back issues
What starts as a localized foot problem can quietly turn into a full-body alignment issue.
The Emotional and Lifestyle Cost
Bunions don’t just affect how you walk—they affect how you live.
Many patients report:
* Avoiding social events due to shoe discomfort
* Feeling self-conscious about their feet
* Giving up hobbies, travel, or exercise
* Daily frustration from persistent pain
Over time, these limitations can take a toll on mental well-being and overall happiness.
The Financial Cost of Waiting
Delaying treatment often leads to higher costs down the line. As bunions worsen, they may require more complex interventions, longer recovery times, and additional treatments for related foot problems.
Early care—whether conservative management or modern corrective techniques—can often reduce long-term expenses and downtime.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Early treatment is one of the most important factors in determining whether a patient is a good candidate for modern bunion correction techniques, including minimally invasive bunion surgery and LAM bunionectomy.
Access to Less Invasive Options
When bunions are addressed early, patients are more likely to qualify for advanced procedures such as scarless bunion correction, no scar bunion surgery, or LAM bunionectomy, which focus on correcting alignment through tiny incisions while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.
When addressed early, bunions may be managed with non-surgical treatments or minimally invasive procedures designed to correct alignment while preserving natural joint function.
Faster, Easier Recovery
Early intervention often means:
* Smaller corrections
* Less tissue disruption
* Quicker return to normal activities
Better Long-Term Outcomes
Correcting a bunion before significant joint damage occurs can help maintain mobility, reduce recurrence risk, and protect overall foot health.
Modern Solutions Have Changed the Conversation
Many people avoid bunion treatment because they fear large incisions, visible scars, or long recoveries. Fortunately, modern techniques—such as minimally invasive bunion surgery and LAM bunionectomy—have changed the experience for many patients. Advances in foot and ankle care—such as scarless and minimally invasive techniques—have transformed what bunion correction can look like.
Today’s approaches focus on precision, alignment, and faster healing. In many cases, patients can walk sooner, experience less post-procedure discomfort, and avoid visible scarring with scarless bunion surgery.
Don’t Wait for the Pain to Decide
Early evaluation doesn’t mean immediate surgery—it means understanding your options while they are still available.
Bunions rarely get better on their own. Ignoring them doesn’t make them disappear—it often allows them to quietly worsen.
If you’re noticing early signs of a bunion or experiencing discomfort, seeking professional evaluation sooner rather than later can save you pain, time, and stress in the long run.
Your feet carry you through life. Taking care of them early is an investment in your comfort, mobility, and freedom for years to come.
Your feet work hard every day—carrying your body, absorbing impact, and keeping you balanced. Yet many people ignore foot pain until it becomes impossible to walk comfortably. From heel pain to bunions, your feet often send early warning signs that something isn’t right. Understanding these signals can help you prevent long-term problems and stay active and pain-free.
Heel Pain: More Than Just a Sore Spot
Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints, especially pain that’s worst in the morning or after long periods of rest. This discomfort is often linked to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that supports the arch of your foot.
Your feet may be telling you:
You’re wearing unsupportive shoes
Your arches need better support
Tight calf muscles are placing stress on your heel
Repetitive strain is causing inflammation
Ignoring heel pain can lead to chronic discomfort and changes in how you walk, which may cause knee, hip, or back pain over time.
Arch Pain and Fatigue: A Sign of Structural Issues
Do your feet ache after standing or walking, even if you haven’t done much activity? Arch pain or constant foot fatigue may indicate flat feet, high arches, or improper foot mechanics.
These symptoms often suggest:
Poor alignment while walking
Uneven pressure distribution
Overuse of certain muscles and joints
Without proper support or treatment, these issues can progress into more serious conditions, including tendon injuries or joint pain.
Ball of the Foot Pain: When Pressure Builds Up
Pain or burning under the ball of the foot is commonly caused by metatarsalgia or nerve irritation. This type of pain can feel like you’re walking on a pebble and is often worsened by tight or high-heeled shoes.
Your feet may be signaling:
Excess pressure on the forefoot
Poor shock absorption
Nerve compression
Early treatment can help relieve pressure and prevent worsening pain or numbness.
Bunions: A Slow but Clear Warning
Bunions don’t form overnight. They develop gradually as the big toe joint shifts out of alignment, leading to a visible bump and increasing pain over time.
Bunions often tell us:
Foot structure is placing stress on the joint
Shoes are too narrow or tight
There is a hereditary component affecting alignment
While bunions may start as a cosmetic concern, they can eventually cause significant pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes if left untreated.
Hammertoes and Toe Pain: Loss of Balance and Function
Curled or painful toes, including hammertoes, can result from muscle imbalance, improper footwear, or long-standing foot issues. These conditions can cause corns, calluses, and discomfort during daily activities.
Your feet may be warning you that:
Muscle balance is off
Shoes are not allowing proper toe movement
Structural changes are progressing
Addressing these issues early can help prevent permanent deformities.
Why Ignoring Foot Pain Is a Mistake
Many people assume foot pain is a normal part of aging or an active lifestyle—but it’s not. Pain is your body’s way of asking for help. When foot problems go untreated, they can affect posture, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Listen to Your Feet—They Know Best
Your feet are incredibly good at communicating when something is wrong. Whether it’s heel pain, arch discomfort, or bunions, these symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Early evaluation by a podiatrist can often prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
If your feet are trying to tell you something, it may be time to listen.
