Items filtered by date: February 2017

Shopping for shoes can often be a tricky thing to do.  Finding the right place to buy them is one of the first things to consider.  Getting the shoes online would be convenient, but being able to try the shoes on is a must if you want to ensure that they fit properly.  Make sure to measure your foot.  Depending on where you are, you can usually find a sales associate to help you with this.  Your shoe size can vary for a number of reasons.  As the day wears on our feet typically swell a bit.  And, as we age, our feet may expand.  Also, a shoe size that one brand sells may be different from the exact same size offered by another. Once you have the shoes on, walk around the store a little bit.  If they aren’t comfortable, it would be better to just find another pair.  If you’re wondering why your feet hurt, it could be that you’re wearing the wrong size shoes.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athletes who play on hard surfaces, such as basketball players or tennis players, typically participate in sports that often give their feet a harsh workout. Fast and rough movements can contribute to foot and ankle injuries such as plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, bone spurs, and Achilles tendon issues. Many of these injuries can be prevented by proper stretching, wearing proper footgear appropriate for the sport, and wearing orthotics as needed. For younger athletes, heel pain should be monitored. The heel growth plate is especially vulnerable to injury for growing children. If pain persists, activity should be stopped immediately.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic patients who have poor circulation and nerve damage are most prone to foot problems, especially in cold weather conditions. Moisture from cold weather can collect in your shoes and socks, soaking your feet, leading to the propagation of bacteria and possibly an infection. Diabetic patients should remember to change their socks often when going out in cold weather, and to moisturize their dry feet. Avoid using warming aids on your feet, as this can be dangerous for patients who have numbness due to peripheral neuropathy. Properly-fitting shoes, combined with sufficient soles and moisture-wicking socks, are necessary to ensure proper care for diabetic patients.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are classified as the growth of the nails into the sides of the skin, resulting in symptoms of pain and irritation. Typically, surgery is considered as an option in helping to correct ingrown toenails, but the following at-home DIY procedure can help. The first step involves soaking your feet in warm water with baking soda and salt. Use a cotton ball soaked in raw honey and a garlic clove to apply space between the end of the nail and skin. The mixture has antiseptic properties and will help with the separation of the ingrown toenail. Do this for at least 15 days, then gradually work toward separating the toenail from the skin.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.