Items filtered by date: June 2023

Common reasons people can break a toe can include a heavy object dropping on one of them, or it may happen from stubbing it into a piece of furniture. There is no mistaking a broken toe when it happens, as there is immediate pain, bruising, and swelling. Additionally, it is often difficult to walk, and mild relief may be found when the foot is frequently elevated. It is beneficial to have an X-ray performed which can confirm the fracture, and determine its severity. Patients may find success in using the buddy taping method as a possible remedy for their broken toe. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which can generally provide the stability that is needed as it heals. Severely broken toes may have a bone protruding from them and will require medical attention. If you have a broken toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose it, and offer the treatment method that is right for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

While there are numerous causes for foot pain, if you feel pain on the top of the foot or through the arch, it may be caused by nerve problems. Common symptoms of nerve pain in the feet are burning and shooting or stabbing pain when a nerve is aggravated. Unfortunately, such nerve pain in the feet can occur when you are active and when you are resting. The four most common causes of nerve pain in the feet are Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes, and a pinched nerve. With Morton’s neuroma, the pain will be felt between the third and fourth toes as the nerve in that area thickens. This condition affects women more often as a result of frequent wearing of high heels. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused when the tibial nerve that is located near the heel is compressed. A pinched nerve, which is also called nerve entrapment, is often caused by swelling, tight shoes, or trauma to the foot. Diabetic foot neuropathy is the result of nerve damage caused by high levels of blood sugar. If you are experiencing any type of shooting or stabbing pain in the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the cause and find 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 APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The most common reason an Achilles tendon injury can happen is overuse. Many runners experience this type of injury, possibly as a result of increasing speed and distance too quickly. Additionally, it may happen from not stretching properly before running or jogging. The Achilles tendon is located in the lower calf area and connects the heel to the calf muscles. This type of injury generally causes severe pain and discomfort and can be challenging to walk. Additional symptoms associated with an Achilles tendon injury can include stiffness, swelling, and a burning sensation. An Achilles tendon injury may cause some patients to feel weak and existing calluses on their feet may change in size. This may be a result of the impact an Achilles tendon injury can have on the skin while walking. If you have incurred this type of injury, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can guide you toward the right treatment methods.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cuts and sores are common occurrences, and many happen to the feet. This is especially true during the summer months, when people are more likely to wear sandals and flip flops. In most cases, these minor wounds heal with a small amount of antiseptic gel and a bandage. However, if a wound does not heal properly, it may cause painful foot conditions. Signs that a wound needs professional care can include excessive bleeding, increasing pain, and pus or discharge. If a foot wound is becoming worse, a podiatrist can treat it with a series of actions. This can begin with flushing out the wound for any foreign particles that may be embedded, likely followed with a tetanus shot. With larger wounds, especially those bleeding profusely, stitches may be required, and pain medication will likely be prescribed. In certain cases, such as a diabetic ulcer, surgical treatment may be necessary. For more information about foot wound care, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.