Nothing is more embarrassing than having to take off your shoes in public if you have bromodosis, which is the medical term for smelly feet. What causes bromodosis? Bacteria releasing a foul odor as it metabolizes sweat that has accumulated on your skin. Proper hygiene and foot care can usually help you keep bromodosis at bay. Be sure to wash and dry your feet at least once daily. Try antifungal or antibacterial soap. Dry thoroughly between toes and remove any hardened dead skin which are places where bacteria can thrive. Keep your toenails clean and trimmed. Be sure to put on a fresh pair of socks at least once a day, and possibly more if you exercise or live in a hot climate. Moisture-wicking socks that draw moisture away from your skin are best. Shoes should not fit tightly. They should also be switched out every day so they can dry out to prevent bacteria from growing in them. You can also try antifungal foot spray, medicated foot powder, or even foot soaks. Contact your podiatrist if these measures do not get rid of your bromodosis, or if you believe you may have excessively sweaty feet, medically referred to as hyperhydrosis.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Pain in the top of the foot can be caused from a variety of conditions, one of them being extensor tendinitis. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bone. Extensor tendons are located on the top of the feet. They connect bones in the toes to muscles on the front portion of the leg which work together to help raise your toes and flex your feet. These tendons can become inflamed and irritated from wearing tight, small, or non-supportive shoes, or from overuse. This condition, known as extensor tendonitis, can cause pain and swelling in the top of the feet that may worsen after activity. If you are experiencing this type of foot pain, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist. After the examination, if it’s determined that you have extensor tendonitis, your doctor may prescribe a course of treatment that includes rest, anti-inflammatory medication, splinting, physical therapy, or even steroid injections.

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, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A corn is a hard, yellowed bump or lump just under the skin of the toe or foot. It often develops when the toe rubs against the inside of your shoe, causing pain. People with diabetes or poor circulation may be more apt to develop corns. There are several treatments that can remove or eliminate corns, but if the underlying cause is not corrected, they are likely to recur. Pressure and repetitive friction are the main causes of corns and calluses on the feet. Wearing shoes that are not too tight, or too loose, can help reduce the pressure on the toes. When shoes are too tight or heels too high they can compress the foot; when they are too loose, the foot may slide and rub against them. A seam or stitching on the shoe also can cause repetitive friction. The best way to avoid corns is to wear shoes with room in the toe box, and socks that absorb moisture. Soaking the feet periodically helps soften the corns. For removal of a corn, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for safe treatment and prevention planning.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Heel spurs are bony bumps that can form on the underside of your heel bone. They are usually painless, but can become painful if the tissue around the heel swells. Pain typically worsens with activity. There are several things that you can do at home to address heel spur pain. First, you should rest your injured foot so that it can heal. Keep weight and pressure off the affected foot if possible, and apply ice to the injury to reduce swelling. Stretch your legs and feet before getting out of bed to loosen the muscles and tendons in your feet. Wearing properly fitting shoes or orthotic inserts can also help to cushion and support your feet, and you may wish to also take over-the-counter medications to reduce pain. If your heel pain doesn’t improve or worsens, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist for a proper examination.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Many people associate arthritis with aging and the elderly. While it is true that certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are most often seen in older adults, arthritis is not exclusively a disease of aging. Nearly 300,000 children and teens in the United States alone have juvenile arthritis (JA). Rather than being just one disease, JA is an umbrella term for any type of arthritis that affects someone under the age of 16. The most common type of JA is idiopathic arthritis. This can cause symptoms such as pain, stiffness, redness, warmth, and swelling around the joints. The small joints of the feet are often affected. It is suggested that children with JA visit a podiatrist regularly to monitor and maintain the health of their foot and ankle joints. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are several types of foot and ankle injuries that can occur when playing sports. The most common sports injury is an ankle sprain. It is important for ankle sprains to be diagnosed and treated professionally, as an improperly healed sprain can lead to additional sprains, chronic ankle instability, and arthritis. Another type of injury athletes face involves the Achilles tendon, which can become inflamed, injured, torn, or even ruptured from repetitive activity or trauma. An inflammation of the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot (plantar fasciitis) can be caused by overuse or wearing shoes that are worn out or inappropriate for the sport being played. Running and court sports can lead to a compression of the nerve between the third and fourth toes. This causes the tissue surrounding the nerve to thicken and, left untreated, may lead to nerve damage. Stress fractures are another type of sports injury where a tiny crack develops over time in a bone due to repetitive activity, poor footwear, changes in activity, or other factors. If you have suffered any type of foot or ankle injury while playing sports, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

If you suffer from arthritis in your feet and ankles, doing gentle foot exercises regularly can help reduce or prevent symptoms like joint stiffness and pain. You can stretch your calves by placing a book on the floor and standing on it with just the balls of your feet, leaving your heels on the floor. Keep your knees straight and lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calves. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Exercise your ankles by sitting in a chair and lifting your foot slightly off the ground. Trace the letters of the alphabet in the air. Repeat on the other foot. For more helpful foot and ankle stretches, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Toenails that have turned brown or yellow in color and/or have become thick and crumbly, may have a fungal infection. These infections are often caused when fungi get into small cracks in the toenails. The fungi that often cause these infections tend to live in warm and moist environments like locker rooms, showers, and pool areas. One thing that can be done to prevent these infections is to make sure to always wear some form of footwear in these environments. Other things that can be done to prevent fungal nail infections include frequently washing the feet, wearing a new fresh pair of socks every day, avoiding sharing footwear with others, as well as wearing breathable footwear. Infected toenails can become painful and emit a foul odor if not treated. Patients who believe that they may already have a fungal nail infection should consult with a podiatrist in order to receive treatment and to prevent the infection from spreading.

For more information about treatment, 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.

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 Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.