Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor Fort Myers, FL 33908 and Naples, FL 34110

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Monday, 21 December 2020

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Surgical Treatment of Hammertoes

Monday, 14 December 2020

Hammertoes are a foot condition characterized by an abnormal bending of the second, third, fourth, or pinky toes. This deformity of the toes can cause pain and irritation in the toes, as well as corns and calluses. There are many nonsurgical treatment options for hammertoes, including shoe modifications, splinting the toe, padding or trimming corns and calluses, and certain exercises, therapies, and medications. However, sometimes these more conservative treatments fail and surgery may become an option. There are several surgical treatment options. In a joint fusion, the cartilage surfaces of the affected joint are removed and a screw is placed into the area to prevent motion. In a phalangeal head resection, a portion of the phalanx bone is removed and tension in the affected tendon is released. There are also tendon transfers, in which the tendons that are too tight may be cut or transferred to relieve tension and straighten the toes. To find the best treatment for your hammertoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

Painful and/or difficult toe movement
Swelling
Joint stiffness
Calluses/Corns
Physical deformity

Risk Factors

Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

What Is Causing My Foot Pain?

Monday, 07 December 2020

Pain is a common symptom of many foot problems. When going to the doctor, it is helpful to describe where in the foot the pain is occurring and under what conditions you feel it. Pain in certain areas of the foot and at certain times is often associated with specific conditions. For example, pain in the sole of the foot that is most intense when taking your first steps after a long rest, such as when you first wake up in the morning, can be indicative of plantar fasciitis. Sharp pain in the back of your foot that worsens with activity and is accompanied by tenderness in the Achilles tendon may be a sign of Achilles tendinopathy. Burning, tingling, or shooting pains in the ankle and heel that worsen with standing and activity may be indicative of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Regardless of what may be causing your pain, a podiatrist can examine your foot and diagnose the problem. If you are experiencing foot pain, consult with a podiatrist today.

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.

Foot Conditions That Can Affect Elderly People

Monday, 30 November 2020

Elderly people may experience foot conditions, including the toenails becoming brittle, a loss of cushioning in the feet as the aging process occurs, and poor circulation. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, as this may help to prevent some foot ailments, such as ingrown toenails, corns, and bunions, from developing. Circulation issues may be prevented when gentle stretches are frequently performed, and it may help to elevate the feet as often as possible. Washing and drying the feet thoroughly may help to prevent athlete’s foot from developing. Additionally, applying a good moisturizer daily may reduce the chances of getting cracked heels. If you would like more information about how to care for elderly feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

Wearing Shoes That Do Not Fit Properly May Cause Corns

Monday, 23 November 2020

A small area of hardened skin that develops on the bottom of the feet or between the toes may be indicative of a corn. A corn can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it generally forms as a result of excessive friction. This friction is typically caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, which can also affect your gait. The corn may diminish in size when wearing properly fitted shoes, or when the activity that caused the friction is temporarily ceased. Some patients find mild relief when a protective pad is worn over the corn. If the corn is severe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, such as trimming the corn.

If you have any concerns 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 can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

Well-fitting socks
Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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