Playing tennis is not only a great way to stay active but also a test of endurance and agility. However, foot muscle cramps can unexpectedly disrupt your game and cause discomfort. These cramps, often attributed to overuse, dehydration, or inadequate stretching, can occur in various foot muscles, including the arches, toes, and calves. The repetitive movements involved in tennis, such as sudden stops, pivots, and quick changes in direction, can strain the foot muscles, leading to cramping. Insufficient hydration and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to muscle cramps during intense physical activity. It is important to stay hydrated, maintain proper nutrition, and incorporate regular stretching and warm-up exercises into your routine while playing Tennis frequently. Wearing supportive footwear and orthotic inserts can also help alleviate strain on the foot muscles. By understanding the factors contributing to foot muscle cramps and implementing preventive measures, you can enjoy a more comfortable and uninterrupted tennis experience while safeguarding your foot health. If you enjoy playing tennis and have developed foot cramps, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

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 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.

Obesity and foot pain often share a close relationship, intertwining in ways that impact an individual's mobility and overall quality of life. Excess weight puts undue stress on the feet, leading to various painful conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and osteoarthritis. The added pressure strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet, causing discomfort and limiting movement. Furthermore, obesity can complicate existing foot issues, making them more difficult to manage and treat. The structural changes in the feet due to excess weight can alter the distribution of pressure and impact the biomechanics of walking, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Addressing obesity through lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can significantly alleviate foot pain and improve overall foot health. Losing weight reduces the load on the feet, allowing them to function more efficiently and with less strain. Additionally, incorporating low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the feet and promote better support and stability. If you are overweight and have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective management and relief tips.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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 and ankle needs.

Toe fractures, though often considered minor injuries, can cause significant discomfort and hinder mobility. There are several types of toe fractures, each with its own characteristics and treatment considerations. A common type is a closed fracture, where the bone breaks but does not penetrate the skin. Open fractures occur when the broken bone pierces through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and requiring immediate medical attention. Stress fractures, caused by repetitive stress or overuse, are hairline cracks in the bone that may develop gradually over time. Another type is a displaced fracture, where the broken ends of the bone do not align properly, potentially requiring realignment through manipulation or surgery. Avulsion fractures involve the tearing away of a piece of bone where a tendon or ligament attaches. Regardless of the type of fracture, prompt evaluation by a podiatrist is suggested to determine the appropriate treatment approach and ensure optimal healing and recovery of the injured toe. If you have fractured your toe, it is strongly suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can determine the type of fracture, and offer the treatment solution that is best for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. 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 to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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 and ankle needs.

Flat feet, which are often considered to be a hindrance to athletes, need not deter children aged 11 to 15 years from pursuing their athletic aspirations. Flat feet may lack the arch typically associated with athletic prowess, but they can offer unique advantages in various sports. For instance, individuals with flat feet tend to have increased stability and a lower center of gravity, which can enhance balance and agility in activities such as gymnastics, martial arts, and dance. Additionally, the absence of a pronounced arch allows for greater surface contact with the ground, facilitating better shock absorption and energy transfer during running and jumping. With proper training, footwear selection, and the use of orthotics, children with flat feet can excel in sports and lead active lifestyles without limitations. If your child has flat feet, and is interested in participating in sporting activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately address any concerns you may have.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and potential infection. Typically affecting the big toe, ingrown toenails can result from a variety of factors. Improper nail trimming, such as rounding the corners or cutting them too short, increases the likelihood of ingrowth. Wearing tight-fitting shoes or high heels can exert pressure on the toes, contributing to the development of ingrown nails. Additionally, injury or trauma to the toe, genetic predisposition, and underlying health conditions like fungal infections or diabetes can elevate the risk. Ignoring ingrown toenails can lead to complications, including infections that may require medical intervention. Seeking timely attention from a podiatrist for ingrown toenails can help alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer successful treatment options, which may include minor surgery for relief.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. 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 are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.