Items filtered by date: October 2022

Plantar fasciitis is an extremely common type of heel pain that can develop in an individual when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue in the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed. Many different physical activities can cause plantar fasciitis. One of these overlooked causes can be driving repeatedly. Someone who is constantly driving may be increasing their susceptibility to plantar fasciitis in their right foot because this foot is needed to constantly press on and off of the gas and brake pedals. This repeated flexing of the foot is known as plantar flexion, and may exacerbate your plantar fasciitis. If you are an excessive driver, there are steps that you might consider taking to mitigate your foot condition. For example, you might be intentional about taking several breaks during car rides so that you may fully stretch your feet and legs. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Individuals who suffer from diabetes will sometimes develop foot ulcers, which are open sores or lesions that take time to heal. One way that a diabetic might consider managing their ulcers is by properly dressing them. The purpose of this technique is to ultimately reduce symptoms and facilitate healing. Importantly, dressings are not meant to be permanent. A diabetic patient can change these dressings on a regular and frequent basis to inspect the ulcer. There are several different kinds of dressings. For example, one might opt to use non-adhesive dressings, foam and alginate dressings, and hydrogels. However, whichever dressings a diabetic chooses will be largely dependent on their needs and the peculiarities of their ulcers. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.
 

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 Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. 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 Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that leads to pain and swelling in and around joints. It is much more common in adults but can affect children and teens as well. Gout affecting this younger age group is referred to as pediatric gout. With gout, excess uric acid in the blood builds up in the joints and forms sharp crystals to form in joints. The joints may become painful, swollen, and stiff. This condition usually starts in the big toe. Given how rare gout is in children, it is often thought to be from an underlying medical problem. This affliction can occur at birth or be associated with obesity, down syndrome, congenital heart disease, or kidney disease among other things. Male children experience a more sudden rise in uric acid levels at around age 12 compared to similarly aged females. This may be due to rising testosterone levels in males, which gives rise to increased uric acid. In contrast, rising estrogen levels in females cause an increase in uric acid removal. Increased uric acid levels may or may not lead to gout. If your child is complaining of big toe joint pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to see if gout is the culprit.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who frequently wear high heels may not realize the dangers that coincide, beginning with an increase in tripping hazards. Additionally, high heels may significantly contribute to incurring a foot or ankle injury, and circulation may be negatively affected, too. Some of the foot conditions that can gradually develop from wearing high heels include Achilles tendonitis, bunions, hammertoes, blisters, corns, and calluses. The body’s weight can be affected by leaning forward as a result of the shape of the shoe and this can cause the weight to shift to the balls of the feet. Some measures can be implemented that can provide comfort while wearing high heels. These can include choosing a lower heel, wearing them less often during the week, and stretching the feet and ankles as often as possible. Podiatrists can answer any questions you may have regarding how high heels can affect the feet, and it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor if you would like more information.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.