Items filtered by date: November 2022

Wednesday, 30 November 2022 00:00

Causes of Ankle Pain Without Having an Injury

Many people have ankle pain without enduring an injury. It may be noticeable as a shooting pain sears through the ankle, or it may come in the form of mild aches. Arthritis may be the source of ankle pain, in addition to autoimmune disorders which may contribute to developing this type of pain. Gout is a form of arthritis that typically begins in the big toe, and may radiate toward the ankle. It can cause excruciating pain and discomfort, and completing daily activities is often temporarily halted. The condition that is known as flat feet may cause ankle pain, and this may be a result of a lack of shock absorption that is often found in people who have this condition. Additionally, there are specific types of infections that can cause ankle pain, which may travel to the ankle bone. A proper diagnosis is needed to determine the cause of the pain and can be followed by beginning the correct treatment. Any type of ankle pain warrants a visit to the podiatrist, who can effectively treat foot and ankle pain.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

Helping Your Child Manage Foot Pain

Complications with the feet can occur in just about everyone, from young children to senior citizens. If your child is complaining about foot pain, you should take it seriously. There are several steps that you can take to help your child navigate the pain. One of the first steps includes talking with your child to get a better sense of the pain. For example, you can ask your child to point to where on their foot they are feeling pain. This can mean a number of different things. If your child points to his or her heel, the child might be experiencing Sever’s disease, a condition that primarily affects children and causes heel pain. Another way to help your child manage foot pain is by taking the child to a podiatrist. This foot specialist will be best equipped to help you identify any problems with the feet and select a sufficient course of treatment. So the next time your child tells you that they have foot pain, consider taking them to a podiatrist. Schedule an appointment today.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00

Medication and Toenail Fungus

Many people who have toenail fungus are self-conscious about their feet. It is an unsightly foot condition and can cause patients to avoid wearing shoes that have an open toe. The medical term for this ailment is onychomycosis, and it is a fungal infection of the toenail. There are symptoms that gradually develop and can become quite obvious. These can include yellowed and thickened toenails, and in severe cases, the nail may fall off. The big toe is generally the first toe to be affected, and may spread to the other toes if treatment is not received. The fungus that causes this condition lives in warm environments and can enter the body through small cuts in the skin on the feet. People who have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or poor blood circulation may be prone to getting toenail fungus, and it is important to seek prompt medical attention when the first symptoms appear on the nail. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can prescribe the necessary medication for the removal of this fungus.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about How to Treat Your Toenail Fungus

As children grow, it is important to create a safe home for them in order to reduce the risk of them falling and injuring themselves. Certain precautions can be useful to aid in this. If you choose to have screened windows, it is important to have them properly installed, as this may prevent children from accidentally falling out. Be mindful to open the window from the top, if possible, so as to bring added safety for children. It is also helpful if existing chairs are removed near the windows to stop the child from climbing up and falling out of the window. Another crucial prevention technique is to ensure children are strapped in while in high chairs, strollers, swings, and infant carriers. This may help to prevent them from attempting to stand up, falling out, and possibly hurting themselves. Research has indicated that baby walkers may be dangerous, and can roll down the steps if the baby moves too close to them. An acceptable alternative may be using a stationary activity center to give the child a chance to stand without possibly falling. If you would like information about how falling can affect children’s feet, and how to safely reduce your child’s chances of falling, please confer with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

High Heels Can Lead to Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition that affects women more than men. It may develop from frequently wearing high heels and occurs in the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Many high heels do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in and this can cause the nerve to become compressed. Common symptoms associated with Morton’s neuroma can include the sensation of stepping on a pebble or marble, numbness, or stabbing pain surrounding the affected area. Relief may be found when the foot is elevated and when soft insoles are worn inside the shoe. Patients who are overweight are encouraged to lose any additional weight to help reduce the pressure on the feet. It is also suggested to refrain from participating in running and jumping activities, and this may help accelerate the healing process. In severe cases, surgery may be required to permanently repair or remove the affected nerve for maximum comfort. If you have this foot condition, please consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What is Morton's Neuroma?

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