November 2020

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect two bones together becomes damaged through overstretching or tearing. This can result in pain, swelling, and bruising. One way to treat the pain of a sprained ankle is to follow the PRICE acronym. PRICE stands for protect, rest, ice, compress, and elevate. Protect the injured ankle from further damage by avoiding any additional weight being placed on the ankle. Rest the ankle as often as possible for several days. Ice the ankle by placing an ice pack wrapped in a towel over the injured area. Compress the damaged ankle with bandages to limit movement. Finally, elevate the ankle to prevent fluid buildup and further swelling. While home treatment can help ease your pain, if you believe that you have sprained your ankle it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

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 Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It can cause the skin to become dry, scaly, and itchy, and in more severe cases can cause skin peeling, blistering, and pain. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread through both direct and indirect contact with a contaminated surface or an infected person. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm and moist environments. Places like public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers can be a breeding ground for the fungus. It is best to wear shoes when walking in these areas. You can also catch athlete’s foot by sharing personal items, such as towels, shoes, and socks, with an infected person. For more information about athlete’s foot, consult with a podiatrist today.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot massages can be relaxing, but did you know that they can also benefit your foot health? A foot massage can help stretch and relax the feet, leading to less foot pain. If you experience pain or tension in the arch of your foot, you may want to try an arch massage. This is done by holding the top of the foot in one hand and rubbing the length of the arch with the fingers of the other hand. Repeat this several times on each foot, going from the heel to the arch. For more information about the benefits of foot massage, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Obesity can damage your foot health, and foot pain is common in obese individuals. This is because being obese changes the structure of your feet. Your feet carry the weight of your entire body. Extra pounds can put excess pressure on the feet, causing the arch in the middle of the sole of your foot to flatten over time. As the arch flattens, your body weight becomes unevenly distributed along the surface of the foot when you stand up or walk. The plantar fascia ligament, which runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes overstretched, leading to foot pain. The alignment of bones and muscles throughout the body may also be thrown off by the change in your foot structure, potentially leading to pain in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. For more information about the effects of obesity on the feet, please speak with a podiatrist.

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 Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flip flops are a popular type of shoe that is worn in the summer months. Despite the simplicity of wearing these types of shoes, it is thought that they may cause harm to the feet. The Achilles tendon may become sore as a result of the little or no arch support offered by flip flops. Some patients may notice blisters forming between the toes where the thong, which helps to keep the shoe on the foot, rubs against the skin. People who decide to wear flip flops may benefit from choosing shoes that are designed with supportive materials, as this may help to reduce the risk of getting blisters and calluses. If you would like additional information about what type of flip flops to purchase, please consult with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.