September 2020

A fungal infection of the toenails is a very common condition that can cause the nails to become thickened, yellowed, or crumbly. This can sometimes lead to pain in the affected toenails. There are a variety of treatments available for fungal nail infections. Currently, a common treatment is an oral antifungal medication. While these medications have a high rate of curing the infection, it can take up to a year before you see visible results, and some people may experience side effects from taking the medication. Topical medications that are applied directly to the nail tend to have less side effects than oral medications, but are typically less effective. Some newer treatments, such as laser therapy, are still being studied, and have shown promising results thus far. If you have toenail fungus, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

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 Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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 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.

The peripheral nerves control several responses in the body, including the sense of touch, muscle strength, and the ability to feel pain. Neuropathy indicates a loss of sensation in the feet and fingers, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can occur as a result of existing medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. Additionally, excessive alcohol use and vitamin deficiency may lead to developing neuropathy. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can be a loss of balance, and many patients can experience shooting pain in the limbs. Research has indicated that it may be beneficial to incorporate healthy eating habits into your daily regimen, and it may help to perform simple exercises that can increase muscle strength. If your feet are numb, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat neuropathy.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

We’ve all stubbed our toe, perhaps on a piece of furniture or a doorframe. Typically, the pain is severe at first but subsides after a few minutes. Sometimes, however, the injury is more serious. If a toe is broken, the pain will often become more severe over time. Symptoms of a broken toe can include swelling around the toe and foot, bruising or discoloration, a change in the shape of the toe, difficulty moving the toe, pain when walking or putting weight on the injured toe, a loss of sensation in the toe or foot, or a visible bone poking into the skin. If you suspect that you may have broken your toe, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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 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.

Achilles tendonitis is an injury of the Achilles tendon, the thick tendon located in the back of the leg that allows you to push off while walking, running, or jumping. While anybody can sustain this injury, some people are more at risk than others. Athletes are especially prone to Achilles tendon injuries because they frequently engage in physical activity that can strain the tendon. Athletes who suddenly increase the intensity of their workouts, or change their playing surface or footwear, are at an increased risk of hurting their Achilles tendon. Tight or weak calf muscles, an excessively inward-rolling gait, chronic ankle instability, and differences in the length of your legs can also contribute to tendon injuries. Another common cause of Achilles tendonitis is wearing high heels frequently, which can shorten the Achilles tendon making it more prone to injury. Older age, flat feet, and certain types of arthritis can increase the risk of Achilles tendonitis as well. If you have experienced an Achilles tendon injury, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment as soon as possible.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.