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January 2022

Tuesday, 25 January 2022 00:00

Treating Peripheral Neuropathy 

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves in the extremities become damaged and dysfunctional. Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, burning/shooting pains and muscle weakness in the feet, along with cramps, swelling, sensitivity, and a loss of coordination and balance. This condition often makes it difficult for people to walk. Peripheral neuropathy is often caused by the elevated sugar levels associated with diabetes, but may also occur due to viral infections, injury, or as a side effect of taking certain medications or indulging in too much alcohol. A podiatrist can help treat peripheral neuropathy through pharmaceutical and physical therapy, custom orthotics for your shoes, or even nerve stimulation treatments. It is suggested that you call a podiatrist to explore treatment options for your peripheral 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.

Read more about Neuropathy

It is believed that many foot problems are caused by wearing the wrong kind of shoe. Here are some things you can do to help keep your feet healthy by choosing the right kind of shoe for your individual foot. Start by outlining your feet on a piece of paper and bringing that with you when you are buying shoes. Go in the afternoon or evening, after your foot has had a chance to expand throughout the day. When you get to the store, have your foot measured or do it yourself. Be sure to stand up to make sure each foot is measured accurately. If your feet vary in size, choose the larger size. Look for shoes that have good arch support, no rough inner seams, at least 1/2” of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe, and a structured back to hug your heel. When you find a shoe you are interested in, check to see if it matches your foot shape before you try it on. Place the shoe on top of the outline you brought: if it covers the outline completely, that means it might be a good match. Try the shoe on and walk around to make sure nothing pinches or rubs your foot. For additional tips on finding shoes that are right for your feet, consult with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

  • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
  • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
  • Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
  • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

Read more about How to Get a Proper Shoe Fit
Tuesday, 11 January 2022 00:00

Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease

A condition common among the diabetic community is peripheral artery disease, PAD, which affects between 8-10 million people a year in the United States. Many of them are over 50 years old, studies show. PAD causes fatty buildup in the arteries, including those in the feet. The clogged arteries restrict blood flow, and if left undetected can lead to severe tissue damage. Among the most common symptoms of PAD are pain and numbness, especially when walking. Weakness, cold feet, and wounds that take a long time to heal are also telltale signs to look out for. Taking proper medication to reduce the inflammation in the arteries is important, along with regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and giving up smoking. In severe cases of PAD, medication and lifestyle changes may not be enough. If the condition persists, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for an evaluation and extensive treatment plan.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

  • Claudication (leg pain from walking)
  • Numbness in legs
  • Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Read more about Peripheral Artery Disease
Saturday, 08 January 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, 04 January 2022 00:00

Morton’s Neuroma in Runners and Others

Many runners develop a condition known as Morton’s neuroma which is a thickening of a nerve in the foot. It usually affects the large nerve between the third and fourth toe, which is more susceptible to pressure, irritation and injury, and results in painful inflammation. Runners and people playing sports that involve pressure on the ball of the foot are more apt to develop this condition. Also, women wearing high heels, with a lack of room in the toe box and improper cushioning are susceptible. People with flat feet, high arches, bunions or hammertoes are also at risk. Morton’s neuroma is thought to be a progressive ailment, and for that reason diagnosis is often delayed until the condition becomes more severe. At some point, the symptoms become more painful and frequent and last longer. Many people complain of having a pebble in their shoe or feel like their sock is bunched up. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist at the earliest onset of such symptoms for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

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 Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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 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.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
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