November 2025

The ankle is a complex joint that supports the body’s weight and allows smooth movement. When pain, stiffness, or swelling develops, it often signals an underlying issue. Common causes include sprains, arthritis, tendonitis, or instability from previous injuries. Repetitive strain, poor footwear, or structural imbalances can also lead to inflammation around the joint. Left untreated, these problems may limit mobility and increase the risk of future injury. A podiatrist can determine the source of ankle discomfort through a detailed exam and imaging, if needed. Treatment may include rest, bracing, targeted exercises, or custom orthotic support to restore stability and reduce strain. Addressing ankle pain early helps preserve joint strength and prevent chronic issues. If your ankle feels swollen, stiff, or painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide relief and improve long-term function.

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 tendonitis
• 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to biomechanical imbalances that affect how weight is distributed across the feet. Flat feet are often associated with poor posture, reduced stability, and discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, or lower back. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the condition and determine how it influences your gait and alignment. Treatment options may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and exercises to strengthen the foot muscles. If you have flat feet and experience pain or balance issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. A podiatrist can relieve pain, treat infection, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence through proper nail trimming and footwear advice. When conservative treatments such as soaking or trimming are not effective, a minor surgical procedure may be performed to remove part or all of the affected nail. This ingrown toenail surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, and recovery typically takes one to two weeks, depending on the extent of the nail removal and aftercare. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss whether surgery is a right treatment option for you. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Pain across the top of the foot often develops from irritation of the extensor tendons, which run from the front of the ankle to the toes, and help lift them upward. Because these tendons sit close to the surface with little protective padding, they can become strained or inflamed from repeated friction, tight laces, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Activities that place stress on the tendons, such as running on uneven ground or climbing hills, may also increase discomfort. People with high arches or flat feet may be at a greater risk, as both conditions place additional pressure on the top of the foot. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes without pain. In some cases, bruising may be visible. A podiatrist can recommend proper footwear adjustments, prescribe orthotics, or discuss further treatment options, including surgery, if needed. If you have pain across the top of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.