Items filtered by date: September 2019

Patients who have cracked heels are often familiar with the pain and discomfort this condition may cause. Fissures are deep cracks in the skin that develop on the outer edge of the heels and may occur due to a variety of reasons. Common causes can include wearing shoes that have an open back and standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. Additionally, obesity may play a significant role in the development of cracked heels. Fortunately, there are measures that may help prevent this condition. These can include limiting the time standing, avoiding vitamin deficiencies, and wearing shoes that have ample cushioning in the heel area. If you are experiencing this ailment, speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with proper treatment techniques.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis are often familiar with the pain and discomfort it can cause. Common symptoms that are associated with this condition can include swelling and tenderness in the joints of the feet, in addition to weight loss and fatigue. It can develop as a result of an immune disorder, and the possibility of getting rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, may increase with age. Genetics may play a significant role in contracting this type of arthritis, in addition to smoking and obesity. There may be gentle stretches that may provide mild relief which can help in performing daily activities. If you feel you have pain in the joints of your feet, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

The five toes that are part of each foot play a significant role in maintaining balance in the body. Patients who have broken their toes may often experience difficulty in walking. Broken toes can occur as a result of stubbing one or more toes against a piece of furniture, or if a heavy object should fall on them. The symptoms that are often associated with this type of injury can consist of immediate pain and discomfort, bruising, swelling, and the toe may be difficult to move. Moderate relief can be found when the foot is elevated, and this may help to alleviate a portion of the swelling. Some patients find it beneficial to tape the affected toe to the one next to it, and this may help to provide the support that is needed as the healing process takes place. If you feel you have fractured your toe, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can guide you toward the treatment that is best for you.

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 Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A blister is the body’s natural response in protecting a portion of skin that has become damaged. It consists of a small pocket of fluid that forms over the raw skin, and will naturally drain when new skin has developed. Blisters occur as a result of friction that comes from wearing shoes and socks that are too tight, which can cause the shoe to rub against the back of the heel. When shoes are tried on, it is beneficial to make sure there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This may be helpful in providing enough room that can eliminate rubbing against the heel. When a blister develops on the heel, it is beneficial to cover it with a bandage which can protect it as the healing process occurs. Please consult with a podiatrist if you would like additional information about the causes of blisters.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have experienced toenail fungus typically find it may take a long time to treat. Common symptoms of this type of fungus often include a yellowing and thickening of the toenails, and they can crack as a result of becoming brittle. Toenail fungus may develop if the toes are frequently in a warm and moist environment, which can include hot and sweaty shoes. Additionally, it may be present in public pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent this condition from developing. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in public areas, keeping the feet clean and dry, and wearing clean socks daily. If you believe you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you towards the proper treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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