Items filtered by date: October 2020

A foot fracture refers to a foot that has been broken. There are several different types of foot fractures. A stress fracture is when a bone in the foot is placed under repetitive excess pressure, causing a crack to form in the bone. Without treatment, the crack will get bigger over time. A full foot fracture is when a bone in the foot breaks completely. This type of break is usually due to a one-time injury, such as the impact from dropping something heavy on the foot. There are two subtypes of full foot fractures. A closed or simple fracture occurs when only the bone is damaged. An open or compound fracture occurs when the skin and tissue surrounding the broken bone are damaged as well. All of the various types of foot fractures can cause pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising of the affected foot. If you believe you may have broken your foot, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist as soon as possible.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

While you are taking off your shoes and socks after a long day at work, you look down at the bottom of your foot and see a rough, fleshy, grainy growth. You ask yourself what is this? It may be a plantar wart. A plantar wart is a common condition caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The symptoms of a plantar wart can include pain on and around the wart when standing or walking, a growth on the sole of the foot, and tiny black dots in the middle of the growth. Some people also experience a callus-like thickening or hardening of the skin over a certain part of the bottom of the foot. This is due to the wart growing inward. Fortunately, a wart can be treated. If you find a wart on the sole of your foot, please see a podiatrist, who can treat this condition.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Hammertoe is a condition in which the smaller toes bend at the middle joint, even when they are at rest. Over time, the joint of the bent toes may become inflexible. There are several different treatments for hammertoe. In the early stages of this condition, a podiatrist may recommend getting fitted for shoes that are soft and roomy, especially in the toe area. These shoes should be half an inch longer than your longest toe. The podiatrist may also prescribe orthotic inserts to ease your pain and foot exercises to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles. If these treatments fail, surgery may be recommended. If you suspect that you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you seek out the care of a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation of the joints and frequently affects the joints of the feet and ankles. In fact, more than 90% of people with RA develop symptoms in the foot and ankle. This condition can make it difficult to walk and may cause pain in the feet. RA can also make you more likely to develop other foot problems, such as collapsed arches, corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes, and large bony bumps on the ball of the foot,. If you have been diagnosed with RA and experience symptoms in the feet and ankles, it is highly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. A podiatrist can monitor your feet and ankles, prescribe various treatments, and help you maintain your mobility and quality of life.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.