Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves, often in the feet and lower legs. It is common in people with diabetes but can also result from other health issues, such as vitamin deficiencies, chemotherapy, or excessive alcohol use. The damaged nerves can cause numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain. Some people lose feeling in their feet, making it hard to notice cuts, blisters, or injuries. Without proper care, these small issues can lead to infections or serious complications. People with peripheral neuropathy may also have trouble with balance and walking because they cannot feel the ground beneath their feet. Daily foot checks, supportive footwear, and regular visits to a podiatrist are important for preventing problems. If you notice unusual sensations or numbness in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.
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 Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando,and Oviedo, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This tissue, known as the plantar fascia, supports the arch and absorbs shock during movement. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest, as well as stiffness and tenderness along the arch. The condition may persist if the underlying causes are not addressed. Continued strain from improper footwear, excessive standing, or high-impact activities can delay healing. Tight calf muscles and poor foot mechanics may also contribute to prolonged discomfort. Without proper treatment, including stretching, supportive footwear, and rest, plantar fasciitis can become chronic, affecting mobility and quality of life. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause, and ensure an appropriate care plan for relief.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Excessive running
Non-supportive shoes
Overpronation
Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
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.
Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity in which a newborn's foot is twisted inward or downward due to abnormal development of the muscles, tendons, and bones. This condition can affect one or both feet and varies in severity. The exact cause is not always known, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Limited movement in the womb or underlying neuromuscular disorders can also contribute to its development. Symptoms of clubfoot include a visibly twisted or rotated foot, difficulty in placing the sole flat on the ground, and stiffness in the affected area. Without treatment, walking can become challenging as the child grows. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you have a podiatrist on your healthcare team that can provide the best possible recovery results.
Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.
Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.
What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?
A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.
What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?
Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:
Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.
Treatment and Prevention
While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.
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.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
