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September 2022

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 00:00

Broken Toe Basics

A broken toe is a relatively common injury that can be either a partial or complete fracture. A complete break is when the joints in the toes are affected as well as the bones. Most broken toes occur due to a heavy object falling on them or by stubbing the toe into a piece of furniture. Many patients notice immediate swelling and bruising surrounding the broken toe and it is often difficult to walk. In severe fractures, the toe may protrude through the skin and the foot may look deformed. Mild fractures may benefit from using the buddy method. This is completed by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it for stability as the healing process begins. Relief may also be found when using crutches and when the foot is elevated. Broken toes often require medical attention from a podiatrist who can perform an X-ray which can determine the extent of the break. If you have broken your toe, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment methods.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

Causes and Prevention of Friction Blisters

There are many causes of blisters but the most common is friction. The formation of a friction blister is the body’s way of protecting the layers of skin. They often appear on your feet after walking or running for long periods. If the feet are warm or damp, the risk of a blister developing increases. The friction on the outer layer of skin on the toe or heel against the inside of a shoe can cause the blister to tear. This causes a plasma-like fluid to leak and fill the gap. The fluid encourages new skin cells to develop as well as form a new covering. Eventually, a new top skin layer forms and the blister subsides. But that sequence of events is largely dependent upon stopping the activity that caused the friction and replacing the shoes too. Putting on protective bandages can help to eliminate pain. If you have a blister that has become extremely painful or possibly infected, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.

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 Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

The Heel, Arch, and Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that can produce severe pain and discomfort. It occurs as a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is found on the bottom of the foot. The function of the plantar fascia is to connect the toes to the heels, in addition to absorbing shock that comes from standing, walking, and running. There are several reasons why it can become damaged or inflamed. These can include wearing shoes that do not have adequate support for the overall foot, or possibly from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. The pain is felt in the heel and arch area, and wearing custom-made orthotics may possibly help the severity of the pain. Some mild relief methods may include wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit correctly, and frequently performing foot stretches and low-impact exercises. Additionally, it is beneficial to replace shoes once they show significant wear and tear. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose plantar fasciitis, and offer correct treatment options to you. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Flip Flops and Foot Pain

Despite the fact that flip-flops are perhaps one of the most widespread and popular forms of footwear during the summer months, flip-flops can also negatively impact your feet. For example, wearing flip-flops for too long and during prolonged periods of physical activity might contribute to foot pain. Since an individual must tighten and scrunch up their toes to prevent their flip-flops from falling off, this prolonged tension can contribute significantly to foot pain. Also, flip-flops offer a substantially low level of foot support. As the shoe is essentially a mere piece of foam, the wearer does not benefit from any cushioning or padding found in other forms of footwear. This lack of padding can aggravate conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which can cause heel pain. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue running through the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed and strained. Like all things, flip-flops are perhaps best worn in moderation. For instance, if you are taking a walk up the block to go to the beach, wearing flip-flops might be an appropriate choice. However, if you are about to embark on a long walk or hike, selecting a more supportive shoe might be the better option. If you wear flip-flops and experience some kind of foot pain, consider reaching out to a podiatrist who can help you.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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

Read more about Flipping Out About Flip Flops
Tuesday, 06 September 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

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