As we age, changes in circulation, skin health, and nerve function can increase the risk of foot problems. Regular foot exams help detect issues early, such as skin breakdown, poor circulation, deformities, or loss of sensation. These changes can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. During a foot exam, a podiatrist checks for signs of corns, calluses, ulcers, nail disorders, and circulation problems. They also assess for conditions like neuropathy, arthritis, or balance issues that can affect mobility and increase the risk of falls. Routine foot care and exams are an important part of staying active and independent. Older adults with diabetes, vascular disease, or difficulty trimming their nails benefit especially from regular professional care. If you or a loved one are experiencing foot discomfort or mobility issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure early diagnosis and proper treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and ankle injuries are frequent in athletes, whether from high-impact sports like basketball or repetitive activities like running. Sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and overuse injuries can sideline even the most dedicated athletes, if not properly managed. Effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. A detailed assessment of how the injury occurred, along with a physical exam and imaging when necessary, helps identify the extent of the damage. Early intervention is key. Rest, compression, and elevation are often the first steps taken to reduce pain and swelling. Supportive devices like braces or orthotics may be recommended to protect the injured area and prevent further damage. Targeted exercises focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and balance to the foot and ankle. A gradual return to sport is important to avoid setbacks. To prevent future injuries, athletes may need to adjust footwear, training routines, or technique. If you have an active lifestyle and have incurred a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Ankle pain is a common problem that can make walking difficult and limit your daily activities. It may be caused by an injury, such as a sprain, which happens when the ligaments are stretched or torn. Overuse, arthritis, tendonitis, and fractures can also lead to ankle discomfort. Some people experience chronic ankle instability after repeated injuries, making the ankle feel weak or prone to rolling. Ignoring ankle pain can lead to more serious problems, including long-term joint damage. Early treatment is important. While rest, compression, and elevation may help mild injuries, persistent pain should be evaluated by a podiatrist. If you have ankle pain that does not improve, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment options such as targeted exercises, custom orthotics, or bracing.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting the right running shoes is essential for comfort, injury prevention, and optimal performance. The type of running surface plays a significant role in shoe selection. Road running shoes provide cushioning for hard pavement, while trail running shoes offer grip and support on uneven terrain. The kind of running also matters, as long-distance runners need shoes with extra cushioning, whereas sprinters benefit from lightweight, responsive designs. Personal weight should also be considered, since heavier runners may require additional support and shock absorption to reduce impact on the joints. Proper fit, arch support, and flexibility further enhance comfort and performance. Trying on different options and assessing how they feel during movement can help you find the best pair. If you have sustained a foot injury from wearing the wrong running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you toward the best shoes for your style of running.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our 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.