Foot and ankle stress fractures encompass various types, commonly occurring among athletes due to repetitive impact activities like running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. These fractures result from the accumulation of microtrauma, leading to small cracks in the bones. Athletes often describe the sensation as a gradual onset of localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Stress fractures can occur in different areas of the foot and ankle, including the metatarsals, navicular, calcaneus, and fibula. Prompt diagnosis is important to prevent further damage and facilitate proper healing. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can employ techniques like imaging studies, biomechanical assessments, and customized treatment plans. By providing targeted interventions and guidance on activity modification, podiatrists help shorten your time away from sports and expedite your return to activity with reduced risk of complications.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
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.
Diabetic limb salvage is a medical procedure designed to save the limbs of diabetes patients who have severe foot and leg complications. These limb issues could be infections, ulcers, or tissue damage that are severe enough to lead to amputation. Diabetes can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage, making it hard for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infection. The goal of diabetic limb salvage is to treat these conditions effectively, prevent the progression of damage, and maintain as much function of the foot and leg as possible. Various treatments are used, including surgery to improve blood flow, removing infected or dead tissue, and reconstructing the foot if necessary. Diabetic limb salvage is a team effort that includes podiatrists and other specialists working together to create a personalized treatment plan. This approach can not only help save the limb but also significantly improve the patient's quality of life and independence. It is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your care team if you are a diabetic patient experiencing wound healing issues.
Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Limb Salvage?
Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.
However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated.
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.
Ensuring proper shoe fit goes a long way in preventing heel pain, where both support and comfort play pivotal roles. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels, and narrow styles, exacerbate heel discomfort by placing excessive pressure on the heel and altering natural foot mechanics. During the pandemic, the widespread adoption of unsupportive footwear like slippers and flip-flops further contributed to foot problems, as they lacked adequate arch support and cushioning. As individuals age, foot structures change, making them more susceptible to heel pain. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize footwear that offers ample support and cushioning to alleviate strain on the heels and promote proper alignment. Opting for shoes with a wide-toe box, cushioned insoles, and low to moderate heels can help distribute weight evenly and reduce heel pain. If you suffer from persistent heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and offer guidance on the best shoes to wear for your particular needs and circumstances.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Wearing ill-fitting shoes
Wearing non-supportive shoes
Weight change
Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please 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.
Diabetic limb salvage is a medical procedure designed to save the limbs of diabetes patients who have severe foot and leg complications. These limb issues could be infections, ulcers, or tissue damage that are severe enough to lead to amputation. Diabetes can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage, making it hard for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infection. The goal of diabetic limb salvage is to treat these conditions effectively, prevent the progression of damage, and maintain as much function of the foot and leg as possible. Various treatments are used, including surgery to improve blood flow, removing infected or dead tissue, and reconstructing the foot if necessary. Diabetic limb salvage is a team effort that includes podiatrists and other specialists working together to create a personalized treatment plan. This approach can not only help save the limb but also significantly improve the patient's quality of life and independence. It is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your care team if you are a diabetic patient experiencing wound healing issues. 
