When an individual is significantly overweight, it can become more likely that they will experience some kind of foot complication. This is largely because the increased weight essentially puts more pressure on the feet which can cause pain, discomfort, and strain. Obese individuals might be able to benefit from the use of orthotics, which are shoe inserts that are either custom-made or over-the-counter. One important consideration to keep in mind is that people struggling with obesity might benefit from orthotics that are thicker in texture and shape than what is ordinarily worn. Additionally, obese people might benefit from orthotics that are more rigid in shape. The orthotics that are more soft and pliable might not be as effective for obese individuals. This is because a thicker and more rigid orthotic device might be better situated to support the extra weight of an obese individual. If you struggle with obesity, contact a podiatrist today for assistance.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Many people experience foot pain at some point in their lives and it can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. There are several types of foot pain and a variety of causes, which is why patients often seek relief. Many people endure an injury that can result in a broken toe or ankle and recovery can take up to eight weeks. Heel pain can indicate that a heel spur or plantar fasciitis has developed which can happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Debilitating toe pain may be caused by gout and this occurs from having excess uric levels in the blood. Additionally, women who frequently wear high heels may develop a condition known as Morton’s neuroma which affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. The lack of adequate room in the toe area may cause this nerve to become compressed and irritated, often making it difficult to walk. Any type of foot pain is treated by a podiatrist and it is strongly suggested that you speak with this type of doctor to find the relief you are seeking. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 patients often develop wounds on their feet, and it may happen as a result of the inability to feel existing cuts, scrapes, or bruises. Neuropathy is a common condition that causes a numbing feeling in the extremities of people who have diabetes. If a cut does not receive prompt treatment, it may develop into a foot ulcer and this is concerning for these types of patients. The initial step in treating this kind of wound involves removing the dead tissue from it, which is referred to as debridement. A podiatrist can expertly perform this task by keeping the blood vessels, nerves, and tendons unscathed while reducing pressure on the wound. Additional benefits of this can include an examination of the remaining healthy tissues, in addition to stimulating healing. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment options.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Blisters can develop on the feet for any number of reasons and there are several different kinds of blisters that may form. Blisters may form in response to repeated pressure or friction on the feet while an individual is playing basketball. If a basketball player is wearing inadequate footwear, then this may also cause blisters. Importantly, blisters are composed of a layer of skin that produces a watery kind of pus. If you have blisters from basketball, it is important to take care of your feet so that the blisters can heal. You might also try to prevent future blisters from developing by wearing basketball shoes that provide enough room in the shoes. You might even be sure to wear socks that properly cover the feet. Contact a podiatrist today for information about blisters from basketball.

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.

The arches of the feet work as a spring that bears the weight of your body whenever you take a step. Most people are familiar with the arch on the inner sole of the midfoot. However, three separate arches combine to form a triangle in the feet that absorb the shock of walking and running. There are two longitudinal arches, medial and lateral, that run along either side of the foot from the heel to the top of the 1st and 5th metatarsal. Plus there is a transverse arch that runs across the midfoot, connecting the tops of the metatarsals. These three arches are supported by a number of ligaments, muscles, tendons, and bones that all help to support the weight of the body. When the medial longitudinal arch is too high, it causes a condition called pes cavus, which can be painful and cause gait problems. When the longitudinal arches collapse, it results in flat feet, known as pes planus. Both conditions, which can affect the way you carry out your daily activities, can be diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist.  

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.