Items filtered by date: May 2023

Many people are aware when they have fractured a bone. The pain is sudden and often happens from an injury. This may not be true with stress fractures, as it develops over time. A stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture and is caused by repetitive movements. This is a common injury among people who enjoy running, or frequently participating in jumping activities. For example, osteoporosis can weaken the bones, which can make it easier for stress fractures to happen. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly can gradually weaken the foot bones, possibly leading to developing a stress fracture. Mild relief may be found if sporting activities are temporarily stopped, and a supportive boot or cast is worn until complete healing has taken place. This can be followed by implementing specific stretches that can help to strengthen the foot. If you have a stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this foot condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There is no mistaking the discomfort that can happen from enduring an Achilles tendon injury. It is often a sudden, sharp pain that occurs when this tendon becomes torn. It can happen to runners who increase speed and mileage too quickly, often without properly warming up. The Achilles tendon is located in the lower portion of the calf and connects the heel to the calf muscles. This type of injury may also happen while running on hard or uneven surfaces, or if the foot suddenly turns out. In addition to the intense pain this injury can cause, the affected foot may feel stiff in the morning, and is often painful when touched. Treatment often begins by stopping the activity that caused the injury, and a brace or cast may need to temporarily be worn that can provide stability as it heals. If you have had an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward treatment options that are correct for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot is a particular foot condition that is essentially a fungal infection. Caused by a fungus, athlete's foot is characterized by scaly skin texture and redness. Many patients often wonder who can develop athlete's foot. The answer is that athlete’s foot can develop in someone regardless of their age, sex, or race. Importantly, there are certain things that can make an individual more susceptible to developing athlete’s foot. For example, if you are someone that spends a significant amount of time not wearing shoes in warm, moist, public areas, then you might be at a higher risk of developing athlete’s foot. To learn more about this condition and receive any treatment that might be necessary, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain is a common problem that affects people all across the globe. There are many different types of foot pain that develop for various reasons. Pain between the third and fourth toes may indicate Morton’s neuroma. Morton's neuroma is a burning pain that occurs due to a compressed or irritated nerve. Having heel pain may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes and is found along the bottom of the foot. Itchy feet can be a symptom of athlete’s foot and can come from walking barefoot in public swimming pools, locker rooms, and similar areas. An Achilles tendon injury can cause debilitating pain from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and offer the correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Having heel pain can cause difficulty in pursuing daily activities. It can happen from enduring a sprain or fracture, or there may be existing medical conditions that can lead to getting heel pain. Out of the 26 bones in each foot, the heel bone is the largest. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may cause common heel conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, to develop. Additional forms of heel pain can be from bursitis, or if an Achilles tendon injury has occurred. Swelling and redness may accompany heel pain, and it is often difficult to walk. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is frequently elevated, and shoes that are worn fit properly. Some patients choose to put a heel lift or a shoe insert inside the shoe, which may help to reduce existing pain. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible. This type of doctor can determine what the cause is, and offer you the treatment method that is best for you.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.