Items filtered by date: October 2023

Sesamoiditis is a chronic condition caused by frequent pressure and resulting in irritation and painful inflammation of the sesamoid bones and surrounding tissues. Sesamoid bones are small bones in the feet that are embedded within tendons and play a vital role in foot biomechanics. Sesamoid bones are under the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint of the big toe. These tiny bones act as a fulcrum of sorts, providing stability to the foot and offering protection and shock absorption for the nearby joints and tendons. Sesamoiditis can be caused by various factors, including damage to the sesamoid bones themselves, joint deformities, such as bunions, as well as conditions like gout, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Certain lifestyle factors, consisting of wearing frequently high heels or engaging in high impact sports, can aggravate the sesamoid bones and result in pain. Differences in arches, body weight, and the size of sesamoids can add to the risk of inflammation. Symptoms typically start mildly and can worsen with continued strain, with pain often concentrated in the ball of the foot. If you believe you are suffering from sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and options  for treating this condition effectively.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Erythromelalgia is a genetic condition characterized by recurrent bouts of pain, redness, and swelling, primarily in the hands and feet. These episodes are frequently triggered by elevated body temperature, which can result from activities like exercising or being in a warm environment. Consumption of alcohol or spicy foods can also provoke these painful episodes. Oddly enough, even wearing warm socks or tight shoes can induce debilitating foot pain, hindering daily activities like walking, wearing shoes, or functioning normally. The signs and symptoms of erythromelalgia in the feet typically emerge during childhood, although some mildly affected individuals may experience their initial episode later in life. As the condition progresses with age, the redness and discomfort may become chronic, extending from the feet to the entire legs. Erythromelalgia is often classified as a type of peripheral neuropathy, impacting the peripheral nervous system. This system links the brain and spinal cord to muscles and sensory receptors responsible for detecting sensations such as touch and pain. If you think you might have erythromelalgia or any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. 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 office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If left untreated, corns on the feet can lead to various complications. Corns are thickened areas of skin caused by friction and pressure, which can become painful and result in infections. This can happen when bacteria enter through cracks in the skin or if the corn is cut or punctured. Infections can lead to more serious problems, including septic arthritis or infection of nearby bone tissue. Corns left untreated can also trigger severe pain, causing individuals to alter their posture. This can affect how pressure is distributed while walking. Individuals with diabetes may have reduced sensation in their feet due to nerve damage. This means they might not notice small cuts or corns. If corns are left untreated in people with diabetes, it can lead to complications like those previously mentioned, in addition to tissue death known as gangrene. To prevent these complications, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to seek treatment if corns become painful. This foot expert can provide proper care to help avoid serious complications from corns.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains happen again and again, and about one in five cases that start as short-term issues become long-term problems affecting the ankle. These long-term problems often occur because the initial sprain was not properly treated. Getting the correct diagnosis is very important. Special tests such as the varus stress test and the anterior drawer test can help doctors determine what the cause is. Occasionally,  doctors may miss another issue called subtalar instability, which can also cause long-term ankle problems. Most of the time, simple treatments work for short-term sprains, but for long-term issues, surgery may be needed. Knowing the structure of the ankle and how it works may help to improve surgery and other treatments. Surgeries often repair the natural structure of the ankle and may use tendons to make it stronger. A type of surgery called arthroscopy is becoming popular for treating long-term ankle problems because it is less invasive. If you have ongoing ankle issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer the correct treatment for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful foot condition that can disrupt daily life. Understanding the definition and recognizing the symptoms is essential for managing this ailment effectively. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail, usually the big toe, grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This can lead to redness, swelling, and tenderness along the side of the affected toe. As the nail continues to dig into the skin, it can cause pain and discomfort, making it a challenge to wear shoes or walk comfortably. In some cases, ingrown toenails can become infected, resulting in pus drainage and increased pain. The common culprits behind ingrown toenails include improper nail trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, hereditary factors, or injury. It is helpful for individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immunity to be especially cautious, as ingrown toenails can lead to more severe complications. Timely intervention is important. Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water, gently lifting the ingrown edge of the nail, and keeping the area clean can help alleviate symptoms. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.