Items filtered by date: January 2021

A common foot condition that develops in the front of the foot is known as a bunion. It appears as a large bump on the side of the big toe, and it can be uncomfortable while wearing shoes. Additionally, large bunions can push the second toe into the toe next to it, and this can be a result of changing foot structure. Bunions can develop due to genetics, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. An effective yoga pose that can keep the foot strong is known as downward dog. This is done by keeping the hands and feet flat on the floor while extending the lower torso into the air. Additionally, the toes can be strengthened by performing a seated forward bend. If you would like more information about what stretches and yoga poses can benefit bunions, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve between your toes becomes irritated or thickened. This can cause symptoms such as stabbing, shooting, or burning pains in the front of the foot. Tingling, numbness, and a sensation akin to a small pebble being stuck under your foot may be experienced as well. If you have Morton’s neuroma, certain modifications can help reduce your symptoms. These can include wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel, reducing activities like running, which may exacerbate the pain, and losing weight to reduce the amount of pressure put on the foot. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and wearing orthotic inserts may also help relieve pain. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Excessively sweaty feet can be an unpleasant and annoying condition. There are various over-the-counter products available that can help reduce foot sweat. Antiperspirant products in the form of sprays, powders, and lotions can help keep the feet dry. Foot powders and sneaker liners can absorb excess sweat while you go about your day. Your footwear is also an important factor to consider. Wearing shoes made of breathable materials and moisture-wicking socks may help reduce your foot sweat as well. If over-the-counter treatments are not effective in managing your foot sweat, you may have plantar hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that causes the feet to sweat excessively. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar hyperhidrosis and recommend that best course of treatment for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

Gout is a very painful type of arthritis that causes the joints to become stiff, hot, and tender. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid, most commonly in the big toe. Uric acids are produced when consuming high-purine foods such as red meat and alcohol. Too much uric acid can build up into needle-like crystals that inflame the joints. One key to manage this, is staying properly hydrated. It is also important to reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcohol and meat in order to manage gout. Maintaining a proper healthy weight also helps manage the uric acid buildup. Those who frequently experience gout attacks should consult with a podiatrist who can help provide tips for managing the effects of gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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