Items filtered by date: June 2021

Patients who have a corn on their foot are often aware of the pain and discomfort they can cause. They can develop as a result of excess friction on different areas of the foot. Soft corns are found between the toes, which can make it painful to walk. They are a small, hardened area of skin that stays moist between the toes. Additionally, corns can form on the bottom of the foot, or on the outside of the pinky toe. Many people who develop corns wear shoes that are too tight, and do not fit correctly. Mild relief can be found when a protective pad is worn over the corn, and this may help to diminish a portion of the friction. If you have corns on your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can recommend an appropriate treatment method for you.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor 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 doctor 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is often caused by high heels or tight shoes which can pinch toes together, causing nerves to become compressed or aggravated and thickened in response to the irritation. Aside from improper footwear, other factors—such as having flat feet, bunions, hammertoes, high arches, or participating in certain sports activities—may also put pressure on the nerves between the toes and contribute to the development of Morton’s neuroma. This condition most typically occurs between the third and fourth toes, but may also develop between the second and third toes. Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma may include a feeling of having a marble or pebble in your shoe, a burning sensation in the ball of your foot, numb toes, pain radiating from your toes, or trouble walking. Sometimes people with Morton’s neuroma have no symptoms at all. If you suspect you may have Morton’s neuroma, seek the care of a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis and treatment.

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.

The cuboid bone is one of seven tarsal bones in the foot and is found between the fourth and fifth toes. The medical condition that is known as cuboid syndrome can produce pain in the outside of the foot, and it can be difficult to walk. It can occur as a result of a foot injury that can include twisting the ankle, or unexpectedly stepping off a curb. Additionally, repetitive stress on the foot may lead to cuboid syndrome. Some patients develop this ailment from not stretching adequately before a workout, or it may happen from performing physical activities on uneven surfaces. It is beneficial to stop the activity that caused this syndrome, and it can help to perform specific stretching techniques which may accelerate the healing process. Please consult with a podiatrist  if you would like more information about cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Diabetic patients can suffer serious medical complications if a foot wound is left untreated. This is because high blood sugar levels can impact the circulatory and nervous systems, leading to poor circulation and nerve damage, particularly in the feet. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to prevent complications from diabetes. These can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, wearing shoes that fit correctly, and trimming the toenails properly. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to effectively manage your foot health. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Foot and ankle injuries are common occurrences among runners. Overload or overuse is one of the most frequent reasons for injury. When running, increasing the intensity, distance, or duration of your workouts too quickly can place your feet and ankles under immense stress and make them more susceptible to conditions like plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. A lack of strength and flexibility in your lower limbs may also make injuries more likely, so it is important to stretch and strengthen the feet and ankles. There are other potential causes for injury, such as muscle imbalances or not taking enough time to recover following a workout. For more information about running injuries and how to prevent them, please consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.