Items filtered by date: March 2022

There are many people who experience itchy feet at night. They typically do not have foot issues during the day but may find their feet to be itchy when trying to go to sleep. There are several reasons why this may happen. The condition known as Athlete’s foot may contribute to itchiness at night. Additionally, dry skin may play a significant role and may be remedied by using a good moisturizer. Research has indicated that nerve damage caused by diabetes or liver disease may result in itchy feet at night. It may help to manage ongoing stressful conditions, which may even provide mild relief. If you endure itchy feet at night, or know someone who does, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and provide various treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting shoes that fit properly is critical for comfort and prevention of foot problems. Making sure shoes fit right is especially essential to children, people who are on their feet a lot, or have arthritis, diabetes, or other foot disorders. Correct shoe fit is achieved when the shoe shape matches the foot shape and shoe size accommodates the widest part of the foot – the first metatarsal joint – so toes can spread out comfortably. Steps that will best ensure shoes fit right are: trying them on later in the day when feet are more swollen, wear the socks you plan to wear with the shoes (or thin socks if socks will not be worn with them), fitting a finger in the back of the shoe comfortably, making sure there is adequate room between the shoe and the big toe (as feet move forward when walking), and walking in the shoe to check for friction, pinching or any other discomfort. Seeking advice from a podiatrist before and after purchasing shoes can help in proper shoe selection and evaluation so that complications can be avoided.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

If you have broken your toe, you may not realize it, since sprained and strained toes can sometimes produce similar symptoms. If your toe is broken, it may bleed, and a bruise may form on the skin or under the toenail. Swelling will typically be present, and in severe cases, your toe may become misshapen, if the bone has become displaced or the toe joint has also been broken. If the big toe joint has fractured, you will most likely have difficulty walking. You can break toes by stubbing them severely, dropping a heavy object on them, or they may become broken as part of a bigger injury. Broken toes can take several weeks to heal if they are cared for appropriately. If you believe you may have broken your toe, it's wise to consult with a podiatrist. This is particularly important for people with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and heart failure, all of which can make it more difficult for broken toes to heal.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Blisters are usually caused by friction of something rubbing against the skin. A red, painful, swollen sore can develop on the foot from constant rubbing of a shoe, sock or other rough surface against the skin. This often turns into a blister. Interestingly, a blister is the body’s way of forming a protective shield filled with liquid to protect more delicate underlying tissue. Blisters can also be caused by less obvious irritants, burns, frostbite, or underlying health conditions. In many cases, one can just leave the blister alone and it will heal with basic care. It is important not to puncture the blister. If a blister gets worse, does not heal, or becomes discolored, it is suggested that you see a qualified podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that reduces blood flow to the limbs. It can lead to leg pain and cramping when walking, coldness in the feet and lower legs, no or weak pulse in the legs, non-healing sores, and more. If you have PAD, you are more at risk of developing ulcers and infections, so it is important to take good care of your feet with the following tips. Keep your feet clean, dry, and moisturized. Your toenails should be trimmed straight across, but not so short that the nail grows into the surrounding skin and causes an ingrown toenail. Keep your feet protected from extreme heat or cold, always wear shoes and socks, and never go barefoot. You should inspect your feet entirely every day. Look for any cuts, bruises, bumps, swelling or red spots in the skin that may develop into a wound. Because of your condition, you should seek the care of a podiatrist if you detect any cuts or possible infections in order to receive proper treatment, and to avoid making the situation worse.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.