Items filtered by date: April 2025

Metatarsalgia refers to pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often caused by excessive pressure or impact. Common causes include high-impact sports, foot injuries,  wearing shoes with inadequate support, bunions, hammertoes, or arthritis. Conditions like flat feet or high arches can also shift weight unevenly, adding stress to the metatarsal bones. Symptoms include a sharp, aching, or burning pain in the ball of the foot, often worsened by standing, walking, or running. It may feel like you are stepping on a pebble or there is a bruise on the sole of your foot. Swelling, numbness, or tingling may also occur. A podiatrist can diagnose metatarsalgia through physical exams, imaging, and gait analysis. Treatment may involve custom orthotics, footwear changes, and targeted exercises to relieve pressure and restore foot function. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned as the toe leans inward. This deformity often results from prolonged pressure on the foot, commonly due to wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Other causes include inherited foot structure, arthritis, or uneven weight distribution. Symptoms of a bunion include pain, swelling, redness, and restricted movement of the toe. Over time, the bump may become more prominent and uncomfortable, especially during walking or while wearing shoes. Risk factors include a family history of bunions, flat feet, and occupations or activities that place stress on the feet. Bunions may be uncomfortable, and it may become difficult completing daily activities. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

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.

Plantar heel pain can make even simple movements feel difficult. It often starts as a sharp ache in the bottom of the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after resting. This kind of pain can limit walking, standing, and daily routines, affecting your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy time with others. Over time, the discomfort may lead to less activity, poor sleep, and changes in mood. Many people try to ignore the pain, but without treatment, it can linger or get worse. Wearing supportive shoes, stretching, resting and other treatments can help ease the symptoms. A podiatrist can guide you toward the most effective options to improve your comfort and keep you moving. If you have plantar heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

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 office located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are a frequent issue for hikers and can make even the most enjoyable trek uncomfortable. They form when repeated pressure and friction cause the skin layers to separate, allowing fluid to accumulate as a protective response. Direct friction from ill-fitting boots or socks rubbing against the skin increases the risk of blister formation. Moisture from sweat or wet conditions softens the skin, making it more prone to irritation and damage. Extended hiking over rough or uneven terrain can further intensify these effects. Foot blisters can be painful, causing hiking to become difficult. If you have developed a blister while hiking, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you relief and preventative methods.

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.

Choosing the right footwear for weightlifting is essential for maintaining foot and ankle stability during heavy lifts. Weightlifting shoes differ from regular sneakers by offering a firm, non-compressible sole and an elevated heel. This enhances ankle mobility and allows for a deeper squat position, while keeping the foot stable. A proper lifting shoe minimizes excessive movement, which reduces the risk of rolling an ankle or placing undue pressure on the toes. Standard athletic shoes with soft soles can create instability, increasing the likelihood of foot fatigue and misalignment. Shoes with a secure strap system can further support the midfoot, preventing unnecessary shifting during lifts. People with existing foot concerns, such as flat feet or limited ankle mobility, may benefit from custom orthotics within their weightlifting shoes to ensure proper alignment. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and gait mechanics to help determine which footwear best promotes stability and reduces strain on your feet. If you experience foot pain after a weight-lifting workout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

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.