March 2021

When the nerves are damaged in the extremities such as the feet, it is known as peripheral neuropathy. This ultimately leads to Charcot foot when the bones in the foot are weakened. These weakened bones can lead to fractures that worsen and cause the joints in the foot to collapse. Charcot foot can cause the foot to become deformed, and it can be disabling and even potentially lead to amputation. Common signs of Charcot foot are a warmness to the touch, redness, swelling, and pain. Because of its association to neuropathy and neuropathy’s association with diabetes, diabetic patients should monitor their feet for this condition. Patients who believe that they may have this condition should consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible. A podiatrist will be able to assess the foot and suggest treatment options.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space located along the inside of the ankle, next to the ankle bones. This space contains many important structures, including the posterior tibial nerve. When this nerve is squeezed or compressed, it leads to symptoms that can affect the ankle and foot. These symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensations, and shooting pain. Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually over time, and tend to worsen with physical activity such as walking or prolonged standing. If you are experiencing the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein that is found in the skin. When the skin is exposed to excessive pressure, or is inflamed or irritated, the skin responds by producing extra layers of keratin to protect the damaged area. This is known as hyperkeratosis, and often happens to the skin on the soles of the feet and between the toes, creating calluses and corns. Calluses are areas of thickened skin that are typically uniform in their thickness. Corns are small, hard bumps that usually have a hard center with an outer ring of hardened tissue that is slightly softer than the center. Both calluses and corns can cause discomfort. If you have painful calluses, corns, or otherwise thickened, hardened skin on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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 Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sesamoids are tiny bones that are situated in a muscle or connected to tendons. There are two tiny sesamoids in the front of the foot that provide mobility to the big toe and aid the tendons. Sesamoiditis occurs when these tendons become swollen or irritated, which can cause pain in the big toe or ball of the foot, or prevent full motion of the big toe. A podiatrist can examine your foot, and perform various tests and X-rays to help determine if you have this condition, which can be common among certain athletes and dancers. Treatment is typically non-surgical, and may include over-the-counter pain killers, resting and icing the area, taping the big toe to restrict movement, and wearing certain orthopedic pads or soft-soled shoes. If the situation persists, a short brace or steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and help the area heal properly. Surgery to remove the sesamoid may be an option if more conservative measures fail to provide relief. If you believe you may have sesamoiditis, don’t delay in seeking professional treatment from a podiatrist.

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 Ankle & Foot Care Center. 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 Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen and painful joints in the big toe can indicate a condition that is referred to as gout. It is considered to be a form or arthritis that can cause severe pain and discomfort. Excess uric acid in the blood may contribute significantly to the onset of gout. However, there are purines in specific foods that may cause crystal like sensations that form in the joints of the foot. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Patients who have medical conditions such as heart or kidney disease and obesity may be prone to gout attacks. If you have debilitating foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.