Items filtered by date: March 2023

Pain in the ball of the foot is termed metatarsalgia because it is felt in the area of the metatarsal bones. Metatarsalgia can affect one or all of the five metatarsal bones that connect the toes to the other bones of the foot. Symptoms include a burning or an aching sensation, a sharp shooting pain, and tingling or numbness. Some patients report a feeling of having a tiny pebble inside their shoe under the ball of the foot. One of the most common causes of metatarsalgia is footwear that fits improperly. High heels with pointy toes are frequently a cause of metatarsal pain because these shoes force the ball of the foot into a small space.  Another cause of metatarsalgia is high-impact sports, especially running, that put extra pressure on the ball of the foot. Other reasons for metatarsalgia include being overweight, arthritis, certain foot deformities, and aging. If you have pain in the ball of the foot that continues to worsen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A stress fracture in the foot essentially occurs when microdamage accumulates and the bones develop small breaks. If you are an athlete or a runner, then you might be particularly interested in preventing the onset of a stress fracture in the foot. There are certain factors that might put athletes at an increased risk of developing stress fractures of some kind. For example, if an athlete has a particularly high running mileage or especially if they are wearing inappropriate footwear, then a stress fracture might be more likely.  Also, other risk factors for runners and athletes include training errors and leg length discrepancies. If you are someone that runs frequently and are concerned about developing a stress fracture, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

As a person ages, problems involving the feet become more common. These issues among seniors can interfere with daily activity, increase the risk of falling, and adversely affect other body parts. Among the changes to the feet specifically linked to aging are dry skin, flat feet, hammertoe, toenail changes, and arthritis. Other potential problems include a shortened Achilles tendon, edema, and neuropathy. Dry skin, especially on the feet, can cause cracks in the skin that may result in fissures. Daily moisturizing is often a good preventative measure. Deep cracks in the skin can invite infection and in the worst cases develop into cellulitis. With age also comes a loosening of the ligaments, which can cause the arches of the feet to drop. This can negatively affect body mechanics, cause foot pain, and decrease stability. The Achilles tendon may begin to lose water as one ages, which can develop into drop foot. A decline in estrogen and testosterone production can affect the toenails, which may turn brittle and become thicker. Osteoarthritis, which is also termed wear and tear arthritis, may attack the major joints of the foot, big toe, and ankle. If any of these issues have begun to affect your feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to find out more.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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