Getting a great fit in running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Proper toe fit allows toes to move freely without rubbing or crowding, reducing the risk of blisters and nail issues. Midfoot fit ensures the shoe supports the arch and prevents slipping, while a secure heel fit stabilizes the foot and minimizes friction that can lead to discomfort or injury. Shoe size and shape should match your foot structure and running style. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot mechanics, identifying pressure points, recommending appropriate footwear, and suggesting custom orthotics, if needed. If running causes foot pain, discomfort, or frequent injuries, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide additional guidance on how to choose shoes that fit properly. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Red and shiny toes can be a sign of several underlying conditions that affect circulation, skin, or joints. Raynaud’s disease can cause color changes, including redness after cold exposure, along with tingling or numbness. Chilblains may create red, swollen, and shiny patches that feel itchy or tender after exposure to damp or cold conditions. Gout often leads to sudden redness, intense pain, and warmth in the big toe due to inflammation from uric acid buildup. Infections can also cause redness, swelling, and a shiny appearance as the skin becomes irritated or inflamed. A podiatrist can identify the cause, provide proper treatment, and help prevent complications by addressing circulation, skin health, or joint inflammation. If you notice persistent redness or shine on your toes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please 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.

Foot ulcers require specialized care to remove dead tissue and promote healthy healing. Different types of wound care are used depending on the severity and condition of the ulcer. Sharp debridement uses sterile instruments to remove damaged tissue quickly and precisely. Autolytic and enzymatic methods rely on moisture or natural enzymes to help the body clear away unhealthy tissue more gradually. Mechanical debridement, which uses gentle cleansing or dressing changes, can aid in removing debris, though it must be performed carefully to protect healthy skin. For deeper or infected ulcers, hydrosurgical techniques may be used to target damaged tissue with pressurized saline for improved precision. A podiatrist can evaluate the ulcer, determine which type of wound care is most effective, and monitor healing progress. If you have a foot ulcer that will not heal, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please 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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. This is often due to overuse, improper footwear, obesity, or high impact activities, such as running or jumping. It may not be visibly obvious, but the heel can feel tender, stiff, or swollen, and many individuals describe sharp, stabbing pain with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. Pain may decrease slightly with movement but often returns later in the day. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical examination, gait analysis, and imaging if needed. Treatment options include stretching exercises, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory therapies, or advanced interventions for chronic cases. Early professional care helps reduce pain and prevent long-term complications. If you experience persistent heel discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.