Items filtered by date: January 2025

Friday, 31 January 2025 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Managing Corns on the Feet

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet due to repeated friction or pressure. They typically form on the toes or the soles of the feet and can cause discomfort or pain, especially when standing or walking. Symptoms include a small, hard, raised bump that may appear yellowish or gray, with surrounding redness and inflammation. The primary cause of corns is wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on specific areas of the foot. Abnormal gait or foot deformities, such as hammertoes, can also contribute to corn formation. Treatment options for corns often include soaking the feet to soften the skin, and wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate cushioning. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend professional corn removal, along with custom orthotics to prevent recurrence. If you have developed one or more corns on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Why Gout Affects the Big Toe First

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation. The big toe is often the first joint affected by gout due to its cooler temperature compared to other parts of the body. Uric acid tends to crystallize more easily in cooler areas, making the big toe, particularly the joint known as the first metatarsophalangeal joint, a prime target. Additionally, the big toe bears significant weight and stress while walking, which can further exacerbate the condition. When uric acid levels become elevated, the crystals accumulate in the joint, triggering inflammation and severe pain. Although gout can affect other joints over time, the big toe remains the most common initial site of attack. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Gout
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Causes of Second Toe Pain

Pain in the second toe can arise from less commonly recognized conditions that require professional evaluation. Capsulitis, for instance, involves inflammation of the ligament capsule at the base of the toe. This may be due to improper foot mechanics or excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, and can cause a sensation similar to walking on a marble. Morton’s neuroma, typically associated with the third and fourth toes, can also affect the second toe due to nerve tissue thickening, causing burning pain or numbness. Additionally, structural abnormalities like Morton’s toe, where the second toe is longer than the big toe, can lead to misalignment and strain. Bunions or arthritis in adjacent joints may radiate discomfort to the second toe. A podiatrist can assess these underlying issues to determine the proper treatment. If you have pain in your second toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and effective 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain
Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00

Why Are My Shoes Causing Blisters?

Blisters are a common foot issue caused by various factors related to shoes. One primary cause is inadequate support, as shoes that lack proper cushioning or arch support can lead to friction and pressure points, increasing the risk of blisters. New shoes, especially those not fully broken in, often cause blisters due to stiffness and tightness. Stiff materials like rigid leather or synthetic fabrics, can irritate the skin and create friction. High heels are another culprit as they shift the foot's weight unevenly, leading to pressure on certain areas of the foot resulting in blisters. Seams inside shoes can also cause friction when they rub against the skin. Additionally, physical activity that involves excessive movement or sweating can cause blister formation. If you have blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer treatment methods and prevent them from becoming infected.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Read more about Blisters
Wednesday, 01 January 2025 00:00

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

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