July 2022

If you experience a pins-and-needles feeling, a burning sensation, numbness, and tingling, especially in the feet, you may have a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. This is the result of nerve damage that affects the extremities, and is common to diabetics as the result of high blood sugar levels. The risk of peripheral neuropathy increases if you are more than 40 years old, smoke, and drink large amounts of alcohol. A number of other underlying factors can contribute to peripheral neuropathy. Among them are low levels of vitamin B12, underactive thyroid, chronic liver or kidney disease, and inflammation of blood vessels. There is no known cure for peripheral neuropathy, but a number of treatments are available to treat it or lessen its effects. If you believe you may have peripheral neuropathy that affects your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to determine the cause and get suggestions for a course of treatment.

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 foot condition known as clubfoot is considered to be a birth defect. It does not improve without treatment, and it is advised that a treatment program begin as early as possible. It is a foot structure deformity, and is present at birth. A noticeable sign that clubfoot is present consists of the baby’s foot turning in, forcing the bottom of the foot to face sideways. Research has indicated there are two types of clubfoot. The most common type is referred to as isolated clubfoot, and can happen when there are no other medical conditions. When other health issues and clubfoot exists, this is referred to as non-isolated clubfoot. Spina bifida can accompany clubfoot and is considered to be a birth defect of the brain, spine, and spinal cord. There may be factors that can increase the risk of having a baby born with clubfoot. These include having a baby boy, environmental factors consisting of the kinds of foods that are eaten, and genetic factors. Many pregnant women choose to have ultrasound tests performed, which can be helpful in detecting if clubfoot is present. A common treatment, which can be started after birth, is known as the Ponseti method. This consists of gently stretching the affected foot toward the correct position, followed by putting it in a cast. If your child has clubfoot, please consult with a podiatrist who can help to manage effective treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Protecting and caring for your heels is a critical component of maintaining proper foot health. However, a heel spur is a troublesome condition that can negatively impact your heels’ vigor. Heel spurs, also referred to as calcaneal spurs, are essentially bony bulges that form on the heel bone either on the back of the heel or under the sole of the foot. Heel spurs usually develop in response to plantar fasciitis and especially when stress is exerted on the plantar fascia for an extended period of time. Individuals who are middle-aged or overweight may be at an increased risk of developing this unfortunate foot affliction. Although some cases of heel spurs are asymptomatic and do not produce pain, many individuals with heel spurs can experience heel pain when beginning to walk after a period of rest. If you have a case of heel spurs, a podiatrist can help you address the condition. If your heel spurs are related to plantar fasciitis, they might be treated with orthotics such as night splints, heel inserts, or special footwear. When it comes to caring for your heels, it is highly suggested you consult with a podiatrist instead of taking chances.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Jupiter, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

As people age, they are at an increasing risk of suffering a dangerous fall. However, there are several ways in which seniors can prevent trips and tumbles by focusing on their feet. Specifically, seniors can practice simple, isolated foot exercises to strengthen their muscles and improve stability. First, a senior can practice heel-toe walking by slowly placing one foot directly in front of the other in succession, making sure that each time the heel is placed up against the other foot’s toes. It might be helpful to extend the arms horizontally at one’s sides or lightly touch a wall for extra balance. Additionally, a senior may perform foot taps, where one stands at the bottom of a staircase with their feet hip-width apart and slowly raises each foot to gently tap the top of the bottom stair. One can alternate feet each time to help build stability and balance. Each of these exercises can be performed three to five times per week. A senior might even consider performing these exercises with the help of a friend or loved one. A podiatrist can give you more tips about improving balance to prevent falls.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.