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159 North 3rd Street
Macclenny, Florida 32063

June 2020

The ball of the foot is located between the arch of the foot and the toes, and it primarily contains metatarsal bones. While walking, weight is transferred from the heel to the ball of the foot, and an uneven weight transfer can cause pain and swelling in that area. As you get older, the fat pad at the bottom of the foot can wear away and cause shock to the ball of the foot. Pain in the ball of the foot can also be caused by high arches, obesity, arthritis, ill-fitting shoes, and wearing high heels too often. If you are looking to manage and limit this type of pain from becoming worse, please consult with a podiatrist for professional guidance.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. 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 office located in Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 22 June 2020 00:00

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue, known as the plantar fascia, that connects the heel bone to the toes. This tissue is responsible for supporting the bones on the arch of the foot, as well as absorbing the strain that is put on the feet during exercises. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel bone, particularly where the plantar fascia connects to the heel bone. Pain is most commonly felt when getting up in the morning or after a long time of remaining stationary. Causes may include tight calf muscles, being overweight, high arches, or high impact activities such as hiking or running. For pain relief, it is suggested to rest and ice the affected area, and custom orthotics may be beneficial as well.  If you are experiencing pain in your heel, it is recommended to see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and the best treatment options available. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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Sunday, 21 June 2020 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Many feet can develop problems, especially those of the elderly after supporting their own body weight for their entire lives. Not only have many older feet experienced overuse, but older cells also hold less water, leading to tightened tendons and loosened ligaments. Some foot problems that seniors may experience include bunions, arthritis, heel pain, fungal infections, and hammertoes. Inactive seniors can experience vascular disease and foot problems related to diabetes as well. In order to prevent these issues and allow seniors to be active, the assistance of a podiatrist may be needed. A podiatrist will be able to provide preventative measures as well as treatment methods to already present injuries. If you or a loved one is experiencing foot pain, please speak with a podiatrist for professional care. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. 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 office located in Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 08 June 2020 00:00

How Does Gout Occur?

Debilitating pain in the big toe and surrounding area may be indicative of a medical condition that is known as gout. It causes the joints to become inflamed. Additional symptoms can include redness and heat that radiates from the affected area. There are several reasons why gout can develop. These can include genetic factors, kidney disease, and eating foods that have elevated purine levels. These types of foods can cause uric acid levels in the blood to increase, and it is suggested to eliminate them from your diet.. Foods of this nature can consist of red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Relief from gout attacks may be found when the joint pain is controlled. If you are suffering from gout, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

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Monday, 01 June 2020 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Hammertoe

A common foot condition that affects the toes is referred to as hammertoe. The middle joint in the second toe curls up, forcing the end of the toe to bend downward. The affected toe can resemble a hammer, and additional symptoms may include pain and discomfort. Corns and blisters can also develop on top of the extended toe. Hammertoe can occur as a result of genetic factors, and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. There may be an existing bunion that can cause pressure on the affected toes. Many patients find it beneficial to perform specific foot and toe stretches that may help to relieve a portion of the pain. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended that can permanently straighten the toes. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment techniques.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

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