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159 North 3rd Street
Macclenny, Florida 32063

January 2022

Tuesday, 25 January 2022 00:00

A Deeper Look at Blisters

While most people are somewhat familiar with blisters due to having at least one in their lifetime, here are some things you may not know about these “irritating” fluid-filled bubbles. Blisters fall into one of three categories typically: clear, blood, or infected. Clear blisters are one of the most common types of blisters, and are filled with a clear serum that protects the underlying skin from further damage. When blood vessels are damaged along with skin, the blister that forms may have blood mixed in with the serum. If a blister becomes infected, it can fill with white or yellow pus. Sudden, highly concentrated friction from ill-fitting shoes rubbing against skin on the foot will typically cause a blister, while repetitive, less intense friction will typically cause corns or calluses. Intense temperatures can also cause blisters to form, as in the case of second-degree frostbite or a bad sunburn. Chicken pox, shingles, eczema and other medical conditions may cause blisters as well as exposure to certain chemicals that create an allergic reaction in the skin. If you have developed a blister, do not pop it. If it does not improve, gets worse, or looks like it might be infected, seek the care of a podiatrist.

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 Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. 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 office located in Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Blisters
Tuesday, 18 January 2022 00:00

An Overview of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain is usually either injury/trauma-related, or due to a medical condition. Along with pain you may experience swelling, redness, bruising, numbness, stiffness, weakness, and the ankle may not be able to sustain any weight being placed on it. If ankle pain is present due to an injury, it can range from not serious, to moderately serious, to serious. Ankle pain/inflammation that is not serious usually fades quickly after the injury and responds to anti-inflammatory drugs, icing, and rest. Moderately serious ankle pain will typically last longer, however there may be no obvious injury. Serious ankle pain should be considered an emergency. Along with presenting an obvious injury or deformity, it is usually accompanied by redness and swelling. Typical ankle injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, and Achilles tendon injuries. Medical conditions that contribute to ankle pain include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bacterial infections, tumors, Osteochondritis dissecans, fibromyalgia, and more. Any pain in your ankle that lasts for more than a couple of days should be checked out by a podiatrist who has the experience and skills to diagnose and treat your condition.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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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Wednesday, 12 January 2022 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 the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 11 January 2022 00:00

Lack of Flexibility in the Big Toe

If it becomes more and more difficult to flex your big toe, you may have a condition known as hallux limitus. This condition affects the joint between the big toe and the foot, making the area inflexible and causing pain when you walk. As the condition progresses, it can lead to arthritis and bone spurs. Symptoms include a bony lump on the top of the big toe, numbness or tingling if the bone spurs press on a nerve, and a callus building up under the joint. These conditions may also affect your gait, as you try to compensate for the pain, and further affect the knee, hip or low back. Hallux limitus can be caused by injury, arthritis, overuse and genetics. Home treatment options include wearing low-heeled shoes that fit properly and have a thick or rigid sole; wearing gel pads or other orthotics in your shoes; and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. But if your big toe pain continues, or worsens, it is a good idea to seek the professional opinion and diagnosis of a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 04 January 2022 00:00

Hygienic Ways to Limit Toenail Fungus

Toenails that have turned brown or yellow in color and/or have become thick and crumbly, may have a fungal infection. These infections are often caused when fungi get into small cracks in the toenails. The fungi that often cause these infections tend to live in warm and moist environments like locker rooms, showers, and pool areas. One thing that can be done to prevent these infections is to make sure to always wear some form of footwear in these environments. Other things that can be done to prevent fungal nail infections include frequently washing the feet, wearing a new fresh pair of socks every day, avoiding sharing footwear with others, as well as wearing breathable footwear. Infected toenails can become painful and emit a foul odor if not treated. Patients who believe that they may already have a fungal nail infection should consult with a podiatrist in order to receive treatment and to prevent the infection from spreading.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Read more about Treating Toenail Fungus
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