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159 North 3rd Street
Macclenny, Florida 32063

February 2022

Tuesday, 22 February 2022 00:00

HPV and Plantar Warts

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for many kinds of conditions from simple warts to cancer. In plantar warts, the virus invades the sole of the feet by entering the body through tiny cracks or cuts in the skin and causing circular warts with the appearance of callused skin to form. Plantar warts can grow individually, or cluster in what is called a mosaic. Each wart usually has a tiny black dot in the center, which is actually dried blood in the minuscule capillary that feeds the wart with blood. Plantar warts can be very painful due to pressure placed on them during walking and running and can multiply or get larger without treatment. Because plantar warts are very hearty and home treatments are often ineffective or risky (especially for people with diabetes or neuropathy), professional treatment from a podiatrist is suggested.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Read more about All About Plantar Warts
Tuesday, 15 February 2022 00:00

The 1s, 2s, and 3s of Ankle Sprain Severity

When one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn, an ankle sprain occurs. Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe. Podiatrists use a system of grading, or classification, to describe the severity of the sprain. A Grade 1 sprain is mild and characterized by mild pain, swelling, joint instability and stiffness, and difficulty jogging or jumping. A Grade 2 sprain is moderate and involves moderate pain, significant swelling, bruising, some loss of motion in the ankle, and trouble walking. A Grade 3 sprain, the most severe, is associated with severe pain, swelling, instability, loss of motion, and extreme difficulty walking. If you suspect that you may have sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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 Ankle Sprains
Friday, 11 February 2022 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

If performing your job duties requires you to stand on a regular basis, you are more at risk of developing painful problems in your feet and legs, as well as other parts of your body. These problems can lead to and exacerbate chronic disorders and decreased mobility. If possible, certain modifications should be made in your workstation that can provide you with more flexibility and the ability to take a variety of body positions throughout the day. Included are adjustable worktables and benches, footrest/rails, ergonomically positioned controls and tools, and anti-fatigue mats. A seat should also be nearby to allow periods of rest whenever possible. Proper footwear is critical to the standing worker’s comfort and safety as well. Features of a good working shoe include a proper fit, sturdy support in the heel, plenty of room in the toes, a specific heel height that is not too low or high, a straight inner side from heel to toe, and shock-absorbing insoles. A podiatrist can provide more details on fit and style and can also create custom orthotics to improve body alignment and gait.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Read more about Working on Your Feet

Being overweight can cause discomfort and damage to your feet. The excess fat you are carrying around redistributes itself throughout your body, and your feet are no exception. Extra fat can deposit in your feet and the fat pads on the bottom of your feet can get worn down. Your feet may even become flat. Being obese may make you more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoe, and more. While losing weight will not change the structure of your feet, it can help to take pressure off your feet and ankles and help you avoid osteoarthritis, gout, and joint pain. It can also relieve foot pain and inflammation due to circulatory issues. Contact a podiatrist to get relief from your foot pain and to learn various solutions about taking better care of your feet.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Read more about Obesity and the Feet
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