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159 North 3rd Street
Macclenny, Florida 32063

January 2024

Tuesday, 30 January 2024 00:00

Recognizing the Signs of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that results from the thickening of tissue around a nerve leading to the toes. This ailment commonly affects the area between the third and fourth toes, causing discomfort, burning sensations, or often the feeling of a small pebble inside the shoe. Individuals experiencing Morton's neuroma may notice pain that intensifies while walking or standing, often accompanied by numbness or tingling. As the condition progresses, sufferers might observe a change in the shape of their toes or find relief by massaging the affected area. Early detection is essential, as ignoring the signs may lead to increased pain and potential complications. If you suspect you have developed Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you with successful treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different 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 care needs.

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Tuesday, 23 January 2024 00:00

A Surgical Solution for Bunions

Bunion surgery, medically known as hallux valgus correction, is a procedure aimed at addressing this often painful deformity of the big toe joint. Typically caused by the misalignment of bones, bunions can lead to discomfort, difficulty in shoe-wearing, and decreased quality of life. The surgical process involves making an incision near the affected joint, allowing the surgeon to access and realign the bones and ligaments. In some cases, small screws or plates may be used to secure the corrected alignment. Post-surgery, patients undergo a recovery period during which they are advised to keep weight off the foot and follow a rehabilitation plan. While bunion surgery offers relief from the physical challenges posed by bunions, it is suggested that individuals considering the procedure consult with a podiatrist to determine the most suitable course of action based on their specific condition and overall health. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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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Tuesday, 16 January 2024 00:00

The Feet and Overall Health

The feet play a fundamental role in your overall well-being. These remarkable structures serve as the foundation for your daily activities, supporting the entire body's weight and facilitating movement. Beyond their mechanical function, the condition of your feet can be indicative of broader health concerns. Issues such as changes in skin color or texture, persistent swelling, or numbness may signal circulatory problems or nerve issues. Moreover, the feet can harbor early signs of systemic conditions like diabetes, where neuropathy may manifest. Regular foot examinations, attentive care, and proper footwear not only promote foot health but may also contribute to the prevention and early detection of potential health issues. If you are experiencing foot conditions or notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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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Tuesday, 09 January 2024 00:00

Definition and Causes of Plantar Fibromas

Plantar fibroma, a condition affecting the feet, involves the formation of non-cancerous, fibrous tissue growths within the plantar fascia, which is the ligament spanning the bottom of the foot. These nodules, often slow-growing, manifest as small lumps beneath the skin, leading to discomfort and potential limitations in foot mobility. The exact cause of plantar fibromas remains elusive, but factors such as genetics and trauma to the plantar fascia are considered contributory. The condition tends to be more prevalent in individuals with a family history of plantar fibromas, emphasizing a genetic predisposition. Additionally, repetitive stress or injury to the plantar fascia, often incurred through excessive standing or walking, can trigger the development of these fibrous nodules. Understanding the definition and potential causes of plantar fibroma lays the foundation for informed discussions with podiatrists and the exploration of appropriate management strategies for this relatively common yet nuanced foot condition. If you have these kinds of growths on your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose and treat plantar fibromas.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

  • Steroid injections
  • Orthotics
  • Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

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Friday, 05 January 2024 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 02 January 2024 00:00

The Serious Nature of Diabetic Foot Problems

Serious foot infections in diabetic individuals pose significant health risks and often lead to amputations and even death. These infections are a concerning complication of diabetes and require careful attention. They can be caused by various factors, including poor blood sugar control, reduced blood flow, and nerve damage in the feet. In diabetic foot infections, bacteria can enter through minor cuts or sores, leading to cellulitis, abscesses, or even gangrene. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications. Common symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the affected foot. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, wound care, and in some cases, surgical intervention to remove infected tissue and improve blood flow. Diabetic patients must take special precautions to prevent foot infections, such as daily foot inspections, proper hygiene, wearing well-fitting shoes, and maintaining good blood sugar control. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist to monitor your foot health, and receive timely intervention to prevent serious infections.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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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