If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

November 2020

Monday, 30 November 2020 00:00

What Are the Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture?

An ankle fracture refers to a partial or complete break in a bone of the ankle. People sometimes confuse ankle fractures with ankle sprains. While these injuries often occur simultaneously, they are different and will require proper diagnosis and treatment. If you have fractured your ankle, you may have symptoms such as pain at the site of the fracture, significant swelling, blisters at the fracture site, bruising, difficulty walking, or a change in the appearance of the ankle. In very severe cases, broken bones may protrude through the skin. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about All About Broken Ankles
Monday, 23 November 2020 00:00

What to Do if You Get a Foot Blister

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets of skin that can develop on the feet, typically due to friction from your shoes rubbing against your skin. If you develop a foot blister, there are several things that you should do to help the blister heal. Do not remove the overlying skin of the blister. This bit of raised skin protects the area underneath it, and removing it could expose the underlying skin to infections and lead to increased pain. Leaving the blister alone, rather than popping or draining it, will also prevent infection and help it heal faster. If the blister has torn or popped on its own, thoroughly disinfect the area and cover it with a dressing. If you have a blister on your foot that is not healing, or one that is causing you severe pain or appears to be infected, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Blisters on the Feet

Our feet support the weight of our bodies and undergo a lot of wear and tear. As we age, foot problems can become a more frequent occurrence. One in three adults over the age of 65 experience foot pain, stiffness, or aching. Some of the most common foot problems in older adults include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown, thickened or discolored nails, diabetic foot conditions, poor circulation, and heel pain. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health as you age. For more information about these and other foot problems, consult with a podiatrist today.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Geriatrics and Podiatry
Sunday, 15 November 2020 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.

Everybody sweats from their feet, but sometimes, the amount of sweat can be too much. Excessive foot sweat is an indicator of plantar hyperhidrosis, which is a medical condition where the sweat glands produce too much sweat in conditions that would not normally cause much sweating. If you have plantar hyperhidrosis, seeking treatment is recommended. This is because sweating excessively from your feet can lead to various complications. These can include an increase in the risk of developing cuts and breaks in the skin, which can lead to foot infections, such as athlete’s foot. Infections can be especially dangerous if you have other health problems that affect the feet, like diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral artery disease. Excessive foot sweat can also be embarrassing, leading to psychological distress and avoidance of certain social situations. To learn more about plantar hyperhidrosis and the treatments available for this condition, please speak with a podiatrist. 

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Monday, 02 November 2020 00:00

Toenail Fungus Can Cause Embarrassment

Toenail fungus is a foot condition that can be unsightly. Patients who have this ailment are often embarrassed by the appearance of their feet. It is considered to be contagious, and the fungus that causes the infection is found in public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. The toenail that is most likely to be affected is on the big toe, and one of the first symptoms can be the toenail turning yellow or white. The nail may gradually crumble and lift, and in severe cases, may fall off. If you have toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment option for you.

For more information about treatment, contact Dawn Miles, DPM 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 one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toenail Fungus
Connect with us