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August 2021

Tuesday, 31 August 2021 00:00

Treatments for Athlete’s Foot Blisters

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. It is characterized by a red, itchy, peeling rash on the soles of the feet or in between the toes. Athlete’s foot can also cause blisters to form on the feet. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both over-the-counter and prescription antifungal medications. Most over-the-counter medications are topical and applied directly to the skin. Prescription medications can be topical, such as antifungal creams and powders, or oral. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid cream to reduce swelling and redness. If you have athlete’s foot, a podiatrist can help find the right treatment for you. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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 Athlete's Foot
Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:00

Heel Pain Fast Facts

Heel pain is extremely common and is typically caused by small, repetitive injuries to the heel over time. Most heel pain is localized under and in front of the heel, although pain can also affect the back of the heel and can sometimes radiate to, or from, the arch of the foot or the ankle. Heel pain typically starts gradually and may worsen over time when left untreated. Potential causes of heel pain can include plantar fasciitis, heel bursitis, heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, heel pad inflammation, Sever’s disease, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Fortunately, conservative treatment methods such as resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, as well as wearing supportive shoes and taking over-the-counter pain medications can help with pain and swelling, but may not be a permanent solution. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis with a corresponding treatment plan. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.

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Tuesday, 17 August 2021 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain in the heel. This condition can occur when the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs from the bottom of the heel to the front of the foot, becomes inflamed or torn. Generally, plantar fasciitis is considered to be an overuse injury. There are other issues such as foot biomechanics, ill-fitted footwear, being overweight, or having tight calf muscles that can lead to an increased risk of plantar fasciitis as well. Plantar fasciitis usually results in heel pain that gradually worsens over time, tenderness when pressing onto the heel, and heel pain that is worse in the morning. Patients who notice any of the symptoms of heel pain or plantar fasciitis should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment for their condition.  

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 Dawn Miles, DPM 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 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.

 

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Thursday, 12 August 2021 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Cracked heels can be unsightly and uncomfortable with yellowing, thickened calluses, and visible splits in the skin. Dry skin is a common cause of cracked heels and in some cases that dry skin is the result of eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, or cold dry climates. Left untreated, cracked heels can be particularly problematic for people with diabetes as the fissures can deepen, bleed, and turn into open ulcers that may become infected. You can help prevent cracked heels from developing by exfoliating and moisturizing your feet regularly, avoiding walking barefoot or wearing open-heeled shoes, and inserting heel cups into shoes which decreases stress on your heels. If you have cracked heels and believe they may be infected, a podiatrist can provide a variety of treatments as well as additional tips on how to prevent them from reoccurring.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

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Tuesday, 03 August 2021 00:00

Athlete’s Foot in Children

Despite its name, your child doesn’t have to be particularly athletic to incur athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot grows on warm, damp surfaces such as public swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. It can also thrive on moist feet, or spread from person to person. Athlete’s foot causes symptoms such as cracked, peeling, red, and scaly skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet, itchiness, and an unpleasant odor. Fortunately, treatment for athlete’s foot is usually simple and straightforward. Your child’s doctor will most likely prescribe a topical antifungal medicine, such as a cream or powder, to apply to the infected feet. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medication may be needed. If your child has athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.   

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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 What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
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