April 2024

Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, are skin growths appearing on the soles of the feet, often transmitted in warm, moist environments. Though generally harmless, they can cause discomfort and resemble different problems, necessitating careful diagnosis. Treatments vary from conservative remedies to professional interventions like salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or surgery, with responses varying among individuals. Given their contagious nature, prompt treatment is advised to prevent spread. Differential diagnosis is vital to rule out more serious conditions like melanoma. Consulting a podiatrist ensures accurate identification and tailored treatment. Their expertise in foot health management, including the effective removal of plantar warts, promotes overall well-being. If you suspect plantar warts or experience foot discomfort, it is suggested that you seek professional evaluation and treatment from a podiatrist for the best outcome.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dawn Miles, DPM 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 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.

Foot and ankle stress fractures encompass various types, commonly occurring among athletes due to repetitive impact activities like running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. These fractures result from the accumulation of microtrauma, leading to small cracks in the bones. Athletes often describe the sensation as a gradual onset of localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Stress fractures can occur in different areas of the foot and ankle, including the metatarsals, navicular, calcaneus, and fibula. Prompt diagnosis is important to prevent further damage and facilitate proper healing. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can employ techniques like imaging studies, biomechanical assessments, and customized treatment plans. By providing targeted interventions and guidance on activity modification, podiatrists help shorten your time away from sports and expedite your return to activity with reduced risk of complications.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Diabetic limb salvage is a medical procedure designed to save the limbs of diabetes patients who have severe foot and leg complications. These limb issues could be infections, ulcers, or tissue damage that are severe enough to lead to amputation. Diabetes can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage, making it hard for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infection. The goal of diabetic limb salvage is to treat these conditions effectively, prevent the progression of damage, and maintain as much function of the foot and leg as possible. Various treatments are used, including surgery to improve blood flow, removing infected or dead tissue, and reconstructing the foot if necessary. Diabetic limb salvage is a team effort that includes podiatrists and other specialists working together to create a personalized treatment plan. This approach can not only help save the limb but also significantly improve the patient's quality of life and independence. It is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your care team if you are a diabetic patient experiencing wound healing issues. 

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. 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.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. 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 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.

Ensuring proper shoe fit goes a long way in preventing heel pain, where both support and comfort play pivotal roles. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels, and narrow styles, exacerbate heel discomfort by placing excessive pressure on the heel and altering natural foot mechanics. During the pandemic, the widespread adoption of unsupportive footwear like slippers and flip-flops further contributed to foot problems, as they lacked adequate arch support and cushioning. As individuals age, foot structures change, making them more susceptible to heel pain. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize footwear that offers ample support and cushioning to alleviate strain on the heels and promote proper alignment. Opting for shoes with a wide-toe box, cushioned insoles, and low to moderate heels can help distribute weight evenly and reduce heel pain. If you suffer from persistent heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and offer guidance on the best shoes to wear for your particular needs and circumstances.

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.

A hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Symptoms can include pain, discomfort, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing shoes. Common causes include wearing tight shoes, muscle imbalance, arthritis, and genetic predisposition. Diagnosis involves physical examination and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays. Treatment options for hammertoe depend on the severity and may include wearing roomier shoes and custom-made orthotic devices, performing exercises to stretch and strengthen toe muscles, and in severe cases, undergoing surgery to correct the toe's alignment. Living with hammertoe requires wearing proper footwear, avoiding high heels and narrow shoes, and doing regular foot inspections. Adapting lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, can also help to alleviate symptoms and prevent the worsening of the condition. If you have a hammertoe and it is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective management options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.