Heel pain can be a real hindrance, affecting your daily life and mobility. Recognizing symptoms of heel pain helps you identify the cause and find relief. Plantar fasciitis is the most common complaint associated with heel pain. It often causes a sharp pain in the heel, especially in the morning. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes, becomes inflamed. Achilles tendinitis results in pain in the back of the heel as the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is torn and becomes inflamed. Heel spurs, bony growths on the underside of the heel bone, often accompany conditions like plantar fasciitis and may induce further pain. Bursitis, the inflammation of the bursa sacs around the heel, can lead to pain when walking or wearing tight-fitting shoes. Stress fractures, tiny cracks in the heel bone caused by repetitive stress, result in localized pain. If you're experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and a diagnosis. Then this medically trained foot doctor can formulate a  personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet pain-free.

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.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. These crystals, which frequently form primarily in the big toe, can lead to severe pain, inflammation, and ultimately joint damage. Causes of gout include dietary choices of high-purine foods such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Additionally, genetics can influence gout susceptibility, and a family history of the condition increases the risk. Medical conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and kidney disease also contribute to gout development. Several treatment options are available to manage gout. Lifestyle adjustments are key, including adopting a low-purine diet, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Anti-inflammatory drugs and urate-lowering medication, can effectively reduce the strength of symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Resting the affected joint and elevating it can help alleviate pain, while the application of ice during an attack and heat during recovery aids in reducing discomfort. Ignoring this condition can lead to serious joint problems. If you're experiencing gout symptoms, it is suggested that you seek prompt care from a podiatrist. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of 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 care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, abbreviated TTS, is a relatively lesser-known but impactful condition affecting the feet. It is comparable to the more recognized carpal tunnel syndrome but occurs in the ankle. TTS is characterized by compression or irritation of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space on the inside of the ankle, behind the medial malleolus. Various factors can contribute to TTS, with the most common cause being excessive pressure on the nerve due to inflammation or injury. Additional potential causes include overpronation, diabetes, and systemic diseases such as arthritis. Symptoms often include tingling, burning sensations, and pain along the inner ankle and sole that can radiate into the toes. Treatment options for tarsal tunnel syndrome depend on its severity. Conservative approaches include getting adequate rest, taking anti-inflammatory medications, or wearing orthotic devices. These treatments can help to alleviate pressure on the nerve. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to decompress the tibial nerve. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to relieving the discomfort associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome and restoring normal foot function. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively manage tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Newborns come into the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity, but some may also have foot deformities that require attention and care. One common condition is congenital talipes equinovarus, commonly known as clubfoot. This causes the baby's foot to twist inward. This congenital foot condition can be detected through having a prenatal ultrasound performed. Metatarsus adductus is another deformity where the baby's foot curves inward, often due to positioning in the womb, but it usually resolves naturally. In-toeing and out-toeing, where the feet point inward or outward, are relatively common problems that often correct themselves as a child grows. Early detection and intervention are essential in addressing these conditions. Performing gentle stretching exercises, casts, and sometimes surgery can help correct deformities like clubfoot. It is beneficial for parents and podiatrists to work together to ensure the best possible outcome. If your child has been born with a congenital foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you have this type of doctor as part of your child's healthcare team. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.