If you sometimes experience redness and burning in your feet, as well as other body parts, you may have a disorder known as erythromelalgia. Flare-ups, which can last for days, usually start out as itching, which then becomes burning pain, redness and mottled skin. Erythromelalgia can affect your ability to stand, exercise and sleep. Its symptoms may be triggered by an increase in body temperature after exercising, wearing warm socks, being dehydrated, or even eating spicy food. The cause for most people is unknown, but erythromelalgia has been linked to several underlying conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It also may be triggered by taking certain medications. Self-treatment is not recommended, as it may lead to more serious problems. Instead, if you think this condition is affecting your feet, as well as limiting your daily activities, it is wise to seek the counsel of a podiatrist for analysis and possible treatment options. 

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 Dawn Miles, DPM 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 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.

Wounds are a major concern for people with diabetes. Prolonged elevated blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation. Both conditions can make it very difficult for the diabetic to detect, and for their body to heal, developing wounds on their feet. Wounds that do not heal can lead to much more dangerous conditions such as ulcers, infections, gangrene, and in severe cases, amputation. To avoid these worst-case scenarios, diabetics should avoid wounds from developing in the first place. Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well and do not rub against the skin is one way to prevent blisters, corns, calluses, or other problematic issues from developing. To minimize the risks of cuts or scrapes, walking barefoot should be avoided. The feet should be inspected daily for any cuts, abrasions, red spots, blisters, or anything unusual. Any irregularity should be immediately reported to a podiatrist. Finally, regular checkups with a podiatrist are critical for every diabetic to keep wounds at bay and to receive prompt and professional treatment should a wound develop.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Anyone who has worn shoes has, most likely, at some point developed a blister. Blisters are pockets of fluid that form between the top layer (epidermis) of skin and underlying layers of skin due to friction, heat, chemical, or other damage to the epidermis. A blister can sometimes darken when blood from broken vessels mixes with the blister’s normally clear serum. This is known as a blood blister. Newer blood blisters are usually red and, as time progresses, can turn to darker shades of red, purple, or even black. Blood blisters can form on your feet in areas that have been under extreme pressure or friction, or where the skin has been pinched without any breakage in the skin. Blood blisters are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you have a reoccurring blood blister, or one that feels warm or has red streaks radiating away from it — or if the blister appears suddenly without any apparent cause — it is wise to make an appointment with your podiatrist for an evaluation.

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.

Heel cups are a type of orthotic device. They are placed directly under the heel and provide cushioning and support. Heel cups can help treat heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, prolonged standing, and more. They can make your shoes more comfortable as you go about your daily activities. Heel cups are typically made of gel, foam, or some other type of cushioning material. They can be bought over-the-counter at many drug and shoe stores. It is best to check with a podiatrist prior to purchasing heel cups to determine if this is the right type of orthotic for you. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Bunions are an acquired foot deformity where a misalignment in the bones of the big toe causes a protrusion to form on the outside of the foot at the toe’s joint. This forces the toe to angle toward the other toes rather than pointing straight ahead. Bunionettes, also known as tailor bunions, form on the outside of the pinky toe. Both bunions and bunionettes can cause pain, swelling, and soreness. Bunions that go untreated may lead to limited range of movement and will not get better on their own. Wearing proper footwear with lower heels, a rounded toe box and plenty of room for the toes can help you avoid getting a bunion or bunionette, although the shape of your feet, heredity, and certain medical conditions can also be contributing factors. If you have a bunion or bunionette, it's a good idea to seek the professional care of a podiatrist for treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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 care needs.