July 2023

Gout is defined as a foot condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort. It often targets the joints in the big toe and is caused by an excess level of uric acid. Eating foods that have high levels of purines may cause uric acid levels to rise and convert to crystals that lodge in the joints of the toes. There are trigger foods that can be avoided in patients who have gout, and this may reduce the number of painful gout attacks. Red meat can fall into this category, and frequently eating this food can increase the chances of getting gout. Many people think honey is an alternative to processed sugar, however, it also contains a large amount of uric acid. There are certain types of seafood that have high levels of purines. These can consist of shellfish, sardines, anchovies, and scallops, and gout patients are advised to eat infrequent or small amounts of these types of seafood. If you would like more information about what type of foods can trigger gout attacks, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with healthy food choices to choose from.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A plantar fibroma is a firm mass found under the skin on the sole of the foot. It is a benign growth and may be noticed while walking or standing. It is defined as excess collagen, which may cause chronic pain, in addition to gradually increasing in size. A potential cause for a plantar fibroma to develop may be trauma that has happened to the plantar fascia. This can range from a puncture to the skin from repetitive motions, like running or climbing. Studies suggest there may be genetic factors responsible for a plantar fibroma, and they may affect people of European descent more than other nationalities. This condition may be more prevalent among people with existing conditions, such as diabetes, liver disease, or specific seizure disorders. If you notice a growth in the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the feet. It gradually happens as a result of repetitive motion, causing the tibial nerve to become irritated or compressed. This is located inside the tarsal tunnel and is accompanied by ankle pain and discomfort. Additional symptoms can include a numbing or tingling sensation, and the overall foot may feel weak. People who have flat feet may be prone to developing tarsal tunnel syndrome, or it may occur in patients who have had a previous ankle injury. A lipoma, or mass, that lies near the tibial nerve may also cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. Having unexplained ankle pain may prompt an exam to be done which can properly diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome. This can consist of having an MRI or Tinel’s test performed, both of which are accurate tests that can confirm this diagnosis. Treatment often begins with frequently elevating the foot, and relief may be found when an elastic compression bandage is worn for support. If you have ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors 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 St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As an individual progresses into their elderly years, it becomes increasingly important for them to take extra care of their feet. This is because the feet can become more susceptible to foot conditions with age. One important part of maintaining foot health is wearing shoes that fit properly. When an elderly individual goes shoe shopping, there are several things they may consider doing to select the best fitting shoe. For example, as an individual gets older, it can be more difficult to bend over and put on shoes. So a senior may consider shopping for shoes that are easy to put on and take off. Additionally, since older people may slip and fall, shopping for shoes which have grips can be beneficial. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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