March 2024

Feet, often overlooked until they begin to ache, play an important role in living a normal life. Three common causes of foot pain include tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsal pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the tibial or plantar nerves within a passageway in the foot. This type of compression causes pain along the inner ankle and sole. Plantar fasciitis is the result of inflammation of the tissue on the sole of the foot that supports the arch. It results in heel pain and stiffness, particularly after periods of rest or activity. Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of the foot is often caused by activities that involve running and jumping. There are other causes as well, including foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose. Addressing these types of foot pain requires a tailored approach, ranging from orthotic inserts and physical therapy to lifestyle adjustments and proper footwear. For help with foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 care needs.

Heel pain can significantly diminish one's quality of life, affecting daily activities and mobility. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs can cause persistent discomfort, making it challenging to walk, stand, or exercise without pain. Beyond the physical discomfort, heel pain can also lead to emotional stress, impacting mood and overall well-being. Education plays an important role in understanding the underlying causes of heel pain and implementing appropriate treatment strategies. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and managing heel pain, offering tailored treatment plans to address individual needs. If you suffer from persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for comprehensive care to improve your overall quality of life.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

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 St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Smoking can significantly affect foot health by restricting blood flow and impairing bone growth and healing processes. Nicotine in tobacco narrows blood vessels, reducing circulation to the extremities. Further, chemicals in cigarettes weaken vessel linings, which promotes plaque buildup and further compromises blood flow to the feet. This increases the risk of conditions like peripheral arterial disease and blood clot formation. A diagnosis typically involves blood tests, comparative blood pressure exams, and imaging studies. Treatment strategies vary, often incorporating lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise and a balanced diet, along with managing cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Additional risk factors that affect foot health include diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. While quitting smoking is vital, consulting with a podiatrist is an essential part of the comprehensive care needed. A podiatrist can offer guidance to mitigate smoking-related foot problems. If you're a smoker and notice that you are having problems with your feet, it is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your team of healthcare experts. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

One significant risk facing runners is the potential for stress fractures, which are hairline cracks in one of many bones in the feet. Metatarsal stress fractures often occur in the 2nd or 3rd metatarsals, due to their structure and the forces exerted during running. Pronation can add to the amount of stress on these bones. Navicular stress fractures can be recognized as midfoot pain on the outside of the foot. This type of fracture is more common in runners with flat feet or those engaged in track and field or middle distance running. Calcaneus stress fractures cause heel pain, especially during weight-bearing activities. They are often the result of increased training intensity or frequency. Stress fractures in the big toe are most often found in the bone closest to the first metatarsal. These fractures occur due to repetitive loading during running, resulting in localized pain and swelling around the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint.  If you have pain in your feet that may be the result of running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.