Stress fractures are hairline cracks in bones caused by repetitive stress rather than a sudden injury. Stress fractures, which are common among runners and athletes like basketball players, frequently affect the metatarsals, heel bone, and other weight-bearing bones in the foot and ankle. Symptoms of stress fractures usually start as mild pain during activity and gradually worsen, potentially leading to discomfort, even at rest. Contributing factors include sudden increases in activity levels, wearing improper footwear, or poor bone health. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures through imaging tests like MRI scans, as they are difficult to detect with X-rays. Treatment often involves using a walking boot or cast to immobilize the area and allow the bone to heal. In some cases, crutches may be necessary to reduce weight-bearing. A podiatrist can provide guidance on preventing future fractures by addressing footwear, activity modification, and proper nutrition for bone health. If you have foot pain caused by stress fractures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. 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 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 St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bruised heels, often resulting from repeated impact or sudden injury, cause significant discomfort and can hinder daily activities. This pain typically stems from overuse, such as prolonged standing, running, or wearing unsupportive footwear on hard surfaces. Activities that place high pressure on the heel’s fat pad, such as jumping or high-impact sports, can also lead to bruising. In some cases, a direct injury, such as landing awkwardly, may cause trauma to the heel’s soft tissues. For treatment, rest and reducing weight-bearing activities are essential to allow healing. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bruise, recommend supportive orthotics, and provide guidance on footwear. If you have a bruised heel, it is suggested that you visit this type of doctor for appropriate care.

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.

Edema refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the body’s tissues, leading to swelling. There are several types of edema, each with distinct causes and effects. Idiopathic edema is a condition where swelling occurs without any clear underlying medical cause, often affecting the feet and ankles. Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs, but it can also cause swelling in the feet and ankles as the body struggles to manage fluid balance. Lymphoedema, on the other hand, results from a blockage in the lymphatic system, leading to fluid retention and swelling, commonly in the legs and feet. In all cases, edema can cause discomfort, restricted movement, and skin changes in the affected areas. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Preventing lower-limb amputations in people with diabetes involves diligent care and monitoring, especially for foot health. High blood sugar over time can lead to peripheral arterial disease, which reduces blood flow to the feet and makes it more difficult for wounds to heal. Additionally, nerve damage resulting from high blood sugar levels can reduce sensation, leading patients to miss injuries that can worsen and become ulcerated. Even a minor cut can develop into a severe infection if unnoticed or untreated. Regular foot exams by a podiatrist can help identify early signs of complications, such as sores, ulcers, or infections. Through specialized wound care and appropriate treatments, podiatrists play an essential role in helping to prevent problems that could lead to gangrene or ultimately amputation. Promptly addressing any concerns with a podiatrist can significantly reduce the risk of these serious complications. If you have problematic foot ulcers resulting from diabetes, it is suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist.

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 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.

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