An ankle sprain, a common injury, occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle stretch or tear due to sudden twisting or rolling movements. While seemingly minor, neglecting proper treatment can lead to complications, notably ankle instability and diminished strength. An unstable ankle, characterized by a recurring feeling of giving way, poses risks of further injury and compromises mobility. This instability arises from weakened ligaments, which struggle to effectively support the ankle's weight-bearing function. Additionally, reduced ankle strength follows, as the muscles surrounding the ankle weaken from disuse during the recovery phase. Over time, this weakness can affect balance and movement, increasing the likelihood of future injuries. Consequently, comprehensive treatment that addresses both ligament healing and muscle strengthening is vital to restore stability and strength, ensuring optimal ankle function and minimizing the risk of recurrent sprains. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you seek prompt attention from a podiatrist who can help you begin the healing process.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, encompasses several distinct types, each presenting unique characteristics and symptoms. The most common form is distal subungual onychomycosis, which typically begins as a yellow or white spot beneath the tip of the nail and gradually spreads deeper into the nail bed. Proximal subungual onychomycosis affects the base of the nail and is often seen in individuals with compromised immune systems. White superficial onychomycosis manifests as white spots on the surface of the nail, which can gradually expand. Candida onychomycosis is caused by yeast and can affect both fingernails and toenails, often leading to thick, discolored nails. Finally, total dystrophic onychomycosis results in complete nail destruction, characterized by thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail plate. Recognizing the type of toenail fungus is essential for effective treatment. If you have toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose which type it is, and offer the treatment method that is right for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. There are two types of flat feet. Flexible flat feet is where the arch appears when the foot is off the ground but flattens when bearing weight. Rigid flat feet is where the arch remains flattened regardless of weight-bearing. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and fatigue in the feet, ankles, or lower legs. Causes range from genetics and aging to injury, obesity, or conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Flat feet can lead to overpronation, increasing the risk of injuries like plantar fasciitis or shin splints. Diagnosis involves physical examination and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans. Treatment options include custom orthotic devices, supportive footwear, stretching exercises, and in severe cases, surgery. With proper management, most individuals with flat feet can lead active lives without significant limitations. If you have flat feet that are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Peripheral neuropathy presents a diverse range of conditions that affect peripheral nerves in the lower extremities, resulting in symptoms like numbness and weakness. Causes can include diabetes, infections, injuries, or toxin exposure, with certain individuals at a higher risk due to genetics or lifestyle factors. Diagnosis involves a thorough assessment of symptoms and medical history, often supplemented by nerve conduction studies or imaging tests. Treatment focuses on symptom management and addressing underlying causes, taking certain medications, and making lifestyle adjustments, However, outcomes vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Swelling of the feet, medically known as peripheral edema, can result from various causes ranging from less severe to potentially severe conditions. Mild reasons may include prolonged standing or sitting, dietary factors like excessive salt intake, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. However, severe underlying conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, venous insufficiency, or deep vein thrombosis can also lead to foot swelling. Regardless of the cause, persistent or sudden onset swelling warrants attention. Suppose your feet are swollen and you are not sure of the cause. In that case, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may involve a medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, to identify the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.

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.