If you feel a tingling, burning, or numbing sensation in your feet, you may be experiencing symptoms related to a foot condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. With this condition, pain is typically felt in the sole, heel, and arch areas of the foot. Some patients who have had this condition also say they experienced a sensation that feels like pins and needles in the feet. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may develop when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed or pinched. Other reasons for its development may include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. To help alleviate pain, it may be beneficial to perform light stretches that focus on strengthening the calf muscles. For more advice on how to treat this ailment, it’s suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and professional care.

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.

Research has indicated that wearing the right type of running shoes for your preferred style of running can provide the necessary stability for the overall body. It is helpful to decide which type of running will be practiced. People who enjoy running on roads or tracks typically choose a shoe that is made of lightweight and flexible materials, in addition to having smooth soles. Trail-running shoes are constructed with cleats on the outside of the sole, as this helps to maintain a stronger grip on uneven surfaces. When purchasing running shoes, it is suggested that the top of the shoe is similar to the shape of your foot. This can reduce excessive friction, and may help to prevent blisters from forming. If you are interested in purchasing running shoes, it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you to make the correct choice.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

Stress fractures are defined as a small break in one or more bones in the feet. They can occur as a result of frequently running for extended periods of time, or from participating in jumping activities. Additionally, they may happen if there is a change in the style of jogging you’re used to, or a change in the running surface. A common symptom that is associated with stress fractures can include pain during physical activity. This pain may also return after resting. Typically, effective treatment generally means the activity must be ceased that caused the fracture, and a boot or cast may be recommended for the healing process. If you have pain in your foot and think you may have a stress fracture, it is strongly advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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.

The feet and ankles endure increased pressure if one is overweight. This may cause foot conditions to develop that can include different types of arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and flat feet. Additionally, the skin on the feet may be affected, which may cause pain and discomfort. It may be difficult to maintain a good quality of life while there is general foot pain, and it is suggested that a healthy diet is implemented. This can include eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water daily, and practicing a gentle exercise regime. If you would like more information about how obesity can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

People who enjoy the sport of running are most likely familiar with the importance of properly warming up before and after each run. The ankles may become more stable when leg swings are practiced frequently, followed by performing hip circles. Research has indicated that running injuries may be prevented when you focus on a specific type of running, and train accordingly. These can consist of increasing speed, endurance, or running up and down hills. Practicing squats is an effective way of increasing the range of motion in your ankles, hips, and knees. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to prevent them, please consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.