Items filtered by date: December 2021

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), more commonly known as shin splints, is an injury to the shin bone that occurs due to excess pressure being placed on it during physical activity. Shin splints are characterized by pain, tenderness, or soreness on the inside of the lower leg bone, particularly during exercise. Shin splints are typically treated through conservative methods. You may be encouraged to rest the injured leg, taking pressure off of it and giving it time to heal. Applying ice to the affected leg and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. Doing strengthening and stretching exercises may also help. To prevent shin splints, you should make sure that your shoes fit well and are supportive. When exercising, increase the length and intensity of your workouts slowly over time to avoid placing too much stress on the shin bones. For more information about shin splints, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Pregnant women often deal with various foot-related issues because of the added weight when carrying a baby. One of the most common foot-related issues during pregnancy is swollen feet. This occurs when there is an excess of fluid that builds up and travels down to the feet. Because of this, raising and elevating the feet as much as possible, as well as wearing wide comfortable shoes, can help reduce the swelling. Arch pain is another common issue in pregnancy and can be eased by stretching the feet in the morning as well as after exercise. Ingrown toenails may also develop during during pregnancy, and they are another reason why wearing wide shoes is important. Pregnant women who get ingrown toenails or are struggling with other foot-related issues and pain may wish to consult with a podiatrist for suggested treatment options.    

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. In fact, every year a third of all Americans aged 65 or older experience a fall. Falls among the elderly can cause serious injury and mobility issues, as well as damage to their self-esteem and independence. Falls are typically caused by muscle weakness, mobility or balance issues, the side-effects of a medication, or the fear of falling. The best way to prevent falls is to exercise regularly, implement specific measures to make the home environment safer, manage medications, and maintain proper foot and ankle health. For more information about preventing falls, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

If you are plagued by embarrassing foot odor (bromodosis), there are a few things you should know. Most foot odor comes from sweaty feet and wearing the same shoes day after day without letting them dry out first. While everyone gets sweaty feet from time to time, if your feet sweat excessively to the point that it is affecting your day to day activities, you may have a condition called hyperhidrosis. You can try to keep sweaty (and smelly) feet at bay with a few easy techniques. Keep your feet clean and dry at all times. Let your shoes dry out for an entire day before wearing them again, and use foot powder to help absorb moisture. Shoes and socks should be made of a natural material to allow your feet to breathe. Your toenails should be trimmed so they are flush with the tip of your toe and always clean. If your feet continue to be excessively sweaty or odorous, contact a podiatrist who can offer you relief from this embarrassing and unpleasant condition.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. 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 Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.