Items filtered by date: April 2021

Sesamoiditis is a foot condition in which the sesamoid bones, which are located beneath the big toe joint, are injured, leading to symptoms such as foot pain, stiffness, redness, swelling, and difficulty walking. This injury is usually caused by increased pressure on the ball of the foot from sporting activities like running, basketball, football, golf, tennis, and ballet. People who have feet with high or low arches and those with prominent big toe joints may be at an increased risk of developing sesamoiditis. Another potential cause for this condition is wearing high heeled shoes, which put the balls of the feet under increased stress. If you are experiencing the symptoms of sesamoiditis, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Damage to the nerves in the hands and feet is known as neuropathy. Generally, neuropathy causes a loss of sensation and feeling in the toes which affects the ability to feel pain or temperature. Other common symptoms of neuropathy include numbness or tingling, a burning and stabbing pain, and weakness in the affected area. While neuropathy’s most common cause is diabetes, it can also be caused by inflammatory diseases, kidney problems, and vitamin deficiencies. Because of this, diabetic patients should also have regular checkups with a podiatrist to monitor the potential development of neuropathy. Any patient who believes that they are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method.

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 Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. 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 Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail forms when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. While an ingrown toenail most often affects the big toe, it can affect any of the toes. Toenails can become ingrown due to a variety of factors that include cutting the nail too short, rounding the corner of the nail, or wearing shoes that are too tight, and they can also form from trauma, such as stubbing the toe. They are often painful and appear as red and swollen, and they can become infected as well. Nails that appear infected or severely ingrown should be checked and treated by a podiatrist. Patients who are diabetic or suffer from peripheral artery disease should also consult with a podiatrist if they are struggling with ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

The fifth metatarsal bone—the long bone connected to the little toe on the outside of the foot—is prone to breaks, with the two most common being Avulsion fractures and Jones fractures. Avulsion fractures usually occur from an injury that causes tendons or ligaments to pull a portion of the bone away from itself. A Jones fracture is less common, occurs either over time or suddenly, is harder to treat, and takes longer to heal due to less blood flow to the area. People suffering from either type of fifth metatarsal fracture can experience bruising or discomfort along the outside of the foot including tenderness, swelling, and pain. Some may even have difficulty walking. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the type of break and use several types of therapies and procedures to facilitate healing. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.