A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This type of doctor manages a wide range of issues, including common foot and ankle pain, bunions, numbness in the feet, and skin conditions like plantar warts. Podiatrists also treat congenital conditions like clubfoot and other structural abnormalities that impact the mobility and comfort of children. A podiatrist can prescribe orthotics, perform minor surgical procedures, and offer guidance on footwear, as well as provide care to prevent complications. If you are experiencing foot or ankle discomfort or require specialized care, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to receive expert podiatric treatment tailored to your needs.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma develops when the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes thickens. Morton’s neuroma most often affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes. This thickening compresses the nerve, causing sharp, burning pain or tingling that spreads from the ball of the foot into the toes. Many people describe it as feeling like a pebble trapped beneath the foot. The condition often results from excessive pressure or friction caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or frequent use of footwear that lacks adequate support. Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can also increase strain on the forefoot and irritate the nerve. A podiatrist can assess the nerve, confirm the diagnosis through imaging, if needed, and recommend suitable treatment or surgery when appropriate. If you have pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain is common in fibromyalgia patients, with studies finding it in more than half of those living with the condition. This type of foot pain can make even simple tasks difficult, since it affects every step a person takes. Many describe burning on the bottoms of their feet, sharp pain when stepping on small objects, or discomfort when shoes press on their toes. Some even feel pain just from resting their feet on the floor. The exact cause is not fully known, but several factors may contribute. The band of tissue that supports the arch can become irritated, leading to heel or arch pain. Nerves in the feet can also become overly sensitive, causing normal pressure to feel intense. In some cases, the joint beneath the ankle that controls side-to-side motion may not move properly, adding to strain. If you have foot pain as a result of fibromyalgia, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sac, known as the retrocalcaneal bursa, becomes irritated and inflamed at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon meets the heel bone. This irritation can develop from repetitive activities that increase pressure in that area, including running uphill, jumping, or standing on tiptoes. Wearing high heels frequently, ill-fitting shoes that rub against the heel, or flip-flops that provide little protection may also contribute to heel bursitis. Tight calf muscles or an existing bone spur can further aggravate the bursa. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and a painful lump at the back of the heel, which worsens when shoes press on the area or when engaging in activities that put stress on the Achilles tendon. A podiatrist can evaluate the heel and provide the most effective treatment. If you experience symptoms of bursitis in the heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.