Items filtered by date: August 2024

Runners often experience a variety of foot problems due to the repetitive stress and impact involved in the sport. Issues like blisters, toenail damage, and stiff big toe joints are frequent, in addition to more severe conditions like plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. The feet endure significant pressure during running, making them particularly vulnerable to injuries. When not properly treated, these injuries can lead to chronic pain or long-term mobility issues. To prevent foot problems, it is important to wear appropriate footwear, gradually increase mileage, and pay attention to any early signs of discomfort. Regularly stretching and strengthening foot muscles can also reduce the risk of injury. If problems persist, it is suggested that you seek advice from a podiatrist to help ensure proper healing and avoid further complications, allowing you to safely continue the desired activity.

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 Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When home treatments fail to alleviate the pain and discomfort of an ingrown toenail, surgical intervention may become necessary. A podiatrist plays an essential role in diagnosing the severity of the ingrown toenail and recommending the most suitable treatment. Surgery for ingrown toenails is generally reserved for severe cases, especially if there's an infection or if the individual has a condition, like diabetes, that complicates healing. One common surgical procedure is the wedge resection, where a portion of the toenail is removed to prevent it from growing into the skin. In more extreme cases, a total toenail removal might be performed, which involves the complete removal of the nail to prevent recurrence. Another option, matrixectomy, involves the removal of the nail bed to stop future nail growth altogether. These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, allowing for quick recovery. After ingrown toenail surgery, maintaining a clean and dry wound is essential to prevent infection. If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing extreme pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is needed.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morning heel pain can disrupt your day before it even begins, often stemming from conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by irritation of the thick ligament on the bottom of the foot. It leads to stiffness or pain, especially noticeable in the morning. Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel, causing persistent discomfort. Other factors like stress fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, or hypothyroidism can also contribute to morning heel pain. A podiatrist can conduct an examination to accurately diagnose the cause of morning heel pain. Specialized treatments, such as custom orthotics or targeted exercises may be suggested to address the issue. This foot doctor can also provide advice on footwear and preventive measures to avoid recurrence. If you are experiencing heel pain in the morning, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot care is essential for hikers to prevent common issues like blisters, overuse injuries, and fungal infections. Start by choosing well-fitted, supportive hiking boots and moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction and keep your feet dry. It is helpful to break in new boots before long hikes to avoid blisters. If blisters occur, clean them with an antiseptic and cover them with a blister pad to prevent further irritation. To guard against overuse injuries, gradually increase hiking distances and ensure proper conditioning and stretching. Pay attention to any signs of pain or discomfort and rest as needed to avoid making injuries worse. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, so keep your feet clean and dry. Change socks frequently and use antifungal powder if necessary. Let boots dry thoroughly between hikes. Regularly inspect feet for cuts, sores, or signs of infection. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or other issues from hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for professional advice and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.