Items filtered by date: June 2020

People who travel on airplanes may experience poor circulation in their feet. This can occur from a lack of adequate leg room, in addition to limited mobility. Noticeable symptoms of this condition can include cramped and swollen feet which can cause severe pain and discomfort. It is important to take precautions while preparing for a long flight. These can consist of wearing loose clothing, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding caffeine. Research has indicated that it may be beneficial to take vitamin C & E supplements, as this may help to improve circulation. If you would like additional information about how poor circulation affects the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

The bones that are located in each toe are known as phalanges. They can easily fracture if a heavy object falls on one or more of them, or if a toe is stubbed against a piece of furniture. Common symptoms many patients experience can include bruising, redness, and swelling, in addition to difficulty walking. Treatment can begin after a proper diagnosis is performed, which generally consists of having an X-ray taken. Treatment may consist of implementing a process that is referred to as buddy taping. It is a procedure that tapes the affected toe to the toe next to it, and this can be helpful in providing the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. A broken toe is considered to be severe if the bone protrudes through the skin, and surgery may be necessary for complete healing. If you have fractured your toe, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so they can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

A common injury among athletes is an ankle sprain. There are several types of ankle sprains that can occur. These can consist of injury to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, which is called a lateral sprain. When the toes turn out while they are pointing up, the medial portion of the ankle can become hurt, and this type of sprain may take longer to heal. A sprain that occurs to the front or back ligaments is referred to as a syndesmotic sprain. Common symptoms that patients can experience with ankle sprains can include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Relief may be found when the impacted foot is elevated, as this may help to diminish a portion of the swelling. Additionally, existing bruising may be controlled when an ankle wrap is used, or a protective boot is worn. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Fungal nail infections can occur in both the toenails and fingernails, and the infection causes the nails to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. Fungal nail infections are caused when various fungi, including mold and yeast, that live in moist environments enter the nails through small cracks. Fungal nail infections and skin infections, such as athlete’s foot, often occur together. Fungal nail treatment and antibiotics are likely needed in order for the infection to be properly treated. If you are experiencing a fungal nail infection, it is important that you visit a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid subluxation is another term for the medical condition that is known as cuboid syndrome. It can happen when one of the cuboid bones slightly shifts, and a noticeable sign can be mild pain under the pinky toe. Additional symptoms can include a limited range of motion, swelling surrounding the impacted area, and the toes may feel weak.  A common reason why this condition may occur can be from an ankle sprain, or from activities that invoke strain on the ligaments and bones. Other reasons why cuboid syndrome may occur can include walking or running on hills, wearing shoes that do not offer adequate support, or from being overweight. Moderate relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and additional support may be obtained when the foot is taped. If you feel you have developed this syndrome, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options that are correct for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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