Foot cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles in the foot that can cause sharp pain and discomfort. They often occur due to wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, dehydration, overexertion during physical activity, or low levels of essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, or magnesium. Symptoms include a sudden tightening or knotting of the foot muscles, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected area. Frequent cramps may indicate underlying issues with circulation, nerve function, or muscle balance. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of foot cramps, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, suggest proper footwear, and provide guidance on nutrition and hydration to reduce occurrences. If you have developed foot cramps, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to relieve pain and maintain healthy, comfortable feet.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Practicing yoga can help prevent aching feet by stretching, strengthening, and improving circulation in the lower extremities. Hero’s pose stretches the arches and ankles, relieving tension from prolonged standing or walking. Finger threading involves interlacing toes to increase flexibility and mobility in the toes and forefoot. Downward dog elongates the calves and plantar fascia, reducing strain on the heels and arches. The squat position strengthens the muscles supporting the arches and improves balance. Additionally, toe balance exercises focus on lifting and spreading toes to enhance stability and prevent cramping. A podiatrist can provide guidance on proper technique, recommend additional stretches, and assess foot structure to prevent pain. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you on relief tips, which may include additional yoga poses. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when blood flow to the feet is restricted due to narrowed arteries. Reduced circulation often causes discomfort while walking, foot fatigue, or slow-healing sores on the toes or heels. A podiatrist can perform diagnostic tests, such as the ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm to detect an arterial blockage. Additional imaging, like a Doppler ultrasound, can evaluate the severity of reduced blood flow in the foot and ankle. Without proper treatment, PAD can lead to tissue damage or, in severe cases, limb loss. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent these serious complications and preserve mobility. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

A toenail can fall off for a variety of reasons, most commonly from an injury or repetitive trauma to the toe. Stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or wearing shoes that create excessive pressure can cause blood to collect under the nail, which can lead to detachment. Fungal infections are another frequent cause of toenail loss, as they weaken the nail. The infection leads to changes in thickness, shape, and color before separation occurs. Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may also affect the nail matrix, the area where new nail tissue forms, and result in toenail loss. Before a toenail falls off, people often notice loosening at the tip, discoloration, or pain surrounding the nail bed. A podiatrist can examine the foot, determine the cause, and provide treatment to protect nail regrowth and relieve pain. If your toenail is loose or falling off, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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