Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves in the feet and ankles. It often leads to numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or sharp pain. As the diabetic neuropathy progresses, patients may lose sensation in their feet, making it difficult to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure sores. This can increase the risk of infections, ulcers, and, in severe cases, lead to the need for surgery. Because diabetic neuropathy cannot be reversed, early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential to slow progression and reduce complications. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, monitor blood flow, and help manage the effects of peripheral neuropathy in the lower limbs. Treatment may involve medication to manage pain, custom footwear to reduce pressure points, and regular professional exams to prevent complications from unnoticed injuries. Ongoing medical foot care is especially important for people with decreased sensation. If you have complications from diabetes that affect the feet, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits to a podiatrist for expert advice.

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 one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . 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 our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outer edge of the foot that connects to the little toe. Fractures in this bone are common and often occur from twisting the foot, direct impact, or overuse. There are two main types of fractures in this area. An avulsion fracture happens when a small piece of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament. A Jones fracture is more serious and occurs further along the bone, often requiring more time to heal. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Immediate care includes rest, elevation, and avoiding pressure on the foot. Some cases heal with wearing supportive footwear, while others may need a cast or even surgery. If you suspect you have injured the outside of your foot or feel sharp pain when bearing weight, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and recovery plan.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . 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 our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can result from a wide range of causes that affect the bones, ligaments, tendons, or surrounding tissues. Common sources include sprains, arthritis, tendonitis, gout, and overuse injuries. Sometimes, pain develops without a clear injury and can stem from conditions like joint inflammation or instability. The sensation of ankle pain varies depending on the cause. It may feel like a sharp stabbing pain during movement or a dull constant ache while at rest. Swelling, stiffness, or a burning feeling may also accompany the discomfort. Activities like walking or standing can make symptoms worse. Identifying the cause of ankle pain is essential for proper treatment and long term relief. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine the best plan to restore comfort and function.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Plantar warts are common in children and are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which thrives in warm, moist environments like public swimming pool areas, locker rooms, and public shower areas. The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions on the soles of the feet. Symptoms include small, rough growths on the bottom of the feet, usually on weight-bearing areas like the heels or balls of the feet. These warts may cause pain or tenderness when walking or standing, often feeling like a pebble stuck in the shoe. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat plantar warts with various methods, including topical treatments and cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart, for more stubborn cases. It is important to treat warts early to prevent them from spreading. To prevent plantar warts, children should wear protective footwear in public areas and avoid sharing shoes or socks. Keeping feet clean and dry also helps reduce the risk. If your child is dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 and ankle needs.

Stress fractures in the feet are hairline cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse, often affecting the long bones of the foot. Stress fractures typically develop gradually, with early signs like localized pain that worsens with activity and improves during rest. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness when pressing on a specific area of the foot may also occur. Runners or other athletes who increase exercise intensity too quickly, wear worn-out shoes, or regularly train on hard surfaces are more likely to develop stress fractures. Women with low bone density may face added risk. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures using a clinical exam and imaging tests, such as MRI or bone scans, when X-rays do not reveal the injury. Depending on the severity of the fractures, treatment may involve wearing protective footwear, modified activity, or using crutches to reduce pressure on the affected area. In some cases, surgery may be needed to ensure proper healing. If you have symptoms of stress fractures in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.