Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor Macclenny, Florida 32063

Turf Toe and Protecting Your Big Toe Joint

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Turf toe is a painful injury involving the big toe joint, caused by hyperextension that can lead to soft tissue tearing. It often occurs when the shoe grips the playing surface while body weight shifts forward, such as when a soccer player attempts a quick stop or push-off. It is also prevalent in ballet dancers and football players, as the big toe may experience hyperextension. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and joint instability that can affect performance. Risk factors include stiff playing surfaces, improper footwear, and repetitive high-impact movement. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, provide targeted treatment, and guide recovery. If you have symptoms of turf toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief, treatment and prevention solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor 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
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 contact our office located in Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Causes of Foot Cramps

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

A foot cramp is a sudden, painful muscle contraction in the foot that occurs when muscles tighten involuntarily and temporarily lose normal control. These spasms may develop from several underlying causes, including nerve-related damage, wearing tight-fitting shoes that place pressure on foot muscles, dehydration, or low potassium levels that affect muscle function. Symptoms include sharp pain, muscle tightening, and temporary difficulty moving the foot until the muscle relaxes. Risk factors may involve prolonged standing, overuse during physical activity, poor circulation, and inadequate hydration. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify contributing factors, and recommend supportive footwear, stretching guidance, and treatment options. If you have recurring foot cramps that interfere with comfort or activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor 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 Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Treatment for Black Toenails

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

A toenail may turn black after the toe is hit, crushed, or pressed repeatedly inside a tight shoe, common among runners. The dark color usually comes from blood trapped under the nail after the area beneath it has been injured. As this blood builds up, it can cause throbbing pain from strong pressure. A podiatrist will examine the black toenail, check how well the toe moves, and make sure blood flow to the area is normal. An X-ray may be taken to see if the bone at the tip of the toe is broken. If pressure under the nail is causing pain, a podiatrist can create a tiny opening in the nail to gently drain the trapped blood and relieve discomfort. In more serious cases, part of the nail may need to be removed so the damaged tissue underneath can heal properly. This can also reduce the risk of nail changes later. If you notice a toenail that has changed in color, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor 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 Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The Difference Between Normal Baby Fat and Swollen Feet

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Many infants and young children have naturally plump feet due to healthy baby fat, which is soft, symmetrical, and not painful. Swollen feet, however, may appear stretched or shiny and can be accompanied by redness, warmth, or tenderness to the touch. Unlike normal fullness, swelling may cause discomfort or sensitivity when pressure is applied. Common causes include wearing improper shoes, minor bruises from bumps, insect bites, or mild infections. Persistent swelling should never be ignored, especially if a child shows signs of pain or difficulty standing. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, recommend proper footwear, and provide appropriate treatment. If you notice your child’s feet look swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

Wednesday, 04 March 2026

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Blog

Blog Archives