If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

159 North 3rd Street
Macclenny, Florida 32063

June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

Obesity and Foot Problems

Obesity is often linked to foot problems. Those who are overweight have a greater risk of wear and tear problems, such as arthritis, tendonitis, and heel pain. A mere one pound can increase pressure on hips, knees, and ankles by eight pounds. Type II diabetes is also often associated with obesity and this health condition can have serious effects on the feet. One with diabetes can develop numbness and loss of sensation in their extremities and this can prevent them from feeling pain in their feet. Sores and wounds can develop without them knowing it if they do not check their feet regularly. Weight control is essential to alleviating foot pain. If you are overweight and have foot pain or if you have diabetes, carefully monitor your food intake, do regular exercise, and consider consulting with a podiatrist who can help guide you in taking care of your feet.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Read more about How Obesity Affects Your Feet
Tuesday, 21 June 2022 00:00

Different Types of Athlete’s Foot

People who have had athlete's foot are aware of the discomfort it can cause. The skin often becomes dry, red, and can itch too. It is considered to be a fungal infection and typically affects the soles of the feet and between the toes. It is a contagious infection and appropriate shoes are suggested to be worn while in public swimming areas, locker rooms, and shower room floors. This fungus lives in warm and moist environments including socks and shoes that are wet. There are three types of athlete's foot. A toe web infection can cause the skin to peel and crack between the third and fourth toes. Cracked skin on the heel can be referred to as a moccasin-type infection, and a blister on the sole of the foot is known as a vesicular type of infection. There are effective prevention techniques for athlete’s foot including keeping the feet clean and dry, refraining from sharing towels or shoes, and alternating the shoes worn daily. If you have been affected by athlete's foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best type of treatment is for you.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

 

Read more about Athlete’s Foot
Tuesday, 14 June 2022 00:00

Wearing Orthotics May Help Heel Spurs

A bony growth that forms on the back of the heel bone is known as a heel spur. It can gradually produce severe pain and discomfort, and it may become difficult to walk. A heel spur can develop for several reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, exercising on hard surfaces, or standing for long periods. A common symptom that many people experience is a sharp pain in the bottom of the heel, and this may diminish while walking. After a proper diagnosis is performed, correct treatment can begin. It may be beneficial to practice specific stretches that can help to ease the pain of a heel spur. An effective stretch consists of standing on a step and lowering the heel until a gentle pull is felt. Some patients find it can help to wear custom-made orthotics that can control the excess motion that affects the bottom of the foot. Additionally, orthotics can help take the pressure off of a heel spur. If you are affected by this painful foot condition, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best form of treatment is for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Macclenny, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Heel Spurs
Saturday, 11 June 2022 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 07 June 2022 00:00

Swollen Feet

If blood circulation is healthy, blood flows from the legs to the heart. Prolonged sitting or standing can lead to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. This is edema, or the buildup of fluid in the legs and feet. This is often a benign condition but can indicate a serious medical condition. Some of the more severe causes of edema in legs and feet are failure of the heart, liver, or kidneys. Those with the medical conditions above, pregnant woman, older people, and those undergoing long recovery periods from surgery are more at risk for edema in their lower extremities. Treatment for swelling, regardless of cause, is compression, elevation, exercise, weight loss, and a reduction of salt in the diet. If the swelling in your feet and ankles is persistent, the cause is not known, or you start having pain as a result, consult with a podiatrist to find out what might be going on and to discuss a treatment plan.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

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 Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Causes Symptoms and Treatment for Poor Circulation in the Feet
Connect With Us