Items filtered by date: August 2019

The first symptom many people experience if they have broken their toe is severe pain and discomfort. Other noticeable signs can include swelling, bruising on or around the affected toe, and difficulty walking. In severe fractures, patients may hear a popping sound as the break occurs. Common reasons for this type of injury to happen can include stepping unexpectedly off of a curb, hitting it against a piece of furniture, or it may gradually develop as a result of a stress fracture. Effective treatment options can include taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which is referred to as buddy taping. This can be helpful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Mild relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and this can be beneficial in reducing existing swelling. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can suggest the proper treatment for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

A protruding bone at the base of the big toe is referred to as a bunion. There are common symptoms that are associated with this condition. These typically include calloused and hard skin on top of the bunion, and swelling as a result of wearing shoes. Bunions are known to be caused by genetics, and many patients may develop this uncomfortable condition from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. There are several treatment options that may be effective, including wearing orthotics, taking painkillers, or using bunion pads. For severe bunions, surgery may be a viable option, if permanent removal of the bunion is warranted. There are measures that can be implemented that can help to prevent this condition from occurring. These include wearing shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely, and to avoid wearing high heels. If you believe you may have bunions, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this condition.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Gout is a painful condition that typically affects a single joint. Although severe gout can affect many joints at once. It occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the bloodstream, which can cause crystals to form in the joints. Gout is a form of arthritis, and the symptoms that are most associated with this ailment often include swelling and redness surrounding the affected joints, severe pain and discomfort, and the area may feel warm. There are specific foods that have elevated purine levels, and this is a contributing factor to the onset of gout. These consist of red meat, alcohol, and certain types of seafood. It is suggested to have a proper diagnosis performed, and this is often accomplished by extracting a portion of fluid that contains the crystals. Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes may be helpful in preventing future gout attacks. If you have this painful condition, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

When it comes to barefoot running, the consequence is in the amount rather than the activity itself. Barefoot running should consistently be treated like a new activity, which means start with a small dose and then progressively increase the distance each time you run. This allows for the body to get better acquainted with the activity and creates a low risk environment. On the other hand, if you don’t pace yourself, then you will become more prone to injuries. It is considered easier to gain proper running form from being barefoot compared to wearing shoes. This is because when you are barefoot, you aren’t prone to some aspects of poor form that present themselves while wearing shoes. When running barefoot, it is easier to take shorter strides in order to reduce impact forces on the lower legs. The most important part of barefoot running is to run by effort and feel rather than pace. This is due to the purpose of barefoot running being to improve efficiency, get stronger and to reduce your risk for injury. It is important when taking up barefoot running that you start off at a comfortable pace, and then slowly build yourself up. If you find yourself interested in this style of running, you should consult with a podiatrist to see if it is a good option for you.

Barefoot running has grown in popularity in recent years and has been found to offer some benefits over running in shoes. If you are interested in running barefoot, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and whether barefoot running is right for you.

What Is Barefoot Running?

While running shoes provide excellent support and protection to our feet, they can negatively impact the way we run. Those who run in shoes have been found to be more likely hit the ground with their heels first. This running style has been found to increase the risk of injury from ankle sprains, stress fractures, and Achilles tendinitis. Those who run barefoot tend to land on the balls of their feet which generates less impact.

Benefits of Running Barefoot

Some reported benefits of running barefoot include:

• Less impact on the feet
• Increased sensation and feedback from the feet
• Increased efficiency from less weight from shoes
• Potential for less injury from footwear
• Reported increases in strength to foot and leg muscles

Downsides to Running Barefoot

• Less protection from debris on the ground
• Increased risk of contracting bacterial or fungal infection
• Potential for injuries from overuse

Those with diabetes should avoid barefoot running at all costs. This is due to the risk of sustaining a wound that could become infected. If you do decide to run barefoot, inspect the area you are running in for lots of debris. Furthermore, it is best to start off slow and to not push yourself too hard the first time out, even if you run in shoes regularly. Another substitute for running shoes are minimalist shoes which reduce the weight of shoes but provide better protection.

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