Hereditary sensory neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve abnormalities in the legs and feet. An individual with this condition might feel paresthesia, a prickling or tingling sensation, in their lower limbs. Other common symptoms include feeling numbness and reduced sensitivity to pain, heat, and cold in the legs and feet. Sometimes people who are affected do not lose sensation but instead feel shooting pains in their legs and feet. People who develop this condition may be at an increased risk of foot ulcers due to the decrease in sensation in their feet. These ulcers can become infected and cause serious complications if they go unnoticed and untreated. If you have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy it is recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist, who can help you in monitoring and maintaining the health of your feet and ankles.

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 Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An inflammatory form of arthritis that can often cause a great deal of discomfort is known as gout. This condition is often common among diabetic patients. One symptom that accompanies this condition is referred to as gout attacks. Gout attacks are spurts of intense pain that are sudden and can be an overwhelming experience for those affected. To help lower the risk of gout attacks, patients can avoid eating certain foods such as seafood and red meats, maintain a healthy body weight, stay hydrated, and take vitamin-C. For more information on how to manage the symptoms of gout, please consult with a podiatrist.

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.

If you work on your feet all day, it is common to feel pain and weakness in the feet. One of the biggest keys to reducing this pain is to wear proper footwear. Shoes need to be supportive of the feet, and they may need to have extra cushioning. Secondly, make sure to stand tall. When you lean forward, there is increased pressure on the arch of the foot, causing it to strain. Another important step for those who work on their feet is to move around every 20-30 minutes in order to keep the feet warmed up. Lastly, building up strength is essential in helping to prevent foot pain. Building muscle helps support your weight and increases your functional capacity. If you work on your feet regularly and experience pain and discomfort, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for help.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Physical activities like running and jogging are great ways to stay in shape, however, vigorous exercise can also potentially lead to injuries of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your feet. When the plantar fascia is put under too much stress, it can tear and become inflamed, leading to plantar fasciitis. This condition may cause pain and reduced flexibility in your feet. To reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you stretch your feet regularly. For a gentle stretch, sit on a chair and bend your right leg to place your right ankle on your left knee. Hold your right toes, gently pressing them into a pointed position, and hold there for a few seconds. Then hold your right toes and gently pull them backwards, flexing your foot, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat this several times with each foot. For more information on what you can do to decrease your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor 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 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.