People that are interested in entering the medical field and treating foot and ankle disorders may want to consider a career in podiatry. A podiatrist uses the initials DPM, which is an abbreviation for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Schooling consists of attending a four year program after college, followed by three years of residency training. Foot conditions that are treated generally include hammertoe, bunions, and heel pain, which may be indicative of plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. Additionally, podiatrists are able to provide their patients with custom-made orthotics, treat diabetic patients, and perform different types of foot surgery. It is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a rare condition in which benign fibrous nodules form in the arch of the foot along the plantar fascia. These growths develop slowly and may cause discomfort or pain when walking or standing, especially if the nodules become larger or press against footwear. The exact cause is not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. Genetics may play a role, as the condition sometimes runs in families. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, or liver disease, may have a higher risk. Additionally, repeated foot trauma or strain on the plantar fascia could also contribute. If you have lumps on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively monitor and treat this condition.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathic wounds are a common complication in individuals with peripheral neuropathy, particularly those with diabetes. Because nerve damage reduces the ability to feel pain, pressure, or injury, small wounds may go unnoticed and worsen over time. These ulcers often develop on the bottom of the foot or over bony areas that endure repetitive stress. Without prompt care, they can become infected, leading to more serious complications, including tissue death or limb loss. Proper footwear, regular foot inspections, and early intervention are essential to preventing these wounds from progressing. Managing blood sugar levels and maintaining good hygiene are also key components of prevention and care. A multidisciplinary approach that includes wound debridement, pressure relief, and infection control improves healing outcomes. If you notice a sore on your foot that does not heal or becomes increasingly painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in bones that often occur in the foot or ankle due to repetitive force, overuse, or sudden increase in activity. Common sites include the metatarsals, heel, navicular bone, and the lower part of the tibia. These injuries are especially frequent in runners, athletes, and those who spend long hours standing or walking. People with osteoporosis or low bone density are also at higher risk. Pain typically begins gradually and worsens with activity, often improving with rest. Swelling and tenderness over a specific area may also be present. If left untreated, a stress fracture can worsen and lead to a complete break. Early diagnosis helps avoid complications and supports proper healing. If you have foot or ankle pain that persists or worsens with use, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Gout in the heel is a painful condition that occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming crystals that deposit in the joints, including the heel. This typically happens when the body is unable to eliminate excess uric acid, often due to factors like consuming purine-rich foods like red meat or shellfish. Alcohol or dehydration can also play a role. While gout is commonly felt in the big toe, it also can affect the heel. Symptoms of gout in the heel include intense, sudden pain, swelling, and redness, often worsening at night. The pain can be sharp and throbbing, making even the slightest pressure, such as walking or wearing shoes, extremely uncomfortable. The heel may also feel warm to the touch, and the skin around the area may appear inflamed. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through physical exams, blood tests, and joint fluid analysis. They can offer treatments such as medications to reduce inflammation and pain, lifestyle advice to lower uric acid levels, and guidance on proper footwear. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

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 office located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.