Items filtered by date: September 2020

Diabetic patients can be more prone to experiencing complications with their feet. One of these complications can include a condition known as neuropathy. Neuropathy is often linked with nerve damage, which can cause a loss of feeling in the lower extremities. This can be incredibly dangerous for diabetic patients in particular, because they may be more likely to develop infections. If a diabetic patient develops a wound, however it goes unnoticed because of the neuropathy, they may be at risk of getting a foot ulcer. An ulcer is a slow healing, deep open wound that requires immediate attention. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested you are under the care of a podiatrist, especially if you have neuropathy.

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. John R. Northrup from Superior Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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People who enjoy the sport of running often understand the importance of warming up and cooling down properly before jogging or running. It is beneficial to start slowly, and this may be a new concept among first time distance runners. It is helpful to run every other day, which can give the body and feet a chance to rest and build endurance between runs. When mileage and speed are increased gradually, distance running can become enjoyable and manageable. Many runners practice strength training, and this can help to improve balance and stability. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet, and how to prevent them, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

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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!

Are your toenails thick, crumbling, or yellow? Do you find yourself avoiding certain activities and open-toed shoes for fear of someone seeing your nails? If so, you may be suffering from onychomycosis, or a fungal nail infection. Though it can be an embarrassing problem, you are definitely not the only one facing it. Approximately 10% of the general population is afflicted by a fungal nail infection. Beyond just their appearance, these infections can also cause toe and foot pain, lead to bacterial infections and ulcerations, and can even cause complications in people with diabetes. Topical or oral medications may help, though they are not always effective, and have the potential to lead to serious side effects. Laser treatment is another option that may be effective. If you have developed a toenail fungus, don’t hesitate to talk to a podiatrist who can help you select the treatment option that is best for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

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Hammertoe is a condition in which one or more of the small toes develops a bend at the joint. This causes the tip of the toe to turn downward, which gives the toe a hammer-like appearance. The second toe is most frequently affected. Hammertoes are typically caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes for prolonged periods of time. Shoes that are too tight can crowd the toes, putting pressure on them and changing their appearance. While inappropriate footwear is usually the culprit for hammertoes, there are other factors that can cause this deformity. Some people are born with hammertoe, rather than acquiring it over time. Bunions, bony bumps that develop along the outside of the big toe, can cause crowding of the smaller toes, making hammertoes more likely to develop. Arthritis in the joints of the feet can also cause the toes to bend downward. For more information about hammertoe, speak with a podiatrist today.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

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