Items filtered by date: September 2024

As we age, feet change shape, often becoming wider or flatter due to the loss of fat padding and muscle tone. It is important to ensure shoes provide both comfort and support, fitting snugly without being too wide or narrow. Poorly fitted shoes can worsen issues like osteoarthritis, diabetic nerve damage, hammertoes, bunions, and calluses. Shoes with rubber soles and treads offer the best traction on most surfaces, reducing the risk of falls. Different shoes should be worn for different activities. Supportive walking shoes, for instance, differ from athletic shoes. When shopping for shoes, measure your feet and shop later in the day, when feet are naturally swollen. Shoes should feel immediately comfortable, requiring no breaking in. Proper fit and support can help alleviate foot pain and improve overall mobility, making it important to regularly assess your footwear needs. If you have foot or ankle discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer a proper diagnosis, treatment, and additional pointers on choosing well-fitting footwear.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Foot and ankle injuries are prevalent among baseball players due to the demanding nature of the sport, which involves frequent running, sudden stops, and rapid direction changes. Ankle sprains, particularly lateral ankle sprains, are among the most common injuries. These occur when the ankle rolls outward, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Chronic ankle instability often follows, where the ankle remains prone to repeated sprains and discomfort. This condition can significantly affect a player's performance and recovery. Proper warm-up exercises, strengthening routines, and supportive footwear can help reduce the risk of such injuries. If you have endured this type of injury, your ability to play may be temporarily compromised. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment remedies.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Ankle sprains can result in various symptoms that require attention, especially if the injury is severe. Typically, those individuals with a sprained ankle will experience sharp, localized pain that worsens with joint movement or when bearing weight on the affected foot. This pain often coincides with noticeable swelling, which may be more pronounced, depending on which ligament is injured. Bruising surrounding the sprain site is common, with discoloration ranging from reddish to purplish hues. These signs indicate torn ligaments and the presence of blood pooling in the area. In severe cases, individuals might hear or feel a pop at the time of injury, signaling a significant tear. This can also result in a restricted range of motion, making it difficult or even impossible to flex or move the foot normally. If you have severe ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Poor circulation, or peripheral arterial disease, occurs when blood flow to the extremities, particularly the feet, is reduced due to narrowed or blocked arteries. This condition often results from atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on artery walls, or from other factors like diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure. When circulation is compromised, the feet may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. Common signs include cold feet, numbness or tingling. Cramping, discoloration, slow-healing sores, and in severe cases, tissue damage or infections are other signs. These symptoms can affect mobility and increase the risk of serious complications, such as ulcers or gangrene. If you suspect poor circulation, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can assess your condition, recommend treatments like compression therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication, and help prevent further complications.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our doctors of Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.