Ankle injuries are common in athletes and can range from mild sprains to severe ligament tears or fractures. They often result from sudden twists, awkward landings, or collisions during sports activities. Risk factors include inadequate warmups, wearing poor footwear, previous injuries, and playing on uneven surfaces. These injuries can lead to swelling, pain, instability, and reduced performance, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can provide an expert diagnosis, develop personalized treatment plans, and recommend braces, orthotics, or rehabilitation exercises to promote recovery and prevent reinjury. If ankle pain or instability is affecting your activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive professional care, restore strength, and return to athletic activities with confidence and safety.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Blisters on the lower leg may appear suddenly and often signal more than simple irritation. While friction from shoes or clothing can cause fluid filled pockets, blistering eruptions may also point to underlying conditions. Infections, allergic reactions, burns, and even autoimmune disorders can present with painful or itchy blisters. Because the skin acts as a protective barrier, any break increases the risk of secondary infection, making prompt care important. Keeping the area clean, avoiding further friction, and covering with a sterile dressing can help protect the skin while healing. However, the cause determines the treatment, and self care alone may not resolve the problem. If you develop unexplained or recurring blisters on your lower leg, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Pain on the top of the foot can result from several conditions. One common cause is wearing shoes that are too tight across the laces, which can irritate nerves and tendons. Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or stress fractures, also frequently affect this area, especially in athletes and runners. Arthritis, ganglion cysts, and nerve entrapment may also lead to discomfort on the top of the foot. Identifying the exact source of pain is important in order to guide treatment. Rest, wearing supportive footwear, and anti-inflammatory measures may help relieve mild symptoms. Custom orthotics, bracing, or targeted exercises can provide additional support when needed. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. If you are dealing with ongoing pain on the top of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nails, causing them to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. The infection most commonly targets toenails but can also affect fingernails. It occurs when fungi, such as dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds, invade the nail bed and the surrounding tissue. The primary causes of toenail fungus include exposure to warm, damp environments, poor foot hygiene, and wearing tight-fitting shoes that do not allow the feet to breathe. Individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or poor circulation are more prone to developing this condition. Common symptoms of onychomycosis include yellow or white streaks or spots on the nails, thickening of the nail, crumbling at the edges, and a foul odor. If left untreated, the infection can lead to further nail damage and spread to other nails or skin, making early detection and treatment essential. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat toenail fungus.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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