Heel Pain Treatment – Palm Coast and Fleming Island, FL Podiatrist

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What causes Heel Pain? –  Fleming Island and Palm Coast Florida, Florida Podiatry

Dr. Tom Winters discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for heel pain (plantar fasciitis).

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Many conditions can affect the rear part of the foot and ankle. Two common conditions can cause heel and arch pain: plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of a fibrous band of tissue in the bottom of the foot that extends from the heel bone to the toes) and heel spurs (often the result of stress on the muscles and fascia of the foot).

There are many causes of heel pain and most cases can be effectively treated without surgery.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome). During this non-invasive surgical procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to that currently used in non-surgical treatment of kidney stones.”Extracorporeal” means “outside of the body,” and refers to this non-invasive surgical procedure in which strong sound waves are directed at the area of heel pain.

During the usually brief procedure of about 30 minutes, performed under local anesthesia and/or “twilight” anesthesia, strong sound waves penetrate the heel area and stimulate a healing response by the body. An overnight hospital stay is not necessary since extracorporeal shock wave therapy is performed on and outpatient basis.

This therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a very short recovery time, mainly due to the elimination of costly and invasive surgical procedures. Contact us today to receive more information or to discuss the treatment options for extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

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Ingrown Toenails – Palm Coast and Fleming Island, FL Podiatrist

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Ingrown Toenail – Fleming Island and Palm Coast , Florida  Podiatry

 

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Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the toenail dig into the skin, often causing infection. A common ailment, ingrown toenails can be painful. Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen, and tender. Left untreated, they may become sore, red, and infected and the skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is simple: soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In severe cases, if an acute infection occurs, surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed. Known as partial nail plate avulsion, the procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by:

•Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.

•Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.

•Keeping feet clean at all times.

 

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Fleming Island and Palm Coast Fl Podiatrist – Health Park Podiatric

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Podiatry in Palm Coast and Fleming Island

Dr. Jimmy Militello discusses their foot and ankle clinic at Health Park Podiatric.

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At HealthPark Podiatric, we believe that a doctor and patient become a team for treating an individual’s feet. Our physicians spend most of their time listening to understand your concerns and responding with the best treatment options for you. With the help of our professional staff, they also follow up to make sure that pain is relieved, problems are resolved and your health improves.

We also want our patients to be informed about podiatric problems and treatments, because informed patients make better decisions about their health and well being. That is why we’ve included an extensive section on this web site covering the full array of topics associated with podiatry and podiatric diagnoses and treatments. We encourage you to look through these pages and view videos on our patient education page, whenever you have an interest or concern about your feet.

We also know that convenience in the northeast Florida area is important to your selection of a podiatrist. In these web pages you’ll find information about our office locations, maps, directions, hours, insurance policies and appointment scheduling. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have or to request an appointment. We hope you’ll find our practice offers the accessibility and personal commitment you look for from a physician.

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Fungal Toenails – Podiatrist in Fleming Island and Palm Beach, FL

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Toenail Fungus – Podiatry Fleming Island and Palm Beach Florida

Dr. Jimmy Militello discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for toenail fungus. – Podiatrist in St. Augustine, FL

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Fungal nails refers to any number of fungal nail infections that can occur on the foot. Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete’s Foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Note: Please consult a physician before taking any medications. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for tenacious fungal nails. There is also a new PinPointe laser which is cleared for the temporary increase of clear nail in patients with nail fungus.

Preventing Fungal Nail Infections

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, take steps to prevent the infection from recurring. Keeping fungi at bay will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a nonprescription antifungalantifungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other suggestions for preventing fungal nails include:

•Don’t share nail clippers or nail files with others.

•Don’t share shoes or socks with others.

•Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).

•Wear dry cotton socks and change them two or three times a day if necessary.

•Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).

•Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

Prevention

Follow basic foot care guidelines and, more than likely, you can head off most common foot fungus problems.

 

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Diabetic Foot Care – Palm Coast and Fleming Island, FL Podiatrist

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Diabetes and Diabetic Foot Care – Palm Coast and Fleming Island, FL Podiatry

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According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.

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Orthotics – Podiatrist in Fleming Island and Palm Coast, FL

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Dr. Tom Winters discusses how orthotics are used to correct foot biomechanics and help alleviate foot pain.

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Orthotics are shoe inserts that correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. Generally called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably.

Podiatrists sometimes prescribe orthotic devices to correct an abnormal walk, or gait, and often for patients following surgery.

Orthotic devices come in many shapes and sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.

Rigid orthotics

The so-called rigid orthotic device, designed to control function, is often composed of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber, and is used primarily for walking or dress shoes. Such orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Rigid orthotics control motion in two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.

Soft orthotics

Soft orthotics usually absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are typically made up of soft, cushy materials. Soft orthoses also are worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Such orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.

Soft orthoses are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet.

Semi-rigid orthotics

Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. Sometimes, different sports call for different kinds of semi-rigid orthotics. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials.

Children are sometimes given orthoses to treat flatfoot or intoeing or outtoeing disorders. Athletes often are given orthoses to mitigate pain while they train and compete.

While over-the-counter orthotic inserts help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are made to fit a person with an “average” foot shape.

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Surgery Care for Diabetics – Podiatrist in Palm Coast and Fleming Island, FL

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Diabetes and Surgery – Podiatry in Fleming Island and Palm Coast , Florida

Dr. Jerry Weed discusses surgery care for diabetic patients.

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According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Visit our website: http://www.healthparkdocs.com