Changes to your toes and toenails can serve as silent indicators of your overall health. They may reveal underlying health issues, such as arthritis, heart disease, anemia, and diabetes. Painful, inflamed toe joints could be a sign of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or gout. Clubbed toes, characterized by toe enlargement and curving toenails, may suggest lung or heart problems. Toenails that appear scooped out might be linked to anemia or autoimmune disorders. Tingling, burning, or numbness in your toes are common signs of peripheral neuropathy, often associated with diabetes. Be vigilant about changes in your toenails or the appearance of any suspicious moles, as melanoma can also affect your toes. Also, nail bed changes, like half-and-half nails, where half of the nail bed appears white while the other half is a shade of red, pink, or brown, may indicate kidney disease. Washed-out toenails, with white or pale nails and a pink or brown band, can point to liver conditions. These subtle indicators can provide valuable insights into your well-being and for that reason should not be ignored. If you have noticed distinct changes to your toes or toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Foot massage is a practice that offers numerous benefits and is something that can be incorporated into a good foot care routine. Our feet work tirelessly, supporting us daily, and deserve regular pampering. Foot massages can induce profound calmness and psychological well-being. These massages promote overall foot health by stimulating muscles, enhancing circulation, reducing stiffness, and detecting issues like blisters, bunions, corns, and toenail problems. For heel pain, especially in plantar fasciitis cases, foot massages provide immediate relief, beneficial for flat-footed individuals. Improved circulation, critical for diabetics, is another advantage. Additionally, they expedite injury recovery and reduce the risk of future ones when combined with strengthening exercises. If you have foot pain or would like to learn more about therapies like foot massage and good foot care practices, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide treatment and information you are seeking.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation in one or more joints, leading to pain and stiffness. It is prevalent in the small joints of the foot and ankle, impacting mobility and daily activities. While there is no cure for arthritis, treatment options can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. The foot and ankle play vital roles in supporting, balancing, and absorbing shock during activities. These areas contain multiple joints and are susceptible to various forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis gradually erodes joint cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and bone spurs. Risk factors include age, obesity, genetics, and poor foot alignment. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can start in the foot and ankle, leading to joint inflammation, swelling, and deformity. Genetic and environmental factors can trigger this condition. Gout is a painful inflammation that often affects the big toe joint due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals. It can lead to sudden and severe joint pain. If you have foot or ankle discomfort from arthritis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine which kind of arthritis is affecting you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.

Flat feet, known as pes planus, is a common condition that affects the arches of the feet. Flat feet are characterized by a lack of arch in the foot's inner sole, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. While some individuals have flat feet from childhood, others may develop them later in life. One primary cause of flat feet is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had flat feet, there's a higher likelihood of inheriting the condition. Additionally, injuries or stress to the feet's tendons and ligaments can lead to flat feet. Wearing ill-fitting shoes that don't provide proper arch support can contribute to developing flat feet. Conditions like arthritis, obesity, and diabetes can also be factors. Aging is another common contributor, as conditions like osteoporosis can also lead to flat feet. Weakened bones may not provide the necessary support for the arches. Certain neurological conditions, like multiple sclerosis, may play a role in the development of flat feet. These disorders can affect the nerves that control foot muscles. Also, injuries or other foot-related issues can alter the foot's structure and result in flat feet. If you suspect you have flat feet and are experiencing discomfort, it's suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of 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 care needs.