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.

Stress fractures of the foot are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repeated pounding rather than a single injury. Stress fractures most often occur in the metatarsal bones of the midfoot. They may develop gradually in people who run long distances, suddenly increase training intensity, or spend extended hours on their feet. Risk factors can include a high arch, thinning bones, or footwear that lacks adequate support. A common sign of a foot stress fracture is pain that begins during activity and improves with rest, but returns more quickly with each new workout. Swelling, tenderness when pressing on the affected area, and difficulty walking can also occur. A podiatrist can evaluate foot stress fractures with imaging studies, provide guidance on reducing weight-bearing, and recommend immobilization or surgery, in severe cases. If you experience pain in your feet after exercise, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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 Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects the blood vessels that supply the feet and ankles. It reduces circulation and limits oxygen delivery to these tissues. Early signs of peripheral artery disease include cold feet, diminished hair growth on the toes, or a weak pulse in the ankles. As peripheral artery disease progresses, cramping or pain in the feet during walking that improves with rest can occur. More advanced cases of PAD can cause persistent pain in the feet at night, skin that appears pale or bluish, and wounds on the toes or heels that are slow to heal. In severe cases, ulcers or tissue loss may occur, which raises the risk of infection and possible limb loss, if left untreated. A podiatrist can detect PAD by examining the feet, checking circulation, and ordering diagnostic tests when needed. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease affecting the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.