Healing from a broken ankle depends on fracture type, stability, and proper medical guidance. In certain cases, controlled walking introduced at the right time can encourage bone repair by improving blood flow and maintaining joint mobility. Gentle weight bearing may also reduce muscle weakness and stiffness during recovery. However, walking too soon without approval can disrupt alignment, increase pain, and slow healing. Diagnosis begins with a physical exam and imaging studies such as X-rays or advanced scans to determine severity. A podiatrist also considers swelling, bruising, and how the injury occurred. Treatment plans vary and may include immobilization, gradual weight bearing, targeted exercises, or surgery. Each case requires patience. If ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking continues during recovery, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, develops at the base of the small toe when the 5th metatarsal bone shifts outward. This condition may be caused by inherited foot structure, repetitive pressure, or tight footwear that crowds the toes. Symptoms include aching pain, swelling, and irritation on the outside of the foot, along with signs such as redness, callus formation, and tenderness. The area may look like a small bony bump and can feel sore or burning, especially when wearing narrow shoes or walking for long periods. Over time, discomfort may interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination and imaging when needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess bone alignment. Treatment usually begins with footwear changes, padding, and custom orthotics, and may progress to medications, targeted exercises, or corrective procedures when conservative care does not provide relief. If you have a painful tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals within the joints. It often develops when the body produces excess uric acid or has difficulty eliminating it efficiently. Common causes include dietary factors, dehydration, and certain medical conditions, while risk factors may involve family history, obesity, kidney disease, and some medications. Gout frequently affects the feet, especially the big toe joint, leading to sudden pain, swelling, redness, and warmth that can make walking difficult. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, help manage acute flare ups, reduce joint stress, and provide guidance on footwear and preventive care. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Toe numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations often described as obdormition, which refers to a feeling of pins and needles or loss of sensation. These symptoms may be caused by peripheral neuropathy, where damaged nerves disrupt normal sensation in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy is a common form or neuropathy that develops from prolonged high blood sugar and can lead to burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the toes. Symptoms may worsen at night or with prolonged standing. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, identify the underlying cause, and recommend treatment to protect sensation and prevent complications such as wounds or infections. If you notice ongoing numbness or tingling in your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief tips.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Numbness
Sensation loss
Prickling and tingling sensations
Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
