Items filtered by date: December 2023

Morton's neuroma, a nerve disorder affecting the feet, brings forth a unique set of symptoms that can disrupt daily life. Characterized by the thickening of tissues around a nerve leading to the toes, this condition commonly presents as a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. Individuals with Morton's neuroma may feel as if they are standing on a pebble or a fold in their sock. This discomfort often radiates into the toes, causing tingling or numbness. The pain tends to worsen with prolonged weight-bearing activities, such as walking or standing. Wearing tight shoes exacerbates symptoms, making proper footwear selection vital for those affected. It is not uncommon for individuals with Morton's neuroma to experience a feeling of relief when they remove their shoes. If you have one or more of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Janale Beckford, DPM of Tampa Podiatrists . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Tampa, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Even with meticulous precautions, blisters can still sneak up on hikers. Experts suggest that staying vigilant and addressing potential issues promptly can prevent a minor discomfort from escalating into major problems. During your hike, take regular breaks, especially on extended treks spanning multiple days. Use these pauses to inspect your feet, allowing them to breathe and dry. If your socks become saturated, having a spare pair on hand for a quick change is a smart move. Even when it is raining, try to seize opportunities in dry areas to manage foot moisture effectively. If you sense the onset of irritation, stop and address it immediately. Even a minor discomfort can evolve into a painful issue. Pay attention to hot spots or nagging areas, taking proactive steps to remedy them. Waiting until the next planned stop may allow the problem to worsen significantly. In the unfortunate event of a blister forming, act promptly to avoid aggravating the situation. Halt your hike as soon as possible. Find a comfortable spot, sit down, and remove your boots. Address the blister with appropriate care, minimizing the risk of worsening the condition. By taking strategic breaks, promptly addressing irritations, and swiftly treating emerging blisters, hikers can maintain comfort and stride confidently along the trail. If you have developed a blister that has broken open and become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advanced treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Janale Beckford, DPM of Tampa Podiatrists . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Tampa, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers, a major complication for individuals with diabetes, vary based on depth, infection, and location. They are primarily categorized into neuropathic, ischemic, and neuroischemic ulcers. Neuropathic ulcers occur due to nerve damage, resulting in loss of sensation in the feet. Patients may not feel minor injuries, leading to ulcers, generally located under the foot's high-pressure areas. Ischemic ulcers stem from poor blood circulation, often associated with peripheral arterial disease. They can appear anywhere on the foot but are typically found in areas with poor blood supply. Neuroischemic ulcers combine the features of both neuropathic and ischemic ulcers, presenting a blend of circulation issues and nerve damage. These are the most common and challenging to treat, as they are prone to infection and slow healing. If you are diabetic and have foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist to have your feet properly examined and ensure that any brewing issues, such as foot ulcers, are treated promptly.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Janale Beckford, DPM from Tampa Podiatrists . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Tampa, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the top of the foot can be a perplexing and uncomfortable experience, often arising from various underlying factors. One common culprit is overuse or repetitive strain, especially in activities that involve extensive flexing of the foot. Wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear may compress the nerves and tendons on the top of the foot, leading to discomfort. Traumatic injuries, such as fractures or contusions, also can cause localized pain on the top of the foot. Inflammation of tendons or ligaments due to conditions like tendonitis or arthritis may also contribute to this discomfort. Additionally, stress fractures, particularly in the metatarsal bones, can manifest as persistent top-of-foot pain. Nerve compression or entrapment, such as with conditions like Morton's neuroma, can be another source of discomfort. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, highlighting the importance of consulting with a podiatrist who can identify and address the specific cause of top-of-foot pain. If you have pain in the top of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor who can offer you the correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Janale Beckford, DPM from Tampa Podiatrists . Our doctor 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 office located in Tampa, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.