Items filtered by date: May 2025

A chance of limb loss is a serious concern for people with diabetes, as poor blood flow and nerve damage in the feet can cause even minor injuries to become dangerous. When a person cannot feel a cut or sore due to loss of sensation, it may go unnoticed until it becomes infected. Reduced circulation also means these wounds may not heal properly, which increases the risk of tissue death, and, in severe cases, a surgical remedy. A podiatrist plays a key role in preventing loss of limb by performing regular foot exams, monitoring for signs of infection, and treating wounds early. This may involve cleaning the area, removing dead tissue, or surgery to improve blood flow in the legs or feet. Antibiotic treatment may also be required. Identifying problems like swelling, skin color changes, or non-healing ulcers early can help stop the spread of infection. If you are at risk of diabetic limb loss, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and ongoing treatment.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

Intoeing, sometimes called pigeon toes, is when a child’s feet point inward instead of straight ahead when they walk. Intoeing  in young children is common but usually goes away as they grow. In most cases, intoeing does not cause pain or keep a child from walking, running, or playing. This condition can be caused by a twist in the lower leg bone, a rotation in the thigh bone, or a curved shape of the foot itself. A podiatrist can examine your child’s legs and feet, watch how they walk, and decide if the bones are still developing normally. Most children do not need treatment, but if bone positioning is severe or does not improve over time, special casts or surgery may be needed to correct alignment. If your child is intoeing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance and appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Midfoot arthritis affects the joints in the arch of the foot, where several small bones meet. It can cause pain, stiffness and swelling, especially during walking or standing. This condition often develops from wear and tear over time, past injuries or inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The pain may feel worse in the morning or after activity, and shoes may start to feel uncomfortable. Treatment focuses on reducing stress on the joints. Wearing supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications may help manage symptoms. In some cases, targeted exercises or steroid injections provide relief. When pain does not improve, surgery may be considered to fuse the affected joints and restore stability. If you feel pain or stiffness in the middle of your foot that affects daily movement, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. 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 office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are non-cancerous growths that develop on the soles of the feet, caused by a viral infection from the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions and results in the formation of hard, rough patches. There are two main types of plantar warts, solitary and mosaic. Solitary warts appear as single, raised lesions that can cause pain when walking or standing, while mosaic warts are clusters of smaller warts grouped together. Symptoms include pain, discomfort, and the appearance of a thickened, calloused area on the skin. The warts may also have tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels that have clotted. Plantar warts are contagious and can be spread through direct contact or shared surfaces, such as public pool areas. They can be painful and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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