Flat feet, often referred to as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent, allowing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This condition can be present at birth or develop gradually. It affects both children and adults and may influence posture and movement. In infants and toddlers, flat feet are considered a normal stage of development because the arch has not yet formed. As growth continues, the arch usually develops, although some individuals retain a low arch due to structural or genetic factors.

Several causes contribute to flat feet. Loose or weakened tendons and ligaments may not provide enough support to maintain the arch. Genetic influence is also significant, as inherited foot structure can determine arch height. Additional factors such as injury, repetitive stress, and prolonged standing may weaken supportive tissues over time. These changes can place increased pressure on the feet and alter overall alignment, especially during weight-bearing activities.

Symptoms commonly include achy feet, fatigue, and discomfort that worsens after extended periods of walking or standing. Some individuals notice a change in gait, where the feet roll inward during movement. This altered pattern can lead to uneven weight distribution and increased strain on the ankles, knees, and lower back. Eventually, untreated symptoms can contribute to further discomfort and reduced mobility.

Risk factors include obesity, aging, previous foot injuries, and occupations that require long hours on the feet. Without proper support, symptoms may progress and interfere with daily activities. Management often includes wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and strengthening exercises that promote stability. Podiatric care can help improve alignment and reduce strain on the feet. If you have flat feet that are painful, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from North Florida Foot & Ankle Center. 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 office located in Ponte Vedra, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Parents are sometimes surprised to notice that a baby's toenail appears to be growing into the surrounding skin. In many cases, the nail is simply soft and naturally curved, making it look ingrown without causing a problem. A true ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail presses into the skin and causes irritation. This condition occurs most often on the big toe. Babies, toddlers, and young children can all develop an ingrown toenail. Causes include nails that curve inward, trimming the corners too short, and pressure from shoes that are too tight. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain when the toe is touched. If the area becomes infected, drainage or pus can appear, and the skin can become increasingly swollen and sore.

A podiatrist can determine whether a child's toenail is truly ingrown or simply has a normal curve. This examination is important because treatment depends on the condition of the nail and the surrounding skin. A podiatrist can gently remove the portion of the nail causing irritation while protecting the healthy tissue. When infections are present, prompt treatment helps reduce discomfort and lowers the risk of the infection spreading. Children with recurring ingrown toenails can also be evaluated to determine whether the shape of the nail or another foot problem is contributing to repeated episodes.

Parents can help reduce the chance of ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across instead of rounding the corners. Shoes should fit properly and leave enough room for growing toes. Regularly checking a child's feet also helps identify early signs of redness or swelling before the condition becomes more painful. Babies and young children cannot always explain where they hurt, so changes in walking, fussiness, or avoiding pressure on one foot deserve attention. If your child has symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of North Florida Foot & Ankle Center. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

A hammertoe develops when a smaller toe bends at one or two of its joints instead of remaining straight. The bent toe can rub against shoes, creating painful corns, calluses, or irritated skin. As the deformity becomes more severe, the toe becomes harder to straighten and daily activities become less comfortable. When other treatments no longer provide enough relief, hammertoe surgery can correct the toe's position and reduce pain. Surgery also removes the bony bump that forms from the bent joint. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. A podiatrist determines which type of surgery is best. This is based on the shape of the toe, the condition of the joint, and overall foot health.

Hammertoe surgery usually takes about 30 minutes and is commonly performed with a local anesthetic, which numbs the foot while the patient remains awake. One procedure removes part of the joint while allowing some movement to remain. Another procedure removes the entire joint and straightens the toe. The goal is to create a straighter toe, improve comfort, and make wearing less painful. Like any operation, hammertoe surgery includes possible risks. These include infection, delayed healing, or the toe becoming stiff. A podiatrist explains these risks before surgery and answers questions so patients understand what to expect.

Regular follow-up visits with a podiatrist help ensure proper healing and monitor progress. A special surgical shoe protects the foot after the procedure, and the podiatrist checks the incision, removes any temporary wire, and determines when normal activities can safely resume. Most patients notice improved toe alignment and greater comfort once healing is complete. Correcting the deformity also reduces pressure that previously caused painful corns and calluses. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this type of foot surgery with you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from North Florida Foot & Ankle Center. our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Morton's neuroma affects a nerve in the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It develops when tissue around the nerve becomes thickened and irritated, creating pressure on the nerve itself. This can lead to pain that interferes with daily activities and exercise. Many people describe the sensation as feeling like they are standing on a small pebble or a fold in their sock while walking. Morton's neuroma is frequently linked to foot structure problems, including bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet. It is also associated with wearing tight shoes or high-heeled shoes that place extra pressure on the front of the foot. Symptoms often develop gradually and become more noticeable when spending long periods on the feet.

The most common symptoms include burning pain, tingling, and numbness in the ball of the foot and toes. Some people experience sharp, shooting pain that radiates into nearby toes. Others notice discomfort only while walking or standing. The affected area can feel swollen even when there is no visible swelling. Although symptoms are most often felt between the third and fourth toes, other spaces between the toes can also be affected. As irritation increases, normal activities like walking, exercising, and wearing certain shoes can become difficult. Because several foot conditions can produce similar symptoms, a podiatric evaluation is important to determine the exact cause of the pain.

A podiatrist can diagnose Morton's neuroma through a physical examination and imaging studies when necessary. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure on the irritated nerve and relieving pain. Options from a podiatrist include custom orthotics, padding, and corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation. When symptoms remain severe, surgery can be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve or remove the affected portion of the nerve. Early diagnosis helps prevent Morton’s neuroma from progressing and allows patients to return to comfortable movement more quickly. If you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of North Florida Foot & Ankle Center. our doctors 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 Ponte Vedra, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.