Flat feet occur when the arch along the inside of the foot is lower than usual or rests flat against the ground. Some people have flat feet without pain or difficulty, while others develop symptoms that affect normal daily movement. Pain or tiredness can occur in the feet, ankles, or legs, especially after physical activity. Stiffness and swelling can also develop in the feet or ankles. Another sign is uneven shoe wear, especially near the inside of the heel. Flat feet can affect one foot or both feet and can sometimes change the way a person walks.

Several factors can contribute to flat feet. In children, low arches are often part of normal development, and many children develop arches as they grow. Flat feet can also run in families. Tight muscles or tendons can affect the arch, and excess body weight can place added stress on the feet. Some patients develop flat feet later in life as the arch flattens. When flat feet cause pain, stiffness, or difficulty walking, an evaluation can help determine how the condition is affecting foot function.

A podiatrist can examine the feet while a patient is standing and walking to evaluate arch shape and movement. The assessment can also consider pain and problems with running or sports. When treatment is appropriate, a podiatrist can recommend orthotics, which are special shoe inserts designed to support the feet and manage related pain. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes that provide proper support and fit the natural shape of the foot. Treatment depends on symptoms and how flat feet affect movement. If you have symptoms of flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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.

A broken foot, also called a foot fracture, occurs when one or more bones in the foot crack or break. It can happen after a fall, direct impact, or repeated stress. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the foot. Some people hear a snap or grinding noise when the injury happens. Walking may become difficult or impossible, especially when pressure is placed on the injured area.

Several factors can increase the risk of a broken foot. Sports activities, falls, and weakened bones can make fractures more likely. Wearing improper footwear may also increase injury risk during certain activities. Stress fractures can develop gradually from repeated impact, particularly after sudden changes in exercise. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, review how it happened, and foot movement. X-rays or other imaging tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture. A podiatrist may recommend immobilization with a cast or walking boot to protect the injured bones. Some fractures may require crutches or limited weight-bearing while healing. More serious breaks may need surgical treatment to realign and stabilize the bones. Follow-up appointments help monitor healing and ensure that the foot remains properly aligned. Avoid returning to strenuous activity until the foot has recovered.

Many broken feet heal in about four to six weeks, although recovery can take longer depending on the severity of the fracture and overall health. Following weight-bearing instructions is important for proper healing. Keep the foot protected and report increasing pain, swelling, or color changes promptly. Gradually returning to normal activity can help prevent reinjury and help restore safe, comfortable movement. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from North Florida Foot & Ankle Center. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals collecting inside a joint. It commonly targets the big toe, where an attack can cause sudden, intense pain. Gout attacks can begin at night, when cooler temperatures may encourage crystal formation in the extremities. Symptoms often develop quickly and can make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable.

Gout develops when uric acid levels become too high and crystals form within a joint. Risk factors include family history, obesity, and diets high in purine-rich foods. Certain medications and alcohol use can raise uric acid levels. The big toe is especially vulnerable because it is one of the coolest joints in the body. Temperature changes can encourage uric acid crystals to collect there, triggering painful inflammation.

A bunion can affect the big toe, but it is different from gout. A bunion is a structural deformity where the big toe moves toward the other toes while the joint becomes prominent. Gout usually causes sudden attacks rather than a slowly developing bump. A podiatrist examines the foot and reviews your symptoms and health history. Blood tests or joint fluid testing may help confirm gout. Treatment may include medications, footwear changes, and strategies that reduce pressure during an attack.

Getting the correct diagnosis matters because gout and bunions require different treatment approaches. A podiatrist can help manage a gout attack and identify factors that may contribute to repeated episodes. Seek podiatric care when big toe pain appears suddenly or keeps returning, especially at night. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this often debilitating condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Florida Foot & Ankle Center. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

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 office located in Ponte Vedra, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry and begins to split. Shallow cracks can affect only the outer layer of skin and cause little discomfort. Deeper cracks can become painful and sometimes bleed. Dry skin is an important factor because skin that lacks moisture is less flexible and more likely to split under pressure. Aging can contribute because the skin loses moisture more easily as people get older. Athlete’s foot and eczema can also cause dry or irritated skin that increases the chance of heel cracking.

Certain vitamin deficiencies have also been linked with dry, cracked skin. Vitamin E helps protect skin cells and supports healthy skin. Vitamin B-3, also called niacin, helps the body turn food into energy and supports skin health. Severe vitamin B-3 deficiency can cause dry, scaly skin. Vitamin C supports collagen production, which helps give skin structure and strength. A serious vitamin C deficiency can contribute to dry skin and slow wound healing. However, deficiencies of these vitamins are considered rare in developed countries, so cracked heels do not necessarily indicate a nutritional problem.

A podiatrist can examine cracked heels and determine whether another foot or skin problem is contributing to the condition. An evaluation is especially important when cracks are deep, painful, or bleeding. Patients with diabetes or nerve damage should also have cracked heels evaluated because foot wounds can become more serious. A podiatrist can remove thickened skin safely and recommend treatment to protect damaged areas. Care can also address fungal infections or other conditions affecting the skin. Proper treatment can reduce discomfort and help protect the heels from further damage. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from North Florida Foot & Ankle Center. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.