Items filtered by date: March 2024

Playing rugby poses a significant risk of foot injury and pain due to the intense physical contact and high-impact nature of the sport. In rugby, players frequently experience foot injuries, such as fractures, sprains, ligament tears, and tendonitis, primarily from tackling, running, and sudden directional changes. These injuries can lead to acute pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot. Moreover, repetitive stress on the feet can cause chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. These things can interfere with playing the sport. A podiatrist can help to manage foot injuries and pain in rugby players. They can assess the severity of the injury, provide proper diagnosis, and offer personalized treatment plans. Additionally, they can offer guidance on injury prevention strategies and techniques to optimize foot health for rugby players. If you play rugby and have sustained a foot injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Offloading practice for foot wounds refers to alleviating pressure and stress on injured or ulcerated areas of the foot. Offloading involves the strategic redistribution of weight to prevent further damage and promote healing. This method is particularly critical for individuals with diabetes or other conditions that affect circulation and reduce sensation in the feet. The essence of offloading lies in its ability to relieve pressure from vulnerable areas, allowing tissues to recover and regenerate without constant irritation or trauma. Offloading practice uses specialized footwear, orthotics, or other assistive devices to encourage healing and helps prevent wounds from getting worse. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for close collaboration between patients, caregivers, and podiatrists to optimize treatment outcomes. If you have diabetes and have a foot wound that has become ulcerated, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Incorporating stretches into your daily routine can significantly enhance the health of your feet and legs, potentially mitigating aches and the risk of injury. For example, the seated calf stretch targets the muscles at the back of your lower leg, pivotal for walking and maintaining balance. To perform this stretch, sit with your legs extended forward and a towel looped around the foot's ball. Gently pull on the towel ends, drawing your toes towards you, feeling a deliberate stretch along your calf muscles. Another beneficial stretch, the toe spread, focuses on the intrinsic muscles of your feet, which support your arches and improve toe dexterity. While seated, place your feet flat on the ground and attempt to spread your toes apart without moving your feet, holding the position to enhance muscle strength and flexibility. Bring the toes back together, and repeat this exercise several times. Lastly, the standing calf stretch is performed by placing your hands on a wall and putting one foot behind the other. Gently leaning forward while keeping the back heel on the ground stretches both the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon. If you’re experiencing pain or aches in the feet, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist to diagnose any potential problems and get more information about beneficial stretches for the feet. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Bunions are common foot deformities that can be recognized by the formation of a bony bump at the base of the big toe. The tip of the toe is then pushed in the opposite direction, toward the smaller toes. A bunion is often accompanied by pain, inflammation, restricted toe movement, and the development of calluses or corns. While anyone can develop a bunion, certain risk factors heighten susceptibility. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly high heels or narrow shoes, exerts pressure on the toes and contributes to bunion formation. Additionally, genetic predispositions play a significant role, with family history indicating a higher likelihood of developing foot structure abnormalities that may lead to bunions. Various foot conditions such as flat feet, low arches, or previous foot injuries increase the risk. Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and connective tissue disorders are often associated with bunions. If you or your child show a tendency toward developing a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and recommended treatment measures. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

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 Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.