Items filtered by date: January 2025

A Jones fracture refers to a break or crack in the fifth metatarsal bone, located on the outer side of the foot near the ankle. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness on the outer part of the foot, and difficulty walking. Diagnosis usually involves a visit to a podiatrist, who will perform a physical examination, review the symptoms, and take a detailed medical history. To confirm the fracture, imaging tests like X-rays are commonly used. Treatment options depend on the severity of the fracture. For minor cases, rest, mild pain relievers, and possibly a cast or splint may be recommended. Crutches could also be necessary to help avoid putting weight on the affected foot. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to properly heal the bone. Full recovery can take several months, so it is important to allow enough time for the bone to heal completely to prevent further injury. If you suspect you have a Jones fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor 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 offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Intrinsic foot muscles play a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of the feet. These muscles are located within the foot itself and are responsible for supporting the arches, controlling toe movements, and stabilizing the foot during walking and running. Weakness in these muscles can contribute to foot pain, ankle discomfort, and conditions such as flat feet. Strengthening these muscles through targeted exercises can help alleviate pain and improve foot function. One effective exercise involves picking up small objects with the toes, which helps activate and strengthen the intrinsic muscles. Another exercise is towel curls, where the toes are used to scrunch a towel placed on the floor. Strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the feet can also improve balance and prevent overuse injuries. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot strengthening exercises.

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 George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. 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 Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in joints. This condition often affects the feet, toes, and ankles, with the big toe being a common site for painful gout flare-ups. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joints, which often occur at night and disrupt sleep. Flare-ups tend to occur suddenly and may last for days or weeks, followed by periods without symptoms. Risk factors for gout include obesity, kidney disease, and diabetes. Dietary triggers like alcohol and purine-rich foods, especially red meat or certain seafoods, are other factors. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through imaging or fluid analysis and provide treatment to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent future flare-ups. If you are experiencing painful gout symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor 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 offices located in Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease is a common condition that causes heel pain in growing children, particularly those active in sports. The growth plate in the heel bone, known as the calcaneus, becomes irritated due to repetitive stress. This condition typically affects children between the ages of eight and fourteen during rapid growth. The primary symptom of Sever's disease is pain in the heel that can worsen with activity and improve with rest. Swelling or tenderness may also be present surrounding the heel area. Risk factors of Sever's disease include participating in high-impact sports like soccer and basketball and having tight calf muscles or flat feet. Rest, stretching, and supportive footwear may help alleviate symptoms. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see George Tellam, DPM from Ankle & Foot Associates. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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