Items filtered by date: March 2025

Tuesday, 25 March 2025 00:00

What Is Involved in Breaking Your Ankle?

Breaking an ankle is a painful and serious injury that happens when one or more of the ankle bones, the tibia, fibula, or talus, fracture due to trauma like a fall or accident. The pain is immediate, often accompanied by swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. In severe cases, the ankle may look deformed. Treatment depends on the severity. A simple break may heal with a cast or walking boot, while complex fractures often require surgery with plates and screws to hold the bones in place. Recovery takes weeks to months, followed by performing specific exercises to restore mobility. Leaving a broken ankle untreated can lead to long-term problems, such as instability or arthritis. If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment to get back on your feet safely.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Read more about Broken Ankle Causes, Differences, Symptoms and Treatments

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the toenails, causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. It develops when fungi invade the nail bed, thriving in warm and moist environments. Risk factors for fungal toenails include excessive sweating, prolonged exposure to damp conditions, and wearing tight or non-breathable footwear. Individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or poor circulation are more susceptible to infection. Symptoms often begin with white or yellow spots on the nail, progressing to thickened, crumbly, or distorted nail surfaces. In some cases, the affected nails may become painful or emit an unpleasant odor. If you have the above symptoms, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat toenail fungus, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toenail Fungus
Tuesday, 11 March 2025 00:00

How Temperature and Humidity Affect Gout

Gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the joints, can be influenced by temperature and humidity. Cold temperatures may trigger gout attacks by causing uric acid to crystallize in the joints, leading to sudden pain and inflammation. High humidity can contribute to dehydration, which reduces the body’s ability to flush out uric acid, increasing the risk of flare-ups. Managing gout involves staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding triggers like alcohol and purine-rich foods. Wearing warm socks in cold weather and staying cool in hot, humid conditions can help prevent attacks. A podiatrist can help by recommending footwear and insulation strategies to protect joints from cold exposure. They may also provide guidance on proper hydration and lifestyle adjustments to minimize the impact of humidity. If gout affects your mobility or causes frequent flare-ups, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you improve your comfort and overall foot health.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. 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 offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Gout
Friday, 07 March 2025 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 04 March 2025 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue around a nerve becomes thickened, leading to irritation and discomfort. The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not always clear, but it is commonly linked to repetitive stress or pressure on the foot, such as from wearing tight shoes or engaging in high-impact activities. Symptoms often include sharp, burning pain, a feeling of something being stuck in the shoe, and numbness in the affected toes. The pain may worsen when walking or standing for long periods. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

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 Parkwood Podiatry. 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 offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma

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