Pain in the ball of the foot can make everyday activities such as walking or standing uncomfortable. This area of the foot contains the metatarsal bones, which are the long bones that connect the middle of the foot to the toes. Several different problems can cause pain in this region. Common causes include stress fractures, nerve irritation, inflammation of the joints, or a condition called metatarsalgia, which develops when too much pressure is placed on the front of the foot. Because many conditions produce similar symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the exact cause during a basic exam. Imaging tests may be helpful in these situations. MRI scans allow podiatrists to see bones and soft tissues in greater detail. This helps identify the true source of the problem. If you have ongoing pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with One of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters may seem minor at first, but they can quickly create discomfort that interferes with walking and daily activity. A blister forms when repeated friction irritates the outer layer of skin and fluid collects beneath the surface. This often occurs during long walks, exercise, or when shoes rub against the heel, toes, or ball of the foot. Warm, moist conditions inside shoes can make the skin softer and more vulnerable to friction. If a blister becomes large or breaks open, the exposed skin may become sore and more likely to develop infection. Wearing properly fitted shoes, choosing moisture wicking socks, and keeping feet clean and dry can help reduce friction and protect the skin. Protective padding may also help prevent pressure on sensitive areas. When foot blisters occur often or become painful, it is suggested that a podiatrist evaluate the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact One of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are common in children and can cause surprising discomfort. This problem occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, and sports injuries are frequent causes. Early signs include redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. If bacteria enter the area, drainage and increased pain may develop. Treatment depends on how advanced the condition is. Mild cases may improve with warm water soaks, gentle lifting of the nail edge, and wearing wider shoes. It is important to trim nails straight across rather than rounding the corners. When infection or severe pain is present, a podiatrist may carefully remove a portion of the nail to relieve pressure and allow healing. Prompt care prevents complications and helps children return to normal activities quickly. If your child has ongoing toe pain or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact One of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.