September 2019

When shoes that are worn fit properly, the feet will feel generally feel good. This being stated, research has indicated that many people wear shoes that are the wrong size, and can cause foot conditions to develop which may include bunions and hammertoes. Many people choose to purchase shoes that are slightly tight, and they often think the shoes will gradually stretch to accommodate their foot. It is important to properly measure the foot which can help to determine the correct shoe size. This can be accomplished by tracing the foot on a piece of paper, and it is helpful to wear the socks that are typically worn with the chosen shoes. At this point, the width and length of the foot can be measured. An alternative would be to use a Brannock device, which is found it many shoe stores. A podiatrist is able to provide you with additional information about how to buy shoes that fit correctly.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor 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 one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

The medical term that is known as flat feet refers to an absence of an arch in the foot. This condition is noticeable when the foot lies completely flat on the floor, and can change the structure of the foot. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will typically develop in the teenage years. Additional reasons why flat feet may occur can include genetics, an injury that has happened to the foot, or existing medical conditions such as arthritis and diabetes. If there is discomfort, moderate relief may be found when shoes that have adequate support are worn. It may be advantageous for overweight patients to lose excess pounds, and this may be helpful in relieving pressure on the feet. If you are afflicted with flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly treat flat feet.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor 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 one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Jayson Tatum, forward for the Boston Celtics and currently playing for the U.S. men's national basketball team at the World Cup, suffered a sprained ankle during the American win over Turkey on Tuesday, September 3rd. The game went into overtime and ended with the U.S. prevailing 93-92. The sprain occurred in the course of the game’s final possession and was confirmed the following day after tests. “I think I just slipped and fell the wrong way,” said Tatum of the injury. The consequential sprain kept Tatum out of the Americans’ games against Japan and Greece. Fortunately, Brad Stevens, coach of the Boston Celtics, expressed that the ankle sprain wasn’t serious. If you’re suffering from a sprained ankle, consult with your podiatrist for a proper evaluation.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that is known as poor circulation occurs when blood flow is restricted in the body. Common symptoms that are associated with this condition can include cold feet, in addition to a tingling and numbing sensation. This risk of developing poor circulation may increase as the aging process occurs. Other existing factors that can lead to this condition can include smoking, lack of exercise, and eating unhealthy foods. There are noticeable symptoms that are present if poor circulation exists. The most common sign is feeling cramps in your legs as you walk, and some patients are aware of consistent aches in their legs and feet. Mild relief can be obtained when a gentle walking program is implemented, and this can be helpful in controlling poor circulation. If you feel you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many parents often notice their infants feet are made of cartilage that is flexible and soft. Additionally, the feet may appear to be flat, and this is a result of an arch that has not yet formed. The feet will become stronger as walking begins, and will become fully developed when the child is in their teenage years. Research has indicated that there are three foot shapes that are inherited from their parents. If the big toe is the longest toe, it is considered to be a tapered foot. Rounded foot shapes occur if the middle toes are longer than the rest of the toes. If the toes are the same length, the foot shape is known to be square. It is important that toddlers walk barefoot while indoors, as this is instrumental in developing the overall strength of the foot. If you would like additional information about how to care for your child’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.