The overall body, in addition to the feet, may suffer when shoes do not fit correctly. There are simple methods that can help you in getting the right shoe size, and it begins with tracing your foot on a piece of paper. This may be easier with help from a family member or friend, and can be done by using a marker or a measuring tape. Many shoe stores have a Brannock device, which is generally successful in determining your correct shoe size. This can be followed by trying the shoes on and walking in them before being purchased. The majority of people have one foot that is larger than the other, and it is beneficial to choose shoes that will fit the larger foot. Additionally, the best time to purchase shoes is at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. A podiatrist can provide helpful tips on how to determine what your correct shoe size is. Please confer with this type of doctor who will be able to give you the information you are seeking.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An inflammation of the growth plate in children and young teenagers may be an indication of Sever’s disease. It can happen as a result of the muscles and tendons growing slower than the heel bone, which may cause pressure and tightness at the back of the heel. The medical name for this condition is known as calcaneal apophysitis and swelling in the heel area may be one of the symptoms. Parents may notice their child is limping or walking on tiptoes, and it is suggested that shoes that fit correctly are worn, preferably with a cushioned heel. Relief may be found when the activity that caused the injury is temporarily stopped, and this can give the child ample time to rest the foot. Some children can benefit from performing specific stretches that are designed to strengthen the heel. If you feel your child may have Sever’s disease, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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 office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Studies have indicated that the foot condition known as gout affects men more than women. While this is still true, over the last 20 years the number of cases in which women have developed gout has doubled. Menopause may be a contributing factor due to a lack of estrogen. Gout is a form of arthritis that generally affects the joints in the big toe. This happens as a result of excess uric acid in the blood which collects in the joints of the toes. Studies have shown that women experience gout in multiple joints and may begin in toes other than the big toe. Gout attacks can be controlled by eating foods that have fewer purines than other foods. It is suggested to limit the intake of red meat, shellfish, and drinks that contain a large amount of sugar. Engaging in light exercise programs and drinking plenty of water daily may help. Gout can cause debilitating pain so it is wise to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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 office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual breaks a bone in their feet, they will develop a condition that is known as a fractured foot. A fractured, or broken, foot can make it significantly difficult to put weight on the foot, and a patient may experience pain or discomfort. Often, patients with a fractured foot want to know if they are able to wear their normal shoes or when it is appropriate to do so. Unfortunately, there is no definite or universal answer to this question, as each case of fractured feet is highly specific and unique to each individual. However, as a general rule, someone who fractures their foot might have to wear some kind of medical boot or cast on the affected foot for some time after an injury. During this time, it might not be advisable to wear normal shoes. Although recovery time may vary from case to case, generally, foot fractures may take a few months to fully heal. To get treatment for a fractured foot, contact a podiatrist today.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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 office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and ankle bones have some elasticity and bend. If there is not enough of this, and one continually performs activities causing repetitive stress like running or jumping, microscopic breaks in the bones can develop. These are known as stress fractures. A crack would not be seen with these types of fractures unless looking under a microscope and then tiny fracturing would be seen. If there is a high amount of stress or a sudden load sustained, a complete fracture would occur. With stress fractures that come on slowly over time, the best treatment is rest. With a complete fracture, the bone must be reset or held together with a cast or surgery. If you think you have a fracture in your foot or ankle, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an evaluation of its severity and proper treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, PAD, is a circulatory condition that affects the lower limbs and feet, among other extremities. It is the result of a buildup of fat and plaque in the artery walls that restricts blood flow. Signs that you may have peripheral artery disease include pain, numbness, and a feeling of coldness. In addition, if you have PAD, you may notice that minor wounds on the ankle or foot take an unusually long time to heal. You may be more at risk of having PAD if you are a diabetic, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and if you are a smoker. If left untreated, PAD can cause serious health problems, including gangrene and, in extreme cases, the loss of a limb. A podiatrist can examine your feet and ankles to determine if peripheral artery disease is the cause of your symptoms. Tests may include checking the pulse in the feet, as well as taking CT or ultrasound scans. For more information about peripheral artery disease in the feet, please contact a podiatrist.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the feet is simply defined as a condition that can cause an individual to sweat excessively in the feet area. The sweating can be so severe that the feet even slip around in the shoes due to the excessive moisture. Due to the constant sweat on the feet, hyperhidrosis can make the feet more susceptible to infection. Hyperhidrosis of the feet might be linked to some kind of anxiety. If an individual has a particular kind of anxiety disorder, a common symptom that might manifest itself is sweaty feet. This can be linked to anxiety because sweating due to nervous feelings can often lead to a vicious cycle where an individual stresses about their sweating, causing more sweating. If you are someone that struggles with anxiety and sweating, consider reaching out to a podiatrist today. This foot specialist will be able to help you address any problems you have with hyperhidrosis.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

One of the most common causes of pain on the inside of the foot is posterior tibial tendonitis. It occurs when the all-important posterior tibial tendon becomes inflamed, usually from overuse. This tendon starts in the back of the leg, runs under the ankle, and attaches to the inside of the foot. The posterior tibial tendon helps to slow you down as your foot hits the ground and then pushes you forward with each step. If that motion is repeated during a workout, or if your feet flatten too much as you walk or run, the posterior tibial tendon can become overworked and painful. One way to stop this from happening is to find footwear that helps to stabilize the foot, support the arch, and keep the foot from rolling inward. Another way is to be fitted by a podiatrist for custom orthotics. It is important to note that substantial pain under the foot may indicate a torn tendon, and you may wish to seek immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing pain on the inside of the foot, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist to determine the cause and get the proper treatment for you.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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 our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.