Items filtered by date: March 2021

Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition in which the toenails grow into the surrounding skin, rather than over it. This often occurs on the big toes and can result in symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness around the affected toe. While ingrown toenails generally respond well to at home treatments, sometimes they can become infected or frequently recur.  They can also be a cause for concern due to underlying health conditions, like diabetes or peripheral artery disease. In these cases, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can offer the right treatments for you. Depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail, the podiatrist may gently lift the nail, prescribe antibiotics to treat infections, or partially or completely remove the nail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM of Limons Foot & Ankle Care. 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Diabetes can lead to various health complications in many parts of the body, and the lower limbs are especially susceptible to damage. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, in which the nerves that innervate the lower limbs become damaged, can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet and ankles. Peripheral artery disease, in which the blood vessels that supply the lower limbs are compromised and blood flow to the area is reduced, can lead to poor wound healing on the feet. Together, these two conditions greatly increase the risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs can appear without being detected due to a lack of sensation and may heal slowly and poorly due to poor circulation. DFUs can also become infected, and lead to serious complications, including amputation. To learn how to care for diabetic feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The ankle is a joint that connects leg bones (the tibia and fibula) with a foot bone (talus), providing up-and-down movement, stability, and shock absorption for the foot. Ankle fractures typically occur when either or both of these leg bones break. Fractures are characterized as either stable (if talus moves normally), or unstable (if talus moves abnormally). To the average person, it can be hard to tell whether they are experiencing an ankle fracture or an ankle sprain—which occurs when the ligaments on the ankle are damaged. Some telltale signs of a fracture can be: a cracking sound when the injury occurs, numbness or tingling, pain over the ankle bone, or even a misshapen ankle. While both ailments are painful, an ankle fracture is much more serious. Consult with a podiatrist who will be able to diagnose the injury properly and provide necessary treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, 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.

Diabetic foot wounds are chronic ulcers that may appear on the feet of people who have diabetes. Because these wounds heal slowly and poorly, and often become infected, diabetic foot ulcers are a major cause of lower limb amputations. Preventing these wounds from occurring in the first place continues to be an important goal for maintaining the overall health of people with diabetes. You can help prevent wounds by practicing good foot hygiene and wearing shoes and socks when you are on your feet. Performing daily foot inspections, in which you check your feet for any abnormalities—such as cuts, scrapes, sores, discoloration, and pain or strange sensations—can help detect problems early on and improve treatment outcomes. For more information about diabetic foot health, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a foot fracture. Both injuries have very similar symptoms, including pain, swelling, and bruising. A fracture will often be so painful that you may not be able to walk. Sprains can also make walking difficult, depending on the severity of the injury. At the time that you injure your foot, you may hear a noise. A popping sound can indicate a sprain, while a cracking sound can indicate a fracture. Treatments for the two conditions are different, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis. If you have injured your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors 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 Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.