Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar and can impact many areas of health, including the feet. Diabetic foot refers to foot problems that develop as a result of diabetes-related changes in the body. Persistently high blood sugar levels can contribute to nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy and reduced circulation. These complications make it harder for the feet to heal and increase the risk of infections, wounds, and other serious concerns. Proper diabetic foot care is essential for protecting foot health and preventing complications.

Symptoms of diabetic foot problems can vary depending on the severity of nerve and circulation changes. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. A reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes also occurs. Some individuals may develop dry skin, sores, swelling, or slow-healing wounds. Because nerve damage can reduce sensation, small cuts or blisters may go unnoticed and become more serious. Fungal foot infections, including athlete’s foot and toenail fungus, may also occur more easily due to changes in immune function and circulation.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing diabetic foot complications include poor blood sugar control, long-term diabetes, and smoking. Obesity and reduced circulation also can contribute to increased foot problems. Wearing improper footwear, failing to inspect the feet regularly, and having a history of foot ulcers raise the risk. Diabetes can affect the body’s ability to fight infection and repair damaged tissue, making early attention to foot concerns especially important.

Protecting the feet in diabetic patients requires regular foot examinations, proper hygiene, and wearing supportive footwear. Ongoing management of blood sugar levels is also essential. A podiatrist can help monitor foot health, identify early warning signs, and provide treatment for infections, wounds, and other conditions related to diabetes. If diabetes is causing foot pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 Steven Lashley, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe or metatarsal fracture can make every step painful because these bones help support your weight and maintain balance while walking. The toes and metatarsals work together to absorb impact and provide stability with each movement. A fracture can happen after dropping a heavy object on the foot, stubbing a toe, or twisting the foot during sports or other activities. Repeated stress from running or jumping can also create tiny cracks called stress fractures. These small breaks develop gradually from repeated force instead of one sudden injury. Prompt evaluation is important because walking on an untreated fracture can lead to further damage and delay proper healing.

Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the injured toe or foot. Some people notice difficulty putting weight on the foot or pain that becomes worse while walking. Others develop visible deformity, stiffness, or swelling that does not improve. Stress fractures sometimes begin with mild discomfort that steadily increases during activity. A complete examination helps determine the location and severity of the fracture. Imaging tests like X-rays can confirm the diagnosis and guide the best treatment plan.

Podiatrists evaluate the injured foot to identify the type of fracture and determine how it affects movement and stability. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the injury and focuses on protecting the broken bone while it heals. A podiatrist also monitors healing, evaluates walking patterns, and helps reduce unnecessary stress on nearby joints and tissues. Early treatment lowers the risk of long-term pain, poor bone alignment, and ongoing mobility problems. Care also helps patients return to normal daily activities as safely as possible while protecting the injured foot from additional strain. If you have symptoms of a broken toe or metatarsal fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Steven Lashley, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain is a widespread condition that can limit movement, affect balance, and reduce overall quality of life. It may result from a sudden injury or develop gradually due to joint wear and degeneration. Common causes include sprains, fractures, and cartilage damage within the joint. Individuals often report swelling, reduced range of motion, and ongoing discomfort during walking or standing. Risk factors such as aging, excess body weight, repetitive strain, and a history of ankle injuries can increase the likelihood of developing chronic symptoms. Without proper care, ankle pain may worsen over time and interfere with daily activities.

When non-surgical treatments such as rest, bracing, and orthotics do not provide relief, ankle arthroplasty may be considered. This type of foot surgery, often referred to as total ankle replacement, involves removing damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial components. The goal is to restore smoother movement while reducing pain. In contrast to ankle fusion, which restricts motion, this approach is designed to preserve flexibility and support a more natural walking pattern.

The surgery is performed in a sterile setting by a trained podiatric surgeon. Damaged bone and cartilage are carefully removed, and prosthetic components made of durable metal and medical-grade plastic are inserted to recreate the joint. Following surgery, patients participate in a structured recovery plan that includes gradual weight-bearing and guided rehabilitation. Many patients experience improved alignment, decreased pain, and better overall function after healing.

Ankle arthroplasty is not appropriate for every patient. Those with severe deformity, compromised bone quality, or active infection may require alternative treatment options. A detailed evaluation is essential to determine candidacy and ensure the best outcome. If you have chronic ankle pain and are considering this procedure, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is appropriate for your condition.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Steven Lashley, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

A black toenail, medically referred to as a subungual hematoma, develops when blood becomes trapped beneath the nail due to repeated trauma. This condition is especially common among runners who engage in frequent or long-distance training. The constant forward motion of the foot inside a shoe causes the toes to repeatedly strike the front, leading to bruising under the nail. Over time, this repetitive impact can damage the nail bed and result in noticeable discoloration.

Early symptoms often include tenderness, pressure, and mild discomfort in the affected toe. As blood accumulates, the nail may turn shades of dark red, purple, or black. Some individuals experience a throbbing sensation, particularly after running or extended physical activity. In more severe cases, the nail may loosen or eventually fall off. This discomfort can interfere with daily activities and make it difficult to maintain a regular training routine without proper care.

The primary cause of a black toenail is repetitive stress linked to running mechanics. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially those that are too tight or too short, significantly increases pressure on the toes. Activities such as downhill running or sudden stops can force the toes forward, intensifying the impact. Additionally, poor running form and long training sessions without sufficient rest can further contribute to nail damage and irritation.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including long-distance running, wearing improper footwear, and inadequate nail maintenance. Preventive strategies include keeping toenails trimmed, wearing properly fitted running shoes, and choosing moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction. Maintaining proper foot alignment and gradually increasing training intensity can also help minimize stress on the toes. Toe issues can be uncomfortable, and often cause difficulty in running. If toe pain persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment and prevention guidance.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Lashley, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.