Podiatrists are healthcare professionals specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. They provide comprehensive care for foot-related issues, including injuries, deformities, infections, and chronic conditions like diabetes. Podiatrists can help people of all ages, from children to the elderly, offering services such as routine foot care, orthotic prescriptions, wound care, and surgical interventions when necessary. Unlike medical doctors, MDs, who focus on the entire body, podiatrists, DPMs, focus exclusively on the lower extremities, allowing them to develop specialized expertise in foot and ankle care. Their training includes four years of podiatric medical school followed by residency programs, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address a wide range of podiatric issues effectively. If you are experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or any abnormalities in foot structure or function, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

The big toe, or hallux, is more than just a digit on your foot. It's essential for your daily activities, like walking, standing, and maintaining balance. However, stiffness in the big toe can severely impact mobility and comfort. Big toe stiffness, medically known as hallux rigidus, can stem from various factors. Most cases are of unknown origin, while others result from injuries damaging the joint's cartilage. Structural changes, like a shifted or bent first metatarsal, or even genetic predispositions, can contribute to its development. Additionally, conditions such as osteoarthritis, gout, or bunions can increase the risk of big toe stiffness. Pain, swelling, and redness around the joint, along with stiffness and reduced range of motion, are common symptoms. If you're experiencing symptoms of big toe stiffness, it's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who can offer the appropriate treatment option.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor 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 feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot corns and calluses can have similar causes but are two different conditions often found on different parts of the feet. Both calluses and corns are areas of thickened skin caused by repeated friction or pressure. Calluses typically form on weight-bearing areas, like the soles of the feet, and are usually larger than corns. They are the skin's natural response to protect against excessive pressure. On the other hand, corns tend to be smaller and have a more concentrated core. They often develop on non-weight-bearing areas, such as the tops or sides of toes. Corns result also from friction or pressure, and ill-fitting shoes or toe deformities can contribute. While calluses and corns are generally harmless, they can become painful or problematic. If you suspect a corn or callus on your foot, it is suggested you seek diagnosis and treatment advice from a podiatrist. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

A sign of ankle impingement is the appearance of bony growths that restrict normal range of motion. There are two types of ankle impingement, anterior and posterior. Anterior impingement often follows ankle sprains, resulting in persistent pain at the front or sides of the ankle, weakness, and discomfort during dorsiflexion. With posterior impingement, more common among ballet dancers, the pain is at the back of the ankle and often occurs when pointing the toes or tiptoeing. Impingement syndrome arises when tissues become trapped between bones during extreme ankle movements. Ligament thickening and scar tissue formation can worsen the condition. In severe cases of ankle impingement, surgical intervention may be necessary. If you experience intense pain when either flexing or pointing your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether you have an ankle impingement.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Measuring your baby's feet for the right shoe size is essential for their comfort and healthy foot development. Begin by grabbing a piece of paper and a pencil to trace your baby's foot. Place the paper on a flat surface and gently press your baby's foot onto it, ensuring it lies flat without curling toes. Carefully trace the outline of their foot with the pencil. Once the outline is complete, use a ruler to measure the length from the heel to the longest toe. Repeat the process for both feet, as slight differences in size are common. With the measurements in hand, refer to the sizing chart provided by the shoe manufacturer or retailer to determine the appropriate shoe size for your baby. Remember that baby shoe sizes can vary between brands, so it is a good idea to consult the specific sizing guidelines for accurate fitting. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your baby's feet are comfortably supported as they explore the world around them. If you are seeking more detailed guidelines about how to measure your baby’s feet or if their shoes are causing them problems, it is suggested that you confer 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.