When your feet are happy, it makes it easier to spend time on them and go about your day. Many things can affect the health of your feet and having a good podiatrist who can help get you back on your feet quickly is essential. When you need a foot doctor in Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, & Niceville, FL, you can count on Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel of Emerald Coast Podiatry.

Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common complaints that Dr. Ricciardi, in Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, & Niceville, FL, treats is heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that travels along the bottom of the foot from the toes to the heel. It holds up the arch and when it is stretched, injured, or irritated it can make it painful to walk. Exercise and custom orthotics can help manage this condition.

Bunions

Bunions are bony growths at the base of the inside of the big toe that push the toe toward the second and third toe. They can be painful and make wearing shoes difficult. It is more common in women and usually develops slowly. Wearing shoes that are wider in the toe box and custom orthotics can make them livable. Surgery is a last resort.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails are usually seen on the big toe, and can occur at any age. Heredity plays a role in the shape of the nail, which results in the nail growing into the flesh on the sides of the nail. It may become red and sore, and in need of treatment if it becomes infected. Several options are available. The nail can be partially or totally removed and if the nail root is killed it will not grow back.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is an irritation of the Achilles tendon, which runs from the calf to the back of the heel. It is most often an athletic injury and requires exercise, rest, ice, and time to heal.

Diabetic foot care

Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel, in Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, & Niceville, FL, provides diabetic foot care. People who have diabetes often have a decrease in blood circulation and neuropathy in the feet. This combination can lead to wounds on the foot and preventing infection is the most important thing about diabetic foot care.

When you need a foot doctor in Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, & Niceville, FL, Dr. Ricciardi, of Emerald Coast Podiatry, is a board-certified podiatrist treating all common ailments. To schedule an appointment at one of the two offices, call 850-862-4119 in Fort Walton Beach, FL and 850-682-6522 in Crestview, FL.