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Toe numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations often described as obdormition, which refers to a feeling of pins and needles or loss of sensation. These symptoms may be caused by peripheral neuropathy, where damaged nerves disrupt normal sensation in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy is a common form or neuropathy that develops from prolonged high blood sugar and can lead to burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the toes. Symptoms may worsen at night or with prolonged standing. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, identify the underlying cause, and recommend treatment to protect sensation and prevent complications such as wounds or infections. If you notice ongoing numbness or tingling in your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective relief tips.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot stress fractures related to activity develop when repeated force overwhelms the bones in the feet. Pain often begins gradually in the forefoot, heel, or midfoot and increases during activity, with soreness that continues afterward. Sports involving running, jumping, or direction changes strain foot bones like the metatarsals, calcaneus, and navicular, though athletes are not the only people affected. Risk factors include sudden increases in training, uneven foot alignment, flat feet or high arches, and prior fractures. Footwear choices like flip-flops or shoes that lack support can increase stress. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, order imaging to confirm the diagnosis, and recommend treatment to reduce long-term complications. If you have symptoms of foot stress fractures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for help.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents during growth spurts. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress. The heel may look slightly swollen or red, and it is often tender to touch. It commonly feels sore, aching, or sharp, especially during or after sports, running, or jumping. Pain may improve with rest but returns with activity. A podiatrist can help from the start by reviewing activity levels, examining foot structure and gait, and confirming the diagnosis while ruling out other heel conditions. Treatment focuses on reducing strain on the heel and may include activity modification, heel cushions, supportive footwear, and guidance on proper warm-up and recovery. In some cases, short-term rest or immobilization may be needed to allow healing. Early care helps relieve pain, support healthy growth, and prevent ongoing discomfort. If your child is having heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast 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 Damariscotta, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swelling in the feet is a common concern for people living with diabetes because circulation, fluid balance, and nerve function can all be affected. Treatment focuses on identifying the cause of the swelling and easing pressure on the tissues. Elevation, wearing supportive footwear, and gentle movement often help improve fluid return, while managing blood sugar can reduce inflammation that contributes to fullness in the feet. Some individuals benefit from compression garments designed specifically for diabetic use, and others may need evaluation for circulation problems or early signs of infection. A podiatrist can assess the skin, nails, and blood flow, recommend safe ways to reduce swelling, and identify any underlying issues that may require more focused care. If your swelling worsens, becomes painful, or makes walking difficult, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief tips.

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 Preston Ringo, DPM from Mid Coast Foot & Ankle. 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 Damariscotta, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.