Arthritis in the feet can make each step feel heavier and more painful than the last. It often begins with stiffness in the morning or after sitting, followed by aching or swelling surrounding the joints of the toes, midfoot, or ankle. The pain may feel sharp during movement or dull and throbbing by the end of the day. As the condition progresses, joints can lose flexibility, making it harder to walk, climb stairs, or fit into regular shoes. Some people notice warmth, redness, or bony bumps forming around the affected areas. Because arthritis can worsen over time, early diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can assess joint health, recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or anti-inflammatory treatments, and suggest gentle exercises to maintain mobility. If you have joint pain in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for relief options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Ingrown toenail surgery is a medical procedure performed to treat toenails that grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and infection. Surgery may be necessary when conservative treatments such as soaking, proper trimming, or topical care fail to relieve symptoms. Common types of procedures include wedge excision, which removes a portion of the nail, Zadek's procedure, which addresses nail matrix issues, and simple toenail removal for severe cases. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend the most appropriate surgical option, and provide post-operative care to ensure proper healing and prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing recurring ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert assessment and discussion on how surgery might benefit you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM of Coastal Podiatry Center. 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 New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Kager’s fat pad is a soft, cushion-like structure located in the back of the ankle, behind the Achilles tendon. It helps reduce friction and absorb shock during movement. Fat pad syndrome occurs when this area becomes inflamed or irritated, often due to overuse, injury, or biomechanical stress. This condition can cause pain and swelling behind the heel and may affect the function of the Achilles tendon, making walking or standing uncomfortable. A podiatrist can diagnose Kager’s fat pad syndrome through imaging, recommend rest, or custom orthotics, and address any contributing tendon issues. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM of Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Choosing the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. The shape of your foot, including whether you have flat arches, high arches, or a neutral shape, should guide your selection. The type of running surface, such as pavement, trails, or tracks, also influences the best shoe choice for support and traction. Comfort is important, so always try shoes that feel stable and cushioned during movement. A podiatrist can analyze your gait, foot structure, and running habits to recommend the ideal shoe type. If you have foot pain from wearing running shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer you personalized running shoe advice. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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