Items filtered by date: June 2025

Flip flops may be a summer favorite, but they can negatively affect foot health. Most styles offer no arch support, cushioning, or heel stability. The lack of straps forces toes to grip the sandal with each step, leading to muscle fatigue and strain. Over time, this can contribute to plantar fasciitis, tendonitis or joint pain. Wearing flip flops for extended periods of time can also alter your gait and increase the risk of injury. A podiatrist can assess any pain caused by improper footwear and recommend supportive alternatives or custom orthotics. If you experience foot discomfort after wearing flip flops, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to protect your foot health and prevent long-term damage.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain while cycling can stem from overuse, improper technique, or equipment issues. A common technique once believed to enhance performance, known as ankling, encouraged exaggerated ankle motion but is now understood to increase strain without significant benefit. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, poorly aligned cleats, or using pedals that lack support can also contribute to discomfort. Starting with intense rides too quickly may overload the joints and soft tissues. A podiatrist can assess foot and ankle alignment, recommend proper footwear or orthotics, and offer strategies to prevent injury. If ankle pain is interfering with your cycling goals, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and personalized plan to support comfort and performance.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

A foot bruise, also known as a contusion, occurs when small blood vessels break under the skin, leading to discoloration, swelling, and tenderness. It may also appear as a hematoma, where blood pools in a localized area, or purpura, marked by purple patches due to bleeding beneath the skin. Common causes include a sprained ankle, a bone fracture, falling, sports injuries, or dropping a heavy object on the foot. These injuries can damage soft tissue and sometimes affect deeper structures. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bruise, rule out fractures or more serious conditions, and recommend proper care. Foot bruises can often be painful. If you have a bruised foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the joint to stick out as the tip of the toe leans toward the others. Symptoms often include swelling, pain, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Bunions develop over time due to pressure on the joint, often caused by improper footwear, inherited foot structure, or arthritis. Risk factors include wearing narrow shoes, standing for long periods, and a family history of bunions. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bunion, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and offer treatment options to reduce pain, improve alignment, and prevent the condition from worsening. If you notice the beginning signs of a bunion developing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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