Items filtered by date: April 2024

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot or lower leg, typically resulting from overuse or repetitive force. Athletes or those engaging in high-impact sports like running, basketball, or dance are more likely to get stress fractures. These injuries can also occur in people who suddenly increase their physical activity without proper conditioning, or those with poor nutrition or weakened bones. One of the main symptoms of a stress fracture is a sharp pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The affected area is often sensitive to the touch and may show signs of swelling. The pain is typically localized, making it feel worse during movements that put stress on the specific bone. Preventing stress fractures involves gradually increasing activity levels, wearing appropriate footwear, and incorporating strength training to enhance bone density. If a stress fracture is suspected, a podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis with imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans. The doctor may recommend rest, possibly immobilization, and a gradual return to activity to ensure proper healing and prevent further injury. If you suspect a stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Strengthening your feet is important for overall well-being, reducing the risk of injury, and maintaining foot health over time. A few simple exercises can go a long way to achieving this. Toe scrunches involve placing a small towel on the floor and gripping it with your toes, then releasing it. This exercise strengthens the muscles in your feet. Another helpful exercise is toe raises, where you lift your toes while keeping your heels on the ground, and then lower them back down. This helps improve flexibility and stability. Additionally, calf raises are beneficial for foot and ankle strength. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, then rise onto the balls of your feet and lower back down. These exercises can be done regularly at home. Along with proper foot care and checkups from a podiatrist, these regular foot exercises can contribute to improved foot health and reduced risk of injury. If you want to learn about more foot exercises to incorporate, or you have questions about your foot health, make an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Gout, a form of arthritis, presents unique challenges for elderly individuals, necessitating a deeper understanding of its intricacies. Characterized by sudden and severe joint pain, typically in the big toe, gout occurs due to the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints. While gout can affect anyone, its prevalence increases with age, making it a prevalent concern among the elderly population. Various factors contribute to gout development in older adults, including age-related changes in metabolism, chronic health conditions like hypertension and kidney disease, and certain medications commonly prescribed to manage age-related ailments. Dietary habits, particularly rich diets high in purine-containing foods like red meat and seafood, also play a significant role in gout onset and exacerbation. Proper management of gout in the elderly involves a varied approach, encompassing lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and close monitoring to alleviate symptoms. If you are an elderly person who has had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Recovery from foot surgery can be a challenging process, but there are steps you can take to expedite healing and regain mobility sooner. This can begin by adhering strictly to the post-operative instructions provided by your podiatric team, including rest, elevation, and medication schedules. Proper nutrition is essential for supporting the body's healing processes, so focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infections, and change dressings as instructed. Consider using assistive devices such as crutches or walkers to avoid putting weight on the foot during the initial stages of recovery. Stay connected with your podiatrist, attending follow-up appointments and addressing any concerns promptly. Finally, be patient and give your body the time to heal properly, avoiding activities that could delay recovery. If you have questions about recovery from your specific type of foot surgery, it is suggested that you consult with your podiatrist who can guide you on the best healing approach.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida. Our doctors 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 offices located in North Miami, and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions, a common foot condition, present noticeable symptoms that can affect daily life. One prominent indication is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing it to lean inward toward the other toes. This misalignment often leads to pain, swelling, redness, and restricted movement in the affected area. As bunions progress, they can cause discomfort, making it challenging to find comfortable footwear and engage in regular activities. However, several strategies can help manage bunions and alleviate symptoms. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box can reduce pressure on the bunion and provide ample space for the toes. Engaging in gentle stretching exercises can help to relieve pain and inflammation. In severe cases, where conservative measures fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered to correct the underlying structural deformity. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor its progression, and offer effective management techniques.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida. Our doctors 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 North Miami, and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.