Items filtered by date: March 2022

The metatarsals, which run from the base of the toes along the bottom of your foot, are the most commonly injured bones in the foot. The 1st, 2nd, and 5th metatarsals are frequently fractured during sports activities. Some breaks can be caused by sudden impact, like dropping something heavy on the foot or hitting a hard object. Other common causes are twisting the ankle and landing improperly from a jump. These injuries are termed acute and can be extremely painful. Further, if the bone breaks through the skin, the injury is even more serious because it may also affect the soft tissues of the foot and be more prone to infection. Other metatarsal breaks take a longer time, usually a result of repetitive action, such as running for long distances or jumping, which gradually cracks the bones. These are known as stress fractures: hairline cracks that damage only a portion of the bone. Conditions such as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause stress fractures. If you have injured your midfoot area, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a complete exam and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People often wear flip-flops in summer and warmer weather. These shoes often feel comfortable, but if worn too much and for long periods of time they can cause foot and body problems. The lack of support in flip-flops can lead to issues with foot arches and heels, including painful plantar fasciitis – an inflammation of the fascia on the bottom of the foot. Long-term pain in foot arches and heels can further lead to bone spurs or impact the way one walks, which can cause further problems with the knees, hips, and the back to develop. If pain in the feet results from wearing such shoes, a visit to a podiatrist is suggested to halt or treat serious issues from developing.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

Broken ankles are usually caused by the ankle turning, twisting, or rolling while walking, running, or participating in sports. An ankle can also break from repetitive stress (stress fracture) or high-impact trauma to the ankle, like a fall or an auto accident (traumatic ankle fracture). Some ankle fractures can occur where bones break but remain in correct alignment, while in other instances, portions of the bone become separated or misaligned. Pain and swelling will typically occur in the ankle area and parts of the foot, and might radiate up to the knee. Putting weight on the affected ankle can make all symptoms worse. Different types of fractures require different treatment based on alignment and stability of the ankle. X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI may be needed to determine the extent of the injury. Seeing a podiatrist will help determine which type of fracture has been sustained and the proper course of treatment to help preserve the ankle joint for life.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

A toe squat is a yoga pose that can be used to stretch the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. To do this pose, sit on your heels with your feet together. Tuck your toes underneath, so that your weight is on the balls of your feet rather than on your toes. Hold for several seconds. If this stretch is too challenging, you can modify it to suit your needs. If holding the pose for more than a few seconds is too difficult, take a break by standing up on your knees or leaning forward onto your hands. If you are unable to sit on your heels, place a blanket on top of your heels so you can sit on something. If you have knee pain, place a rolled-up towel behind the knees. For more information about stretching the feet, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Warts on the sole of your foot or toes, known as plantar warts or verrucas, are caused by a viral infection of the skin. The virus enters your body through a cut, scrape, or other small opening in the skin and produces one or more grainy, flesh-colored warts with small black dots in the center. Most warts are painless, though some may be uncomfortable if they are located on a weight-bearing area, like the heel or ball of the foot. Fortunately, most plantar warts go away on their own, but this can take quite some time, ranging from months to years. To speed up recovery, you may wish to seek treatment from a podiatrist. It is also a good idea to consult with a podiatrist if you have a medical condition like diabetes or immune insufficiency, which can make plantar warts a more serious concern. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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