Items filtered by date: May 2022

Flat feet is a foot disorder where a person’s feet have no or minimal arches.  The feet appear flat, and when standing, the soles of the feet touch the floor. It takes time for a child’s feet to develop arches, but it is possible they will not develop.  Flat feet can also occur at an older age.  This is most often a painless condition but if there is pain, it is most often felt in the feet because ligaments and muscles can be strained and underdeveloped. Back, knee, and ankle issues can become a problem from flat feet as well because they change leg alignment. If there is no pain, there is no need for treatment but if there is pain, typical treatment consists of special exercises and devices, like orthotics, that will help the foot function better. If you suspect you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for proper diagnosis and suggestions for treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

It is healthy to strike a good balance between sitting and standing at work throughout the day without having to do either excessively. However, certain professions require that a person be on their feet continually while at work which can cause a variety of foot and leg problems to develop. Heel pain, plantar fasciitis in particular, is a common foot condition for many people who stand at work all day. Having to absorb the body’s weight all day can overload and even tear the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the feet. This can cause pain and inflammation in the heel, known as plantar fasciitis. Standing all day at work can also cause veins close to the skin’s surface to become enlarged, twisted, unsightly, and sometimes painful. This is known as varicose veins. These are just two common issues you may experience if you need to stand while working. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet or legs on the job, make an appointment with a podiatrist. They can treat your condition and offer professional advice on how to lessen the negative impact you are putting on your feet while standing all day at work.  

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Some children develop sweaty sock syndrome which is also known as juvenile plantar dermatosis. Symptoms can include redness and scaly skin on the bottom of the feet. This condition is commonly seen in boys who are 4-8 years old, but it has also affected children who range from 3 to 15 years old. Juvenile plantar dermatosis can become chronic, sometimes lasting for about 3 years, but it generally dissipates as the child reaches puberty. Going from moist to dry conditions is thought to contribute to sweaty sock syndrome, but the actual cause is not clear. It is commonly noticed on the big toe, ball of the foot, and the heel as those places bear the most weight. The skin appears red, shiny, and smooth, but sometimes develops cracks. Home remedies suggest wearing breathable shoes, avoiding plastic or rubber footwear, and moisturizing the feet at night with petroleum jelly. If your child’s condition persists or worsens, please consult with a podiatrist who can better evaluate the problem and offer further treatment options. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Family Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Diabetics are at risk for neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, which can create many foot problems including dry skin, cracks in the feet/heels, and foot ulcers. Since neuropathy involves loss of sensation in the feet, someone who is afflicted may not feel or notice problems developing on their feet. Foot ulcers can occur due to an increase in stress on the feet (stress from overuse or shoes that do not fit properly), impaired skin, limited joint mobility causing abnormal walking patterns, as well as injury to the foot. It is said that PAD can reduce blood flow to the skin, which may compromise its biomechanical properties, reduce its ability to heal wounds, damage its immune system, and possibly lead to severe infections. Foot sores that are left unnoticed can become infected, and in severe cases, this could lead to gangrene and amputation. It is important to see a podiatrist for regular foot care, especially if you notice sores on your feet or are diabetic. 

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, 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.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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.

Flip flops are considered to be the official shoe of summer. They are made from a flat rubber sole with a Y-shaped strap that that fits between the big and second toe. They are known to offer minimal, if no support, and, when frequently worn can cause foot conditions to develop. Among them are chronic heel pain and cracked heels. In addition, the walking style, or gait, may be negatively affected, and the toes may become fatigued from constantly gripping the top of the shoe to keep the foot in the shoe and in place. Some patients develop an Achilles tendon injury as a result of added pressure put on the calf muscles. It is suggested that people who enjoy wearing flip flops choose a pair with a thicker heel, which may alleviate some of the pressure on the overall foot. If you need to know more about how flip flops can affect the feet, it is advised that you confer with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. 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

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 Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL. .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.