Fungal infections of the toenails can cause thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail. While oral medications are sometimes used, many cases can be managed with topical or device-based treatments. Antifungal creams, gels, or medicated nail lacquers are applied directly to the nail and surrounding skin. These treatments work best when used consistently and in the early stages of infection. In addition to topical solutions, device-based options like laser therapy are becoming more common. Lasers target the fungus beneath the nail without damaging surrounding tissue, and are typically done in a podiatrist’s office. Another approach involves mechanical thinning or filing of the nail to help treatments penetrate deeper. Results can take several months, as toenails grow slowly. If you have a stubborn or worsening toenail infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, showers, and sweaty shoes. The condition is extremely contagious and can be spread by walking barefoot in shared spaces or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include itching, burning, and stinging sensations, along with red, scaly, or cracked skin. In some cases, blisters or peeling may occur. The discomfort can be constant and worsen with wearing tight footwear or physical activity, making everyday movement painful and irritating. Although antifungal creams can help in mild cases, recurring or stubborn infections often require professional treatment. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the infection and prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medication. They can also provide guidance on hygiene and preventive care to stop the infection from coming back. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

A newborn’s foot is soft, flexible, and still developing. At birth, the bones are not fully formed and are mostly made of cartilage, which allows the foot to adapt and grow. It is normal for baby feet to appear flat because the arches have not yet developed. Toes may be curled or turned slightly due to their position in the womb, and in most cases, these resolve naturally over time. Gentle movement, barefoot time, and avoiding tight shoes or socks help promote healthy development. While most newborn foot shapes and positions are harmless, certain conditions like clubfoot or metatarsus adductus may require early treatment. Regular check-ups can help ensure your baby’s feet are growing as expected. If you notice stiffness, unusual shape, or difficulty with movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and peace of mind.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis in the feet can lead to a range of symptoms that affect daily movement and comfort. This autoimmune condition often targets the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP,  joint, along with joints in the toes, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, such joint damage can alter foot structure, causing the arches to collapse and leading to flat feet. The shifting alignment of the toes may also contribute to the development of bunions and hammertoes. As pressure points change, thickened skin such as calluses may form on the soles or sides of the feet. These symptoms can make walking painful and reduce stability. Early recognition of these signs is essential for managing rheumatoid arthritis. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious and painful condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly affecting the legs and feet. It occurs due to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. Symptoms often include leg pain or cramping during walking, known as claudication, which improves with rest. Other signs may include numbness, weakness, slow-healing wounds, and a change in skin color or temperature. Causes of this condition include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which contribute to artery damage. Poor circulation from this disease increases the risk of infections and complications. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward relief and treatment tactics.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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