Foot ulcers often occur when poor circulation, nerve damage, or constant pressure prevents the skin from healing as it should. Individuals with diabetes are especially at risk because reduced feeling in the feet can allow small injuries to worsen without notice. Wearing shoes that do not fit well, having dry or cracked skin, or ignoring minor cuts can all contribute to ulcer development. Once a wound forms, bacteria can easily enter, leading to infection and delayed healing. Treatment involves cleaning the area, removing damaged tissue, and keeping pressure off the wound to encourage repair. A podiatrist may also suggest wearing special footwear or custom orthotics to protect the foot. Regular checkups are important to monitor progress. If a foot sore is slow to heal, it is suggested that you seek professional care from a podiatrist who can offer appropriate care and prevent serious complications.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please 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.

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes that thrive in warm, humid, and dark environments such as locker rooms, public showers, and damp shoes. It often spreads through shared surfaces and items like towels or footwear. Symptoms include itching, redness, peeling skin, and a burning sensation between the toes or on the soles. Prevention involves keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas. A podiatrist can provide effective antifungal treatments, foot care guidance, and strategies to prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.

Selecting the proper running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Important factors to consider include training frequency, as shoes used daily may require more cushioning and support, and the distance covered, since long distance runners need durable midsoles for shock absorption. The terrain also plays a key role, with trail runners benefiting from shoes that offer traction and stability, while road runners may prefer lightweight designs for smoother surfaces. Proper fit and arch support are equally important to prevent strain and discomfort. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, gait, and biomechanics to recommend the best type of footwear for your needs. If you enjoy running and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on personalized running shoe recommendations.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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.

Toenails can turn black for a number of reasons, including injury as well as more serious health concerns. Repetitive pressure from shoes that do not fit correctly can cause bleeding beneath the nail, which looks black. A single blunt injury, such as dropping something heavy on the toe, may also lead to black discoloration. Infections, especially fungal infections, can cause debris buildup that darkens the nail. Pigmentation changes and certain medical conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease, may also affect nail color. In rare cases, a black toenail may be linked to melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that can appear beneath the nail bed. A podiatrist can determine the source, recommend treatment, and address underlying problems that may be affecting the toes. If you have a discolored toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please 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.