A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and ankles. They care for a wide range of concerns. Included are foot injuries, chronic foot pain, diabetic foot disorders, and infections, in addition to structural foot abnormalities like bunions and hammertoes. Podiatrists are trained to evaluate gait, prescribe custom orthotics, and provide treatment. Some perform surgery when needed. Many focus on specific areas, including diabetic foot care, pediatric foot conditions, and geriatric foot health to address the unique needs of each stage of life. Early evaluation can prevent complications and improve mobility. If you have any type of foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the pain source, and offer effective treatment solutions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively when walking or running, placing uneven stress on bones, ligaments, and tendons. Common causes of overpronation include flat feet, ligament laxity, obesity, pregnancy changes, ankle injury, and footwear that lacks adequate support. These mechanics can contribute to heel pain, arch strain, shin discomfort, knee symptoms, and abnormal shoe wear. A podiatrist evaluates overpronation through history, gait analysis, and examination of alignment and joint motion. Treatment focuses on restoring balanced mechanics and reducing strain on the lower extremities. Options include custom orthotics, changes in footwear, activity modification, and strengthening programs supervised by a podiatrist. Bracing or surgery may be needed when structural deformity is present and symptoms persist. If you are experiencing symptoms of overpronation, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Corns and calluses form when the skin responds to repeated pressure or friction by building extra layers for protection. This process involves excessive growth of the outer skin layer, which can become thick, hard, and uncomfortable over time. Corns tend to be smaller and more focused, while calluses usually spread across weight-bearing areas of the foot. Treatment begins by identifying and reducing the source of pressure. Wearing proper footwear, cushioning pads, and custom orthotics can help redistribute force and prevent recurrence. Professional trimming of thickened skin provides relief and lowers the risk of cracking or infection. Moisturizing care may also improve skin flexibility. Self-treatment with sharp tools or harsh chemicals is discouraged. If your corns or calluses become painful, return often, or interfere with walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Sever’s disease is a common source of heel discomfort in active children and adolescents, especially during growth spurts. It develops when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress. This often occurs in kids who participate in running or jumping sports, as tight calf muscles and rapid bone growth place extra tension on the heel. It typically affects children between the ages of eight and 14. Symptoms include heel pain during or after activity, tenderness when the heel is squeezed, limping, or avoiding sports they once enjoyed. Pain often improves with rest but returns when activity resumes. Treatment focuses on reducing strain while growth continues. Rest, activity modification, stretching, supportive shoes, heel cushions, and orthotics may be recommended. The condition resolves with time as growth plates mature. If your child has ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that they be evaluated by a podiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and guide care.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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.