Practicing healthy foot care habits is essential for preventing infections and maintaining overall wellness. Washing and drying feet each day helps remove bacteria and moisture that can lead to problems, while trimming toenails properly reduces the risk of injury. Checking feet for cuts and sores allows early detection of issues before they worsen. Without proper care, conditions like fungal nail infections, ringworm, and hookworm can develop. Fungal nail infections cause thickened and discolored nails, ringworm is a contagious skin infection that creates itchy circular rashes, and hookworm is a parasitic infection that can enter through the skin. Risk factors include poor hygiene and walking barefoot in contaminated areas. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Corns and calluses are areas of thick, hardened skin that form when the feet are exposed to repeated pressure or rubbing. Calluses are usually larger, spread out, and often less painful, while corns are smaller and more focused. A corn has a hard center, or core, that pushes into the deeper layers of skin, and can cause sharp pain when walking or standing. Corns often develop on or between the toes, while calluses are more common on the bottom of the foot where weight is placed. Changes in foot shape, toe problems, and wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes can increase the risk of both conditions. A podiatrist can examine the feet, safely remove the thickened skin using sterile tools, and reduce pressure with custom orthotics or padding to help prevent the problem from returning. If you have painful corns or calluses on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for safe and sterile treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions 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 are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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 North Miami Beach, Miami, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendonitis is a condition that affects the large tendon at the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It develops when the tendon becomes irritated from repeated strain or overuse during activities like walking, running, or jumping. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty pushing off the foot, especially after rest. There are two types, based on where the tendon is affected, either in the middle or near the heel. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, sudden increases in activity, aging, and wearing poor-fitting shoes. A podiatrist can evaluate the tendon, check foot structure, and order imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include bracing, orthotics, or surgery if the tendon is damaged. If you have symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and inflammation. Common symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes drainage if infection develops. Risk factors include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, and environments that keep the feet warm and moist. Repetitive pressure or injury can also contribute to this condition. Without treatment, discomfort may worsen and limit daily activity. A podiatrist can safely treat the ingrown nail, relieve pressure, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence. Early care helps avoid complications and supports healthy nail growth. If you have a painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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