Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition linked to psoriasis that often affects the feet and toes. It can develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints and tissues. Common causes include genetic factors and immune system dysfunction. Symptoms in the feet may include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and changes in toenails, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed. The inflammation can make walking difficult and painful. A podiatrist can help by evaluating joint function, managing inflammation, recommending supportive footwear or orthotics, and coordinating care with other specialists. If you experience persistent foot pain with a history of psoriasis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist to receive expert care, while improving your mobility.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, often caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They typically develop in areas of pressure, such as the heels or balls of the feet, where the virus enters through small cuts or cracks in the skin. Symptoms include a rough, grainy texture on the bottom of the foot, pain or tenderness when walking, and tiny black dots in the wart, which are blood vessels. The wart may grow larger or multiply over time, if left untreated. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts through a physical exam and may remove a small sample for testing, if needed. Treatment options include topical medication, cryotherapy, or minor surgical removal. In some cases, mild treatments may also help, but professional care ensures the most effective and thorough removal. If you have a painful plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Bone stress injuries happen when a bone is repeatedly loaded with weight without enough time to rest and recover. In active children and teenagers, this often occurs during sports that involve running, jumping, or high-impact movement. Unlike a sudden break, a stress injury builds slowly as the bone becomes weakened from overuse. Early signs may include a deep, aching pain that gets worse with activity and improves with rest. These injuries are most common in the feet, shins, and ankles. Because growing bones are still developing, they are more at risk for this type of damage. Ignoring the early signs can lead to more serious injury and longer recovery time. Rest, activity changes, and supportive footwear are often part of treatment. If a child has lasting pain in the foot or lower leg without a clear injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Plantar fibromas are non-cancerous, fibrous tissue growths that develop in the arch of the foot within the plantar fascia. The exact cause is unknown, but they may be linked to genetics, trauma, or repetitive stress on the foot. Unlike warts or calluses, plantar fibromas are firm, deep, and often slowly increase in size. Symptoms include a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may feel firm to the touch. While some people experience no pain, others feel discomfort or achiness, especially when walking, standing, or wearing shoes that press against the growth. A podiatrist can diagnose a plantar fibroma through physical examination and imaging like ultrasound or MRI scans. Treatment options include custom orthotics to offload pressure, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections to reduce size and discomfort, or targeted exercises. In persistent or painful cases, surgical removal may be necessary. If you have a bothersome plantar fibromas, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and treatment tips.

A plantar fibroma may 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.