Items filtered by date: January 2023

Foot pain, no matter the cause, can be considerably uncomfortable and annoying. Many patients who suffer from foot pain often wonder what the exact cause is. Although the answer may be complicated, one common and often overlooked cause of foot pain is wearing shoes that are too tight. When the feet are feeling painful, or sore from wearing tight shoes there are a variety of different things that can be done to relieve the pain. For instance, you may be able to cure the soreness by performing therapeutic stretches, and there are many different kinds and varieties. One such stretch can be performed in a seated position. You might cross one leg over the other and then weave your fingers in between the toes of the foot that is elevated. By spreading the toes apart, you are essentially stretching them. If you are someone that has foot pain, also consider contacting a podiatrist for an evaluation. Schedule an appointment today.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

An injury that breaks through the skin is called a wound. Small wounds on the feet may heal naturally whereas larger and deeper wounds may require assistance. After the hands are thoroughly washed, pressure can be applied to stop existing bleeding. This is generally followed by cleaning the wound with water and saline solution and removing any foreign objects from it. Many times an antibiotic cream is applied to it to help prevent an infection from developing. A dressing is then put over it and changed daily to ensure the wound is kept clean. Wounds can develop for various reasons and generally require prompt medical attention. Wounds can occur due to a human or animal bite, an injury, or getting cut by a dirty or rusty object. Additionally, if there is blood coming from the wound that cannot be stopped, it is strongly urged to contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat wounds on the feet.

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 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.

After your baby is born, taking care of their feet is of major importance. Experts agree that giving babies the freedom to move their legs and feet is how they develop muscle strength. Until the baby is ready to stand or walk, it is beneficial to let them go barefoot as often as possible. Any shoes or other foot coverings should be fitted properly and checked often as the baby's feet grow quickly. This includes onesies that may be too tight as the baby’s length increases. Keep your baby’s feet clean and dry. As your baby starts to stand or walk, be aware of any abnormalities that may be apparent, such as in-toeing or out-toeing. Once the baby starts walking outside the home, choosing the right shoes is important. It’s suggested that you measure your baby’s feet periodically to make sure their shoes are not too tight in the toes, too loose in the heel, or too narrow. For more guidance on proper foot care for your baby, please consult a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Research has shown that an ankle sprain is one of the most common types of sports injuries. It can happen as a result of suddenly jolting or twisting the ankle, possibly causing it to overstretch. Many patients experience immediate pain, swelling, or bruising, from spraining an ankle. Elevating the foot may help to alleviate some of these symptoms. It is often difficult to walk, and prompt medical attention is often sought for relief. Recurring ankle sprains may happen from getting insufficient treatment from a previous sprain, which may produce loose and scarred ligaments. When a reasonable amount of time has gone by, the foot can become stronger when ankle stretches and exercises are performed. These may be connected to the type of sporting activity that has been previously pursued, which may accelerate the healing process. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment technique that is best for you.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

The feet carry and support the weight of one’s entire body. Each foot has 28 bones as well as numerous joints, ligaments, and tendons, which all work together to provide support, mobility, and balance. The feet are very complex structures, and each foot has three arches. The medial longitudinal arch is supported by the plantar fascia, and the muscles of the foot guide this arch while walking or standing on tiptoes. The arch that is located on the outside of the foot is called the lateral longitudinal arch and is dependent on the cuboid bone. This bone is often out of alignment, and it must be stable for this arch to function properly. The third arch is called the metatarsal arch and it connects the tarsal bones to the metatarsal heads. Poor functioning of this arch may result in irritation of the nerve that is located between the third and fourth toes, possibly leading to the development of Morton’s neuroma. The foot is an interesting part of the body and if you would like to know more about your foot structure, please consult a podiatrist.

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.