Items filtered by date: May 2024

Hypophosphatasia, or HPP, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired bone mineralization, leading to skeletal abnormalities and increased susceptibility to fractures. While HPP primarily affects bones throughout the body, including the legs and spine, it can also manifest in the feet, causing a range of complications, including stress fractures. In individuals with HPP, the deficiency of alkaline phosphatase enzyme disrupts the normal bone mineralization process, resulting in weakened bones that are prone to fracture under stress or pressure. Foot stress fractures, particularly in the metatarsal bones or heel, can occur due to repetitive impact or weight-bearing activities, exacerbating the existing skeletal fragility associated with HPP. Recognizing the potential connection between HPP and foot stress fractures is critical for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies. Early intervention, including wearing supportive footwear, orthotic devices, and lifestyle modifications, can help mitigate the risk of fractures and improve the quality of life for individuals living with this rare genetic disease. If you believe you have a foot stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can successfully treat these breaks, and determine if HPP is a contributing factor.

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 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.

Morton's neuroma, a painful foot condition, stems from the compression of the plantar digital nerve, typically between the third and fourth toes. This nerve compression leads to the thickening of the nerve tissue, resulting in sharp, burning pain, tingling sensations, and numbness in the affected toes. Despite its name, Morton's neuroma is not a true neuroma, or tumor, but rather a nerve entrapment or irritation. The precise cause of Morton's neuroma remains unclear, though factors such as repetitive stress, wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, foot deformities, and certain activities that involve pressure on the forefoot are thought to contribute to its development. Diagnosis often involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist, including a physical assessment of the foot. This may include imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the condition. If you are experiencing pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different 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.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, can manifest in various parts of the body, including the feet, where early detection is vital for effective management and prevention of complications. One common sign of RA in the feet is joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, which can make walking and movement uncomfortable. Swelling and tenderness in the affected joints, often accompanied by warmth and redness, are also indicative of RA. Deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and claw toes may develop as the condition progresses, altering the foot's structure and causing further discomfort. Additionally, RA can lead to nodules or lumps under the skin, typically around pressure points like the heels or toes. Changes in gait or difficulty in walking due to foot pain and stiffness are further indications of RA involvement. If you are experiencing symptoms of RA that are affecting your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you relief and treatment strategies.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Measuring your foot correctly ensures a comfortable and supportive fit for your shoes, vital for overall foot health. For accurate measurement, first, measure at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest due to swelling from daily activities. Wear the type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes for precise sizing. Using the tape paper to floor method, stand on a piece of paper, trace the outline of your foot, and then measure the longest distance from heel to toe. If your feet differ in size, always fit the larger foot and consider custom-made inserts for the smaller one. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even long-term foot issues. Signs of a wrong shoe size include pain, rubbing, and difficulty in walking comfortably. If you would like help in determining your correct shoe size, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.