Items filtered by date: November 2021

Tuesday, 30 November 2021 00:00

How Are Flat Feet Diagnosed?

Flat feet are a type of foot structure in which the arch, usually located in the middle of the sole of the foot, is absent or is only visible when the foot is not bearing weight. Some people are born with flat feet. Others have an arch that has collapsed over time. The latter are more prone to foot pain. When diagnosing flat feet, your podiatrist will examine the feet closely while you sit or stand and hold your foot in various positions. They may also look at the insides of your shoes. People with flat feet often have more wear on the inside of the sole. For more information about flat feet, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:00

What Conditions Are Treated by a Podiatrist?

Doctors who focus on treating foot and ankle conditions are known as podiatrists, or doctors of podiatric medicine (labeled DPM for short). Conditions that podiatrists commonly diagnose and treat include skin conditions, such as blisters, warts, and corns; nail conditions, like ingrown toenails and fungal infections; and injuries, such as sprains or breaks. Many podiatrists focus on specific areas in foot medicine with specialties that include biomechanics, wound care, and sports medicine. Patients who have underlying health conditions, like obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and poor blood circulation, should also be under the care of a podiatrist. If you have foot pain, swelling, numbness, or a possible infection in your feet or ankles, visiting a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method is suggested.

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 Boca Raton Podiatry . 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 office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 16 November 2021 00:00

What Is Achilles Tendonitis?

The Achilles tendon is one of the longest tendons in the body. It attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). Because it is a critical part of the body’s walking and running movements, it can become damaged due to wear and tear. People who play tennis, softball, volleyball, soccer, or participate in track and field are more prone to developing problems with their Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that produces symptoms including inflammation, stiffness, and pain. This condition can make tears in the Achilles tendon more likely, which typically occur after a sudden traumatic event like an injury. It may be difficult to walk or stand if the Achilles tendon is torn. If you have suffered from an injury that is causing pain, inflammation or stiffness in the Achilles tendon, contact a podiatrist to receive the proper care you need.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . 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 office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 09 November 2021 00:00

What Are the Different Types of Fractures?

There are many ways to break a bone. Acute fractures occur suddenly and are caused by direct trauma. Stress fractures are small and caused by repetitive damage from overuse. Fractures can be closed or open. In a closed or simple fracture, the skin remains intact. In an open or compound fracture, the bone breaks the surface of the skin. Fractures can further be categorized based on how the bone is broken. A transverse fracture means that the bone is broken in a straight line, while an oblique fracture means that the bone is broken diagonally. A spiral fracture circles around the bone. A comminuted fracture is when the bone breaks into more than one piece. An avulsion fracture is when a ligament or tendon tears and pulls a small piece of bone away with it. If you have broken a bone in your feet or ankles, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Thursday, 04 November 2021 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Playing sports is a great way to stay active and physically fit. However, it is important to practice a few precautionary methods to keep yourself safe and injury free. Take the extra time to stretch, warm up, and cool down properly. This alone will help you avoid many injuries. Staying hydrated will keep muscles from getting cramped and tense, which can lead to strains and tears. Learning the proper form and technique necessary to perform your sport will reduce the risk of fractures and other injuries. You can help avoid Achilles tendon injuries by strengthening your calves and cross-training. Another important prevention method is to wear the right athletic shoe for the sport you are playing, and make sure the shoe matches your foot type and that it fits properly. Always replace shoes that become worn down at the heel and tread. Make an appointment with a podiatrist for more advice on footwear, stretches and other preventative tips to avoid sports injuries.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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