Items filtered by date: December 2022

Thursday, 29 December 2022 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

What Causes Pain With a Heel Spur?

A heel spur can produce severe pain and discomfort, despite their small size. It is defined as a bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel, generally as a result of consistent pressure the heel endures. Pain that often accompanies this condition is caused by an inflamed ligament that connects the heel to the toes, causing difficulty in completing daily tasks. This can happen from being obese, frequently running, or possibly from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Larger heel spurs may feel like a small hook on the inside of the heel that can be an inch or longer. Intense heel pain will often bring the patient to a podiatrist to have an X-ray taken, which can determine the exact size of it, although the pain is typically caused by inflammation. At the first sign of heel pain, it is strongly urged that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer treatment methods that are correct for you, which may include surgery for removal. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Heel Spurs
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, presents with an inflammatory fungal infection of the skin between the toes, soles of the feet, or on the heels. It can cause itchy, red, or raw skin, and sometimes wounds that are weepy. This is a contagious infection and can spread to the toenails, hands, and other people. Athlete's foot generally breeds under warm and moist conditions. It can easily be caught from contaminated surfaces, such as flooring in public gyms, locker rooms, and nail salons. Additionally, it can be passed between people from shared clothes or towels that have been in contact with infected feet. Athlete’s foot can be hard to cure, and it can recur. If you think you have athlete’s foot, see a podiatrist as soon as possible for the correct treatment options.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry .  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.

Read more about Athlete’s Foot
Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00

What Type of Orthotics Do I Need?

The purpose of wearing orthotics is to relieve foot pain which may happen from having an abnormal foot structure, or if a foot condition has occurred. The average adult walks approximately 5000 steps per day, and foot pain can make this uncomfortable and difficult to accomplish. The three groups of orthotics are soft, rigid, and semi-rigid. A podiatrist can determine which type is right for you based on your foot condition. Flexible materials are used to design soft orthotics which can help to reduce pressure and absorb shock as walking and running are done. A more durable orthotic is referred to as a rigid orthotic and is made of plastic or graphite materials. This type of device can provide stability to the lower body. The most common orthotics are known as semi-rigid and are designed with a combination of both soft and rigid materials. If you would like additional information about how wearing orthotics can minimize specific foot conditions, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the correct choice for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00

Slips, Trips, and Falls Among Retail Workers

Causes of slips, trips, or falls include poor weather conditions, like ice, snow, rain, loose mats or rugs, and stepladders. Poor lighting and clutter can aggravate such injuries by causing sprains, fractures, and cuts to the feet or ankles. This is especially true in retail stores.  If a retail worker sees something in the environment that might lead to injury, it should be reported to a supervisor as soon as possible. Spills leading to slippery walkways, cluttered areas, and wrinkled or bunched-up mats are some examples of things that need to be taken care of to prevent falls. If you work in a retail environment or are shopping there and sustain a foot or ankle injury from a fall, contact a podiatrist who can evaluate the damage and provide appropriate treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Read more about Falls Prevention

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