A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. This type of doctor can manage fractures and sprains resulting from injuries, helping restore stability and function. Hammertoes and bunions are common deformities that can cause pain and limit mobility, which a podiatrist can address with both conservative and surgical options. People with diabetes often face serious foot issues like ulcers and infections, requiring expert care to prevent complications. Arthritis in the feet can lead to stiffness and discomfort, and a podiatrist can provide relief through personalized treatment plans. If you have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive specialized care tailored to your needs and improve your overall foot health.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.
What Do Podiatrists Do?
On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:
Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
Use innovative methods to treat conditions
Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
Correct walking patterns and balance
Provide individual consultations to patients
It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pinesand Plantation, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.
Bunions and gout both affect the big toe but differ in cause and presentation. A bunion is a structural deformity at the base of the big toe, leading to a bony bump, joint stiffness, and pain during walking. It is often caused by genetics, poor footwear, or foot mechanics. Gout, in contrast, is a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid, leading to sudden, intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the big toe joint. While bunions develop gradually, gout often presents as a flare-up. A podiatrist can identify either condition through examination and imaging, offering personalized treatment. If you are experiencing big toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and offer effective treatment solutions.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Trauma
Sports injury
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Arthritis
Gout
Corns and calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Sprains
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
Severe pain
Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
Signs of infection
Continued swelling
Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pinesand Plantation, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Flat foot surgery is a procedure used to correct fallen arches when conservative treatments do not provide relief. Flat feet may result from genetics, injury, or conditions such as arthritis and tendon dysfunction. The surgery typically involves repairing tendons, realigning bones, or fusing joints to restore proper foot shape and function. Recovery time varies based on the type of procedure, but often includes rest and gradual return to activity. A podiatrist can determine if surgery is necessary after a thorough evaluation and imaging studies. They also guide patients through each phase of treatment. If flat feet are affecting your mobility or causing pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist about your options for long-term relief and improved function.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pinesand Plantation, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
