Items filtered by date: March 2022

The plantar fascia is a strong, weight bearing band of connective tissue that starts at the heel bone on the bottom of the foot. From there it moves up the foot to help form and support the arch, and then fans out to connect with each of the toes. Because the plantar fascia bears a person’s weight during walking, running and jumping, it can become damaged or even develop microtears from excessive pressure or overuse. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis, which causes inflammation and heel pain. This pain is particularly acute in the morning after the plantar fascia has been in a flexed position and contracts overnight as you sleep. As you begin to move and stretch the plantar fascia, the pain will lessen temporarily, only to return later in the day. A podiatrist should be consulted if you believe you have plantar fasciitis. Since this is the most common form of heel pain, there are a variety of non-invasive and effective treatments your podiatrist can use to provide the relief you are seeking.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

A broken toe can be surprisingly painful. We have probably all stubbed a toe while rushing around barefoot in the dark or trying to get somewhere too fast. When that happens, it hurts. Sometimes, after elevating the foot and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, the pain subsides and all is well. Other times, the toe is swollen or bruised, the pain persists, and it becomes hard to bear weight on the affected foot. Your toe bone may have come out of alignment and point at an odd angle, there may be a deep cut, and if a break heals improperly, other problems can develop. If the toe does not feel better in a day or two, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment so you can get back to normal functioning as quickly as possible.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Turf toe is an injury that is common in athletes who play sports, such as baseball, football, or soccer, on artificial turf. Turf toe happens when an extreme force causes the big toe to be hyperextended (or bent) too far towards the top of the foot. This usually results in the base of the big toe tending to become bruised. Turf toe is very painful, and overtime, the toe that is affected will stiffen and be more prone to developing arthritis. Because the big toe joint has limited mobility, developing turf toe again is a possibility, and not allowing the injury enough time to heal can cause the injury to become chronic. Because turf toe can be such a debilitating injury, athletes or patients who believe that they have developed it should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.  

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

A walking boot is an orthotic device used to protect the foot or ankle after an injury. The boot helps keep the foot stable and in the right position so that it can heal properly. Walking boots can also help keep weight and pressure off of an injured area. Injuries that may require wearing a walking boot include broken bones, tendon injuries, severe sprains, and shin splints. Most walking boots have two to five adjustable straps that hold the boot in place over the injured leg. How long you will need to wear the walking boot will depend on your specific injury and its severity. For more information, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.