Items filtered by date: September 2022

Bunions are a common affliction of the foot where a bony bump develops on the side of the big toe. This causes the top of the big toe to point towards the second toe, and the structure of the big toe’s bones can be manipulated. A medical professional, such as a podiatrist (a foot specialist), may recommend to you several different treatment options for your bunions short of a surgical procedure. For instance, it might be recommended to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to minimize inflammation. Also, a podiatrist might recommend avoiding physical activities that exacerbate symptoms of bunions or wearing footwear that provides more space in the toe box area. Lastly, a podiatrist may recommend applying an ice pack to your bunions several times a day to reduce inflammation. Contact a podiatrist today if you have a case of bunions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

The function of the big toe is to provide and maintain balance while daily activities are completed. The big toe is also essential for participating in running and jumping activities. Many people can get pain in their big toe and this can happen for a variety of reasons. Arthritis is a condition that can cause pain in this toe, affecting the joints. In severe cases, arthritis can be crippling and may cause difficulties in walking. People who enjoy running may be prone to gradually developing arthritis in the toe and this may be accompanied by swelling and stiffness. Gout can also cause debilitating pain in the joints of the big toe. It can occur for genetic reasons or from eating foods that have high levels of purines, causing an elevation in uric levels. This can cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe and it is often difficult to walk. Extensor tendonitis can develop from having tight calf muscles and arthritis that affects the joints. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and treat it accordingly.

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 Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can cause numbness and a pins and needles sensation in the feet. This happens as a result of arteries that have become blocked, and it can be common among diabetic patients. Additional symptoms can include foot wounds that will not heal, poor toenail growth, and the feet may feel cold. People who enjoy working out may find the pain gradually diminished after exercises are completed, and this can be because of increased blood flow to the muscles. PAD is diagnosed by performing a test that is known as an ankle-brachial index (ABI). This is an effective method for comparing the blood pressure in the arms to the blood pressure in the legs. There may be more testing that is required if the results are abnormal. Additionally, many patients are unaware they may have PAD and may easily be mistaken for arthritis. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose PAD and offer various treatment techniques. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when crystals formed by uric acid cause painful inflammation in the joints, commonly the big toe. People typically develop gout because their body does not efficiently flush out excess uric acid through the kidneys. Certain foods contribute to the onset of gout. The top contenders are certain types of meat and seafood. In addition, alcoholic beverages like beer and sugary drinks can contribute to gout. Foods that are high in cholesterol are also believed to increase the risk of developing gout. Eating foods high in purines is not the only way to build up too much uric acid, called hyperuricemia. Poor kidney function is thought to be a factor too. If you are experiencing pain in the joint of the big toe along with redness and swelling, you may have gout. It is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can examine the area, diagnose the cause, and offer treatment solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.