Items filtered by date: July 2023

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, results from a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries that restrict blood supply to the lower extremities. As the blood vessels narrow, the feet are unable to receive the normal amount of oxygenated blood that is needed to keep them healthy, and studies show that people over the age of 60 have a significantly increased chance of developing PAD. Men are also more at risk than women. The most common risk factors for developing peripheral artery disease are smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Symptoms of peripheral artery disease include loss of hair on extremities, weakness in the legs, brittle toenails, and shiny skin. Certain lifestyle changes can help to reduce the effects of PAD. If left untreated, PAD also can lead to serious or life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease or stroke. If you notice a loss of sensation in the feet or legs, a burning or prickling feeling, or a change of color in the feet or toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and options for treatment. 

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.

Many people will develop athlete’s foot at some point in their lives. It is a common foot condition that can cause the skin on the soles of the feet to itch, crack, and appear generally unattractive. It may also affect the skin between the toes and can cause discomfort. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that lives in warm and moist areas. These can include locker rooms, public swimming pools and surrounding areas. The fungus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin, and it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of environments. Many people choose to seek relief from a podiatrist when their feet are unsightly and uncomfortable. A sample is often taken from the affected skin which can confirm athlete’s foot, and medication can be prescribed. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can help you with correct treatment options.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Studies show that falling is the No. 1 cause of injury-related deaths in people ages 65 and older. Experts believe that it may be possible to help prevent falling by addressing three concerns. They are weak stabilizer muscles, poor core strength, and balance problems. Strengthening stabilizer muscles in the hips and core muscles in the abdomen improves the ability to stand up and move. Balance, reflexes and coordination diminish over time, which makes it easier to trip and reduces the ability to catch yourself if you do. Staying active is a good way to prevent falling, as a sedentary lifestyle further weakens the muscles. Performing a series of exercises to rebuild the strength in weakened muscles can help. In addition, exercises to improve balance can help with stability. Falls also may be caused by other physical ailments, such as arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and vision problems. Any of these conditions can further increase the risk of falling. For guidance and information on suitable methods to help prevent falls, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

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 Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who enjoy running are all too familiar with the fear of incurring a running injury. The majority of running injuries can be prevented when simple strategies are implemented. These are the same techniques for all runners, ranging from weekend warriors to people who run several marathons. Research has shown that stretching is an important factor which may help to prevent running injuries. The hip flexor and quad stretch is done by kneeling on one knee on a mat while pulling the tailbone inward, and pushing the hips forward. This stretch will be felt in front of the hip. For people who prefer a deeper stretch, the ankle can be grabbed, and brought close to the glutes. A calf stretch is effective in exercising the heel and sole of the foot. This is performed by standing on a step while lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. There are additional stretching techniques that can be done which can protect the feet while running. If you would like more information about how to perform these, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

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 Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.