Items filtered by date: August 2023

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, abbreviated as TTS, is a nerve disorder that can cause discomfort and pain in the foot. Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, TTS involves compression of the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel, which is a narrow passage on the inside of the ankle. This compression can result from various factors, including injury, overuse, or having flat feet. Additionally, patients who have diabetes may be susceptible to developing tarsal tunnel syndrome. Individuals who have  TTS often report sensations of tingling, burning, or numbness along the inner ankle, which can radiate into the sole of the foot or the toes. Pain may worsen during periods of prolonged standing or activity. Addressing tarsal tunnel syndrome involves getting adequate rest, wearing supportive footwear, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you suspect you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, with a preponderance of cases in those aged 45 to 65 years old. This condition involves chronic pain on the bottom of the heel where the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to toes, attaches to the heel. The pain is more severe with the first few steps after sleep or sitting for a prolonged time. It gets worse when standing or walking for long periods and relief is most often found by resting. Risk factors include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, arch issues, wearing ill-fitted shoes, and standing on the feet for long periods. Understanding the enduring effects of routine footwear on this condition can be helpful, as slight shoe changes might alleviate discomfort and disability. Footwear that works better to prevent plantar fasciitis involves some heel height but not much, hard, well-cushioned soles, and insoles with built-in arch support. If you would like to understand more about how appropriate footwear can calm down plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss this issue further.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Recognizing and treating a broken toe is critical in preventing potential mobility and chronic pain issues. Severe pain following stubbing a toe or a heavy object falling on it may indicate a break or sprain. Symptoms of a broken toe can include throbbing pain at the point where the bone has fractured, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. There may also be a popping sound when a toe has fractured. A bad break can cause a dislocation of the toe, causing it to look deformed. For milder breaks, the buddy-taping method can stabilize the toe, while serious fractures may require surgery or a walking cast. Recovery may take several weeks to months, with gradual improvement in pain indicating healing. Wearing comfortable footwear and easing back into activities will help with recovery. If you think you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

The arches of the feet work to transfer the weight from the heels to the toes when you walk. When the tendons and ligaments of the foot, which make up the arch, are inflamed they can cause pain and discomfort. The main type of arch pain comes from plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the toes to the heels, and it can become inflamed and painful. Another cause of arch pain is a bone fracture or sprained ligament. Arthritis and flat feet also may result in arch pain. The type and cause of the arch pain will dictate how to handle it. Grade 1 arch pain happens during activity. Grade 2 occurs before and after the activity but doesn’t impede the activity itself. Grade 3 arch pain occurs before, during, and after activity, and it also affects performance. Finally, with Grade 4 arch pain, activity is difficult, and pain is constant. For more information on how to deal with foot arch pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Wearing flip-flops can have significant effects on feet, leading to various issues. The lack of arch support and minimal cushioning can cause strain on the arches, leading to conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet. The lack of foot stability and constant gripping of toes to keep the flip-flops in place can result in toe cramps and hammertoes. Additionally, flip-flops offer little protection, making feet vulnerable to injuries like cuts, scrapes, and stubbed toes. To mitigate these effects, opt for supportive and cushioned footwear when engaging in prolonged walking or physical activities. If you experience foot pain or discomfort from wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can address any foot and ankle issues you may have and provide suitable footwear recommendations that promote foot health and overall comfort.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.