Items filtered by date: January 2024

When a foot bone fracture occurs, proper healing is critical for recovery. Treatment options vary based on factors, such as the fracture's severity and location. While some fractures can heal with casts, others necessitate more invasive approaches, like bone fracture repair, also known as open reduction and internal fixation, or ORIF, surgery. ORIF surgery is recommended when a broken bone cannot heal adequately with casting or splinting alone. This is often the case with compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, or fractures involving joints, which can impact mobility. Recovery typically takes six to eight weeks, with initial pain, swelling, and numbness managed through painkillers, rest, and elevation. If you have broken your foot and it is a severe break or is not responding to customary conservative treatment measures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether surgery is an appropriate option for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Foot pain is a common symptom associated with various foot conditions, and there are several options available for pain relief. When dealing with foot pain, it is advisable to explore conservative, non-pharmaceutical methods first. If your foot feels warm to the touch, indicating inflammation, using cold treatment can help reduce swelling. Conversely, if your feet are tired but not inflamed, a warm foot soak can provide relaxation. Foot massage is another effective practice that can improve circulation, reduce tension, and alleviate pain, and it can easily be done on your own or with the help of massage devices such as foot rollers. When it comes to pharmaceutical treatment, there are various options to consider. Included among them are oral analgesics, topical analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, nerve-related medication, nerve blocks, and corticosteroids. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that will be tailored to your specific case.

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.

Ingrown toenails, a common foot woe, occur when the edges or corners of the nails grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. This condition, medically known as onychocryptosis, typically affects the big toe and can be triggered by various factors. Improper nail trimming, where the nails are cut too short or not straight across, is a primary cause, as it encourages the toenail to dig into the skin during growth. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly those that squeeze the toes, can also contribute by exerting pressure on the toenails. Trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing or dropping something on it, may lead to ingrown toenails. Furthermore, genetic predisposition, poor foot hygiene, and conditions like fungal infections can heighten the risk. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer treatment methods.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 and ankle needs.

The ankle, which is the junction of the tibia, fibula, and talus bones, is susceptible to fractures that stem from the pounding associated with activities such as running and jumping. Symptoms of an ankle fracture are often similar to those of severe sprains. Individuals may report immediate, intense pain spanning from the foot to the knee, as well as localized swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty in bearing weight. Walking can become painful or impossible. Distinguishing ankle fractures from severe sprains can be complicated. For that reason, diagnostic imaging tests are needed. X-rays, encompassing anteroposterior, lateral, and mortise views play a pivotal role in the diagnostic process. It is also essential to look for secondary fractures, as the presence of one may indicate the possibility of others. In cases requiring a deeper understanding, CT and MRI scans may prove invaluable, particularly for detecting talar fractures and assessing ligament injuries. Early recognition of ankle fracture symptoms and timely medical intervention help to safeguard both immediate and long-term ankle joint health. If you have severely injured your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and precise diagnosis before treatment can begin.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Heel pain, a pervasive discomfort impacting daily activities, can be attributed to a myriad of factors. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause, arises from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Excessive strain on this ligament, often from overuse or wearing improper footwear, can lead to stabbing pain. Achilles tendonitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, contributes to discomfort, particularly in activities that stress the calf muscles. Additionally, heel spurs, bony protrusions at the bottom of the heel, may result from prolonged plantar fasciitis, causing intermittent or chronic pain. Other potential causes may include stress fractures, nerve impingement, or bursitis. Foot anatomy, gait abnormalities, and excessive weight can further exacerbate heel pain. Identifying the specific factors that contribute to heel pain is essential for tailored interventions. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment methods. 

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.