Swollen feet and ankles are a common concern and can result from a variety of underlying causes. Trauma such as sprains or fractures may lead to inflammation and fluid buildup. Arthritis can cause joint swelling, stiffness, and discomfort that worsens with activity. Pregnancy often leads to swelling due to increased fluid retention and pressure on the veins of the lower legs. Additionally, blood vessel blockage or poor circulation may also cause persistent swelling and may signal a more serious condition. A podiatrist can evaluate the source of swelling, assess circulation and joint health, and recommend appropriate treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent complications. If you have painful swelling in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and personalized treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Sesamoiditis is a painful foot condition that affects the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones located beneath the base of the big toe. These bones help absorb pressure and assist with movement during walking and push off. When they become inflamed, pain can develop around the ball of the foot, especially under the base of the big toe. Common symptoms include aching or sharp pain while walking, standing, or bending the toe, along with swelling and tenderness in the area. Sesamoiditis is often caused by repetitive stress, high impact activities, or increased pressure on the forefoot. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend activity modification, provide protective padding or orthotics, and develop a treatment plan to reduce inflammation. If you have pain under your big toe, it is suggested you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, can influence foot health in several ways because it impacts the nervous system, which controls muscle strength, balance, and sensation. Many individuals experience numbness or tingling in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or changes in pressure. Muscle weakness may alter walking patterns, leading to fatigue, instability, or an increased risk of falls. Some people develop spasticity, a tightness or stiffness in the muscles that can cause the foot to point downward or drag during movement. Changes in coordination may affect the way the foot lands with each step, creating strain on joints, tendons, and ligaments. Poor sensation and altered gait can also contribute to skin breakdown, calluses, and pressure sores, if not monitored carefully. A podiatrist can help manage these challenges by evaluating gait, recommending proper footwear or orthotics, and addressing any emerging foot problems promptly to maintain comfort and mobility. If you have MS and it is impacting your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief and management options.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity in which a baby is born with one or both feet twisted inward and downward. The condition affects the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing the foot to appear stiff and misaligned. Causes are not always known, but genetics, neuromuscular conditions, and developmental factors during pregnancy may play a role. Symptoms include an abnormal foot position, limited range of motion, differences in foot size, and difficulty bearing weight as a child grows. Without treatment, clubfoot can lead to pain and problems with walking. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition early and coordinating appropriate care. Treatment may include gentle stretching, casting, bracing, and long-term monitoring to support proper development. If your child shows signs of clubfoot or abnormal foot positioning, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team to ensure an effective growth and mobility.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are skin growths on the bottom of the foot caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters through tiny cuts or weak spots in the skin. They may appear as small, rough, grainy lesions that interrupt the normal lines of the skin, sometimes with tiny dark spots inside. Plantar warts can feel tender or painful while standing or walking, often creating a sensation similar to stepping on a pebble. Symptoms may include localized pressure, mild swelling, or discomfort that worsens with activity. Causes are often linked to walking barefoot in warm and moist environments, such as locker rooms or around pools, as well as reduced immunity or repetitive foot stress. A podiatrist can start by evaluating the lesion, confirming the diagnosis, and ruling out other conditions like corns or calluses. Treatment options include topical therapies, debridement, or custom padding to relieve pressure. Because early professional care supports faster relief and prevents spreading, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.