Splay foot is a condition where the metatarsal bones spread out, causing the front of the foot to widen and flatten. This often results from weakened foot muscles, wearing unsupportive footwear, excess weight, or prolonged standing. Symptoms may include foot pain, pressure under the ball of the foot, calluses, and difficulty fitting into shoes. Over time, it can affect balance and lead to other foot issues. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and guide you through strengthening exercises. If you notice widening of your forefoot or discomfort while walking, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips. 

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.

Blisters on the feet usually form when friction or pressure damages the outer layer of skin, causing fluid to build up as a natural protective response. This often happens from shoes that rub, or repetitive movements, such as walking or running long distances. Moisture, heat, and socks that do not allow airflow can make skin more prone to blistering. Other causes include burns, frostbite, allergic reactions, and certain medical conditions like eczema or diabetic neuropathy. Blood blisters may appear when the skin is pinched or crushed, leading to bleeding beneath the surface. Blisters can be painful, especially on weight-bearing areas of the foot, and may limit mobility. It is important not to pop a blister, as breaking the skin can increase the risk of infection. If a blister becomes discolored, swollen, or does not heal, medical attention may be needed. If you frequently develop blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the cause and receive safe and sterile treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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 is one of the most common foot complaints and can stem from a variety of causes. One frequent source is strain on the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, which can lead to soreness near the heel, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. Other possible causes include inflammation of the heel’s growth plate, irritation of surrounding tendons, or pressure from improper footwear. Sometimes the pain may come on gradually, while in other cases it may feel sharp and sudden. Activity level, foot shape, and age can all influence the risk of developing heel pain. Addressing the problem early often helps prevent it from becoming a long-term issue. If your heel continues to hurt or affects how you walk, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine the cause and find the most effective solution.

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.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper trimming like rounding the corners, tight shoes, trauma, or genetic predisposition. While most people know ingrown nails cause pain at the toe’s edge, a lesser-known issue is chronic recurrence, which can lead to thickened skin and nail deformities over time. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes drainage or pus. The area may feel warm and throb with each step, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Over time, untreated cases can lead to serious infections or skin overgrowth. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a simple exam. Treatment ranges from conservative care to partial or full nail removal for persistent cases. Proper nail care education and footwear advice can also help prevent recurrence. If you are dealing with this painful condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

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.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. This type of doctor can manage fractures and sprains resulting from injuries, helping restore stability and function. Hammertoes and bunions are common deformities that can cause pain and limit mobility, which a podiatrist can address with both conservative and surgical options. People with diabetes often face serious foot issues like ulcers and infections, requiring expert care to prevent complications. Arthritis in the feet can lead to stiffness and discomfort, and a podiatrist can provide relief through personalized treatment plans. If you have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive specialized care tailored to your needs and improve your overall foot health.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.