The function of the big toe is to provide and maintain balance while daily activities are completed. The big toe is also essential for participating in running and jumping activities. Many people can get pain in their big toe and this can happen for a variety of reasons. Arthritis is a condition that can cause pain in this toe, affecting the joints. In severe cases, arthritis can be crippling and may cause difficulties in walking. People who enjoy running may be prone to gradually developing arthritis in the toe and this may be accompanied by swelling and stiffness. Gout can also cause debilitating pain in the joints of the big toe. It can occur for genetic reasons or from eating foods that have high levels of purines, causing an elevation in uric levels. This can cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe and it is often difficult to walk. Extensor tendonitis can develop from having tight calf muscles and arthritis that affects the joints. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and treat it accordingly.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when crystals formed by uric acid cause painful inflammation in the joints, commonly the big toe. People typically develop gout because their body does not efficiently flush out excess uric acid through the kidneys. Certain foods contribute to the onset of gout. The top contenders are certain types of meat and seafood. In addition, alcoholic beverages like beer and sugary drinks can contribute to gout. Foods that are high in cholesterol are also believed to increase the risk of developing gout. Eating foods high in purines is not the only way to build up too much uric acid, called hyperuricemia. Poor kidney function is thought to be a factor too. If you are experiencing pain in the joint of the big toe along with redness and swelling, you may have gout. It is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can examine the area, diagnose the cause, and offer treatment solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 foot can be compared to a tire of a car. After many years of use, a foot can wear down like tires wear down. A tire becomes thin and the tread less dependable over time just as a human foot shows its age over time. The key difference between a foot and a tire is the former cannot be changed. We get one pair of feet per life. Because seniors are generally less active than those younger, they may not pay as much attention to their feet as they once did. But as one ages, they need to pay even more attention to their feet. If you are a senior you will likely experience foot pain. And foot pain is highly associated with a higher risk of recurrent falls, reduced mobility, and a loss of independence. Muscles and tendons lose elasticity with age and that contributes to pain. Additionally elderly foot pain is a result of putting on weight, losing fat on the padding of feet, compromised blood flow from health problems (such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy), persistent foot problems, such as hammertoes, bunions, corns, calluses, wearing shoes that do not fit well, or simple neglect in care. Daily foot inspections, washing, drying, and moisturizing feet frequently, and cutting toenails straight across are all part of a good foot care routine. Paying attention to diet, exercising, and wearing properly fitted shoes and socks will all help in alleviating foot problems as well. If you are a senior or responsible for caring for a senior, include a podiatrist on the health care team to teach you how to care for your feet or provide diagnosis and treatment should a problem arise.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

We can go to professional salons to have our feet pampered but that can be costly. If you want to indulge your feet more often, you can follow a foot care routine in the comfort of your home which will be much cheaper. While we depend on our feet to get us around and hold us up for a lifetime, we tend to neglect them compared to the skin on our faces. Ignoring foot care can come with the risk of infections, corns, cracked heels, sore feet, blisters, and foot odor. Regular foot care includes examining your feet regularly to see if you have cuts, bruises, or inflammation. It also includes washing and drying feet daily, applying a moisturizer, and trimming the toenails properly by cutting them straight across and using a nail file to round the edges. Well-fitting shoes and socks must be worn too. If you notice your feet are hard and dry, you can soften the skin by soaking them in hot water and using Epsom salt as an exfoliator. If you have questions about how to properly care for your feet or if you sustain an injury, consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions as well as provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Many people experience foot pain at some point in their lives. Research has indicated that approximately 75,000 miles have been walked by the age of 50, and the likelihood is high that foot pain can develop. A common foot condition is athlete’s foot, and this is contagious. It is caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments including shower room floors, public swimming pools, and locker rooms. Blisters can be quite uncomfortable and may develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. A bunion is defined as a bony lump on the side of the big toe and is considered to be a deformity. Bunions can occur as a result of genetic factors or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. If the bunion is severe, surgery may be required for permanent removal. Another popular ailment is heel pain, which is most frequently caused by plantar fasciitis. Children can also develop heel pain known as Sever’s disease. Gout is said to be more prevalent among men and typically results from having excess uric acid in the blood. This causes crystals to form in the joints of the big toe and can cause debilitating pain. If you have any foot pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

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.

Swelling in the ankles, feet, and lower legs often affects people as they enter their senior years. Termed edema, this swelling can put you at a higher risk of falling and affect your normal daily activities. Caused by retention of fluids, edema also can be a sign of other conditions. Among these are heart problems, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Swelling also may be the result of a sedentary lifestyle. Some ways to lessen the swelling are wearing compression socks, keeping the feet elevated, drinking more fluids, and limiting foods with high salt content. An increase of foods that are rich in magnesium is encouraged. There are also a number of exercises that can help, but it is not a good idea to start any exercises before knowing the cause of the edema. If you notice swelling in the lower extremities, it is important to see a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan, which may include a safe program of exercises. 

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 feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A corn on the foot can cause extreme pain despite its small size. A corn is defined as a small area of hardened skin that generally forms on top of the toes, or on the side of the pinky toe. Some people have corns that develop between the toes which are referred to as soft corns. This can occur from wearing shoes that are too tight which may cause excess pressure. Additionally, seed corns are typically found on the soles of the foot and may be seen in clusters. Many patients can find relief when thinner socks are worn and larger shoes are purchased. A protective pad may be worn over the corn which may help to reduce existing friction. If the corns are severe and are interfering with daily activities, an X-ray may be taken which can help to determine the cause. It is advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you suffer from corns, who can guide you toward correct options.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.