Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, are growths that appear on the soles of the feet. These warts thrive in warm, moist environments like public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, making them easy to contract in such places. The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions, leading to the development of warts that can be painful and unsightly. Symptoms include rough, grainy lesions on the soles of the feet, often with black pinpoints, which are tiny blood vessels. Plantar warts can cause discomfort, especially while walking or standing for extended periods. Relief options can include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, freezing the wart, or laser therapy. Maintaining good foot hygiene and wearing protective footwear in public areas may help to prevent plantar warts. If you think you have a plantar wart and mild treatments are ineffective or the wart is particularly painful, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to ensure proper care.

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 and ankle needs.

There are many causes for blisters, which are small sacs of fluid that form on the body. One of the main causes of blisters on the feet is new, tight, or ill-fitting shoes. The harder areas of the shoe can rub against your heels, soles, and toes, and if the motion is repeated for long periods, blisters often will form. These become very painful, especially if you continue the activity. Excessive moisture or perspiration, more often in warmer weather, also may cause blisters. There are a few precautions you can take to prevent blisters. Keeping the feet dry and putting powder on them to reduce sweating, and wearing moisture-wicking socks can help. Wearing softer, more flexible shoes can reduce the chances of blister formation, and reducing your activity for a few days will allow them to heal on their own. If a blister pops open, is extremely large, or won’t heal, it is suggested that you seek the professional care of a podiatrist who can safely drain the area and help reduce the chance of infection. 

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.

Clubfoot, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is a condition where a baby is born with one or both feet turned inward and downward. Some cases are mild and others more severe. Symptoms include twisted or curved feet and underdeveloped calf muscles. While the exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, it may result from improper development of bones and ligaments in the womb. Clubfoot can be hereditary, affecting approximately one in 1,000 babies, more commonly boys. Diagnosis can occur via prenatal ultrasound or shortly after birth through a physical examination and sometimes an X-ray. Early treatment is essential for normal foot growth, with the Ponseti method being extremely effective. This involves gentle manipulation and casting of the feet over several weeks, followed by bracing to maintain correct positioning. In some cases, minor surgery may be needed to lengthen the Achilles tendon. If your baby is diagnosed with clubfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Recovering from ankle surgery involves a careful balance of rest and rehabilitation to restore function and strength. An essential aspect of recovery is maintaining and improving ankle mobility. Early, gentle movements help reduce stiffness and promote circulation, aiding in the healing process. Ankle exercises play a vital role in regaining strength and flexibility. Simple exercises such as ankle circles, toe stretches, and resistance band exercises can enhance range of motion and prevent muscle atrophy. Following a podiatrist’s guidance ensures that exercises are performed correctly and safely. Consistent practice of these exercises helps in rebuilding the stability and strength of the ankle, enabling a smoother transition back to normal activities. If you have had surgery to relieve chronic ankle pain, it is suggested that a podiatrist is on your healthcare team who can guide you toward a safe and effective recovery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.