Items filtered by date: April 2025

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, public showers, and sweaty shoes. This condition often begins between the toes but can spread to other parts of the foot. Common symptoms include itching, burning, and stinging sensations, along with peeling or cracking skin. Redness and scaling may also appear, sometimes accompanied by an unpleasant odor. The fungus responsible for athlete's foot is contagious and can be contracted by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces or sharing personal items. People who wear tight footwear or keep their feet damp for long periods are more at risk. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and irritating. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat athlete’s foot, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Florida. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in North Miami, and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Poor circulation in the feet can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms that may interfere with daily life. Numbness and tingling are often the first signs, creating a pins and needles sensation that can spread across the feet or toes. Swelling may also occur as blood flow becomes sluggish, causing fluid to build up in the tissues. Feet may feel unusually cold, and skin color can appear pale or bluish. Common causes of poor circulation include diabetes, peripheral artery disease, smoking, and prolonged inactivity. Wearing tight shoes or sitting for long periods may also restrict blood flow. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is important, as poor circulation can lead to serious complications. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Florida. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in North Miami, and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can stem from various conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or a stress fracture. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, often causing sharp pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning. Achilles tendonitis involves irritation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially after physical activity. A stress fracture, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse, can result in a small crack in the heel bone, causing localized pain and swelling. Symptoms of these conditions include pain, tenderness, and swelling in the heel area, making walking or standing uncomfortable. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the source of the pain through a physical exam, imaging tests, and by discussing symptoms. Treatment may include rest, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or, in severe cases, surgery. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate care.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida. Our doctors 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 offices located in North Miami, and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint are stretched or torn, usually from rolling or twisting the foot. Ankle sprains are categorized into three grades, based on their severity. A Grade 1 sprain is mild and involves overstretched ligaments with minor swelling and tenderness. Most people can still walk, although with some discomfort. A Grade 2 sprain is considered moderate and includes only partial tearing of the ligament. This injury leads to more noticeable swelling, bruising, and joint instability. Walking may be painful, often causing a limp. A Grade 3 sprain is the most severe because it involves a complete ligament tear. This type of ankle sprain causes intense pain, pronounced swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the foot. A popping sound is sometimes heard at the time of injury. A podiatrist can assess your ankle injury, confirm the sprain grade, and provide the appropriate care. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore stability. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in North Miami, and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe as the tip of the toe angles toward the second toe. Bunions are common among women, especially those who wear tight or high-heeled shoes, and older adults, whose joints may naturally weaken over time. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the affected area, with the bunion becoming more noticeable as it grows. The condition can make walking uncomfortable and cause difficulty fitting into shoes. The primary cause of bunions is abnormal foot mechanics, often made worse by wearing ill-fitting shoes or having a family history of the condition. Arthritis or other joint conditions can also contribute to bunion development. A podiatrist can help by offering custom orthotics, padding, or shoe modifications to alleviate pain. In severe cases, surgery may be prescribed to correct the deformity. If you are have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in North Miami, and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.