Items filtered by date: May 2024

Podiatrists are medical professionals specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle disorders. Their expertise covers a wide range of conditions, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, sports injuries, and diabetic foot care. Podiatrists play an important role in maintaining mobility and overall health, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses or those engaged in physical activities. To become a podiatrist, one must complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, degree, which involves four years of specialized medical education following a bachelor's degree. This training includes courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, as well as clinical rotations. After obtaining their degree, podiatrists must complete a residency program, usually lasting three years, to gain hands-on experience in various settings. Podiatrists can help people by providing tailored treatments, such as orthotics, medications, and surgical interventions, to alleviate pain and improve function. Regular visits to a podiatrist can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. If you are in need of foot or ankle care, it is suggested that you seek guidance and treatment from this type of doctor.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy, often silently lurking until later stages of life, can significantly impact foot health. It is a condition characterized by nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet. Causes range from diabetes and infections to injuries and hereditary factors. Neuropathy can manifest in various foot problems, including loss of sensation, burning or shooting pain, and muscle weakness, making simple tasks challenging. Diagnosing neuropathy typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and nerve conduction tests to assess nerve function. Prevention strategies include managing underlying conditions like diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding prolonged pressure or trauma to the feet. While there is no outright cure for neuropathy, treatments focus on symptom management and slowing its progression. This may involve medications and lifestyle modifications. If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough exam and tailored treatment plans.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion, medically termed hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. This condition develops when the big toe pushes against the adjacent toe, causing the joint to protrude outward. Bunions can result from various factors, including genetics, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, and foot injuries. Individuals with certain foot types, such as flat feet or low arches, are more prone to developing bunions. Additionally, occupations or activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet can increase the risk. Bunions are a relatively common foot ailment, affecting millions of people worldwide, with women being more susceptible than men as a result of wearing high heels or narrow shoes that can worsen the condition. While bunions may initially cause mild discomfort, they can progressively worsen, leading to pain, inflammation, and difficulty walking. A bunion can be uncomfortable, and a podiatrist can offer you effective relief strategies. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can offer appropriate treatment methods.

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

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Lisfranc fractures or injuries, although rare, can be incredibly painful and often require prompt diagnosis and treatment. These injuries affect the joints in the middle of the foot, and while Lisfranc fractures can sometimes be mistaken for a sprain, they necessitate specialized care from a podiatrist. Causes include sports-related trauma, and everyday accidents like falling down stairs or having an object land on the foot. Among the symptoms are tenderness, swelling, bruising, and severe pain while standing or walking. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and X-rays, with further imaging like CT scans or MRIs sometimes necessary for surgical planning. In some cases, conservative treatment methods like immobilization with a cast or boot may suffice. In more severe cases, surgery may be prescribed, particularly if there are fractures, dislocations, or extensive soft tissue damage. If you are experiencing symptoms of a Lisfranc injury or have recently sustained an injury to your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.