Items filtered by date: December 2023

Swollen feet, a frequent and uncomfortable condition, can be triggered by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is prolonged standing or sitting, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities. Similarly, high salt intake can lead to water retention, resulting in swollen feet. Pregnancy is another well-known cause of foot swelling, due to increased blood volume and pressure on leg veins. Certain medications, like those for hypertension or hormone therapy, may contribute to edema. Injuries, such as sprained ankles or fractures, can also result in localized foot swelling. Additionally, underlying medical conditions like heart disease, kidney problems, or venous insufficiency can lead to edema in the feet. Lymphedema, a condition involving impaired lymphatic system function, is another possible cause. Recognizing the common causes of swollen feet is vital, as it can help you determine whether it is a benign issue or a sign of an underlying health problem. If you are concerned about persistent foot swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing the condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors 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 offices located in Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach, and Tamarac, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Laser treatment for fungal nails, a therapeutic modality gaining prominence, involves utilizing concentrated beams of light to target and eradicate fungal infections within the nail bed. This non-invasive procedure harnesses the power of specific wavelengths to penetrate the nail and reach the underlying fungal colonies, without causing harm to surrounding tissues. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigments in the fungal cells, generating heat that neutralizes the infection. Unlike traditional treatments, laser therapy poses minimal risk of side effects and does not necessitate medications. The exact mechanism of laser treatment for fungal nails underscores its precision, selectively targeting the fungal pathogens while preserving the integrity of the nail and surrounding structures. If you have toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is the correct treatment option for you. 

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

Foot stress fractures, tiny cracks in the bones, can emerge from a myriad of factors that subject the feet to repetitive stress and strain. One primary cause is overuse, where excessive or sudden increases in physical activity like running or prolonged standing surpass the bones' capacity for repair. Wearing inadequate footwear or worn-out shoes lacking proper support amplifies the risk, as they fail to absorb shock adequately. Biomechanical factors, like abnormal foot structure or gait patterns, contribute to uneven weight distribution, placing specific areas under heightened stress. Insufficient conditioning and muscle fatigue diminish the ability of muscles to absorb impact, transferring excess force to the bones. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, particularly in calcium and vitamin D, compromise bone strength, elevating the susceptibility to stress fractures. By wearing proper footwear, adopting a gradual training progression, and supplying nutritional support, individuals can fortify their foot health and reduce the likelihood of encountering the discomfort associated with stress fractures. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the treatment option that is right for you.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Ankle injuries, a common woe for sports enthusiasts, often leave you wondering: Is it a sprain or a break? Understanding the nuances is imperative for effective treatment. A sprain occurs when ligaments, which are the connectors between bones and joints, are forcefully stretched beyond their normal range. Notably, ankle sprains take the lead as the most prevalent sports injury. Conversely, a fracture entails a break in a bone, with a broken ankle indicating damage to tibia and fibula in the leg or calcaneus and talus bones of the foot. Fractures cause sudden pain and noticeable swelling, whereas stress fractures, smaller cracks in the bone, bring intense pain with less swelling. When uncertainty looms, seeking medical guidance is paramount. Consult a podiatrist if you suspect a fracture or ruptured ligament. Tenderness over a bone and an irregular shape of the leg or joint may signify a break or dislocation, necessitating immediate attention. An accurate diagnosis ensures the right intervention, whether it is rest and rehabilitation for a sprain or more intensive measures for a fracture. If you have sustained a serious ankle injury, be it a sprain or a fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Barry University Foot and Ankle Institute. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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