Items filtered by date: August 2023

Arthritis, defined as joint inflammation, can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain in affected joints. Among the 100 or more types of arthritis, studies have shown that three significantly impact the foot and ankle. Osteoarthritis, the most common, stems from joint cartilage wear and tear over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease, that affects joints throughout the body, with women being twice as susceptible. RA involves the immune system attacking and damaging the cartilage. Post-traumatic arthritis, akin to osteoarthritis, can emerge years after fractures or injuries. Gout, another inflammatory condition, arises from uric acid crystal deposits that are near or within the connective tissue of the joints and is particularly common in the big toe. Psoriatic arthritis can produce symptoms that are similar to RA and is linked to psoriasis, a skin disorder causing scaling and flakiness. Understanding these types of arthritis can empower individuals to manage their foot health amidst arthritis challenges. If you believe you have developed a form of arthritis that is affecting your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Personal Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Tamarac and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Lyme disease, often transmitted by ticks, can bring about various symptoms that affect the feet and other parts of the body. While fever, fatigue, and rashes may signal its presence, a definitive diagnosis requires careful consideration of symptoms and circumstances. If one has been in wooded or grassy areas during tick season, it is possible to contract Lyme disease. Lyme disease's early signs, such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain, can mimic a severe cold. Knee swelling is common, and joint pain may migrate across the body. As the disease progresses, headaches, Bell's palsy, and joint pain can intensify, and rare complications like heart involvement or mental health issues may arise. Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet may be felt. It is suggested that you manage pain and inflammation and focus on your overall well-being to aid in healing. If you suspect you have Lyme disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective management.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Nicole C. Rodriguez, DPM from Personal Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Foot pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to complete your daily activities. One common cause of foot pain is improper footwear, as wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels can lead to foot disorders and discomfort. In addition, injuries sustained during high-impact exercises or sports activities, such as running or aerobics, may result in foot pain. This includes sprains, strains, fractures, and tears in ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Another cause of foot pain is osteoarthritis, which results from the overuse of cartilage surrounding the joints, particularly affecting the big toe. Rheumatoid arthritis also can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the feet and ankles. For patients with diabetes, nerve damage, and reduced blood flow, foot ulcers may develop and cause persistent foot pain. Apart from these primary causes, various specific conditions can lead to foot pain, such as plantar fasciitis, corns, calluses, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Flat feet, heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and Sever's disease are other causes of foot pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer the appropriate treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Personal Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Tamarac and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The ankle, a vital joint in our body, plays a significant role in our movements and stability. However, some individuals may notice that their ankles are large or swollen, raising concerns. In most cases, the size and shape of our ankles are determined by genetics, and having larger ankles is not inherently unhealthy. However, certain health conditions can cause enlarged ankles, warranting attention and further investigation. One such condition is lipedema, a painful disorder where fat accumulates beneath the skin of the legs. Lipedema predominantly affects women, and its symptoms include easy bruising, sensitivity to pressure, and difficulty walking. Genetic factors and hormonal changes trigger this condition, and treatments involve dietary changes, exercise, and specialized therapy. Another condition that can lead to swollen ankles is lymphedema, which involves abnormal swelling due to a compromised lymphatic system. Damaged lymph nodes or cancer treatments can be contributing factors. Managing lymphedema includes gentle exercises, compression techniques, and massages. Furthermore, edema, or generalized swelling, can cause puffy ankles as can heat, venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, medications, and pregnancy. For those seeking to reduce ankle swelling, lifestyle changes such as exercises, reducing sodium intake, elevating feet, and staying active can be beneficial. If you are generally concerned about the size of your ankles and they are causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine them and provide you with relief options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Personal Podiatry Associates. 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 Tamarac and Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The biomechanics of the feet are interesting to learn about. The ankle is a complex part of the body, and each part of the ankle joint is responsible for different functions. The 26 bones in each foot are categorized into three sections, consisting of the tarsal and metatarsal bones, in addition to the phalanges. There are joints that are located between the tarsal bones and various areas of the metatarsal bones. There are two groups of muscles that are found in each foot, and the toes can be extended by using the dorsal foot muscles. The muscles in the sole of the foot are referred to as the plantar muscles and are divided into groups. The lateral plantar muscles are connected to the fifth toe, and the other four toes are linked to the central plantar muscles. If you would like additional information about the workings of the foot bones and muscles, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Personal Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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