Items filtered by date: June 2022

An elevated blood sugar level in the body may lead to a condition known as diabetes. It can damage the nerves in the feet and it can be difficult to feel existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes. An infected cut on the bottom of the foot could evolve into a foot ulcer, and the foot may have to be amputated if it is not promptly treated. It is important to perform proper diabetic foot care and this is done by using a mirror to check the bottom of the feet. Additionally, when the feet are washed and dried thoroughly, they will generally feel better. This can be followed by trimming the toenails straight across instead of curved. Many diabetic patients understand the importance of refraining from walking barefoot and this is an added measure in protecting the feet. Shoes are to be worn with socks that are well-padded and both need to be comfortable and fit properly. It is beneficial to purchase shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Patients who have diabetes are suggested to be under the care of a podiatrist who can help them properly treat and manage their foot care issues.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

If you notice a flat hardened callus on the bottom of your foot with tiny black spots showing beneath the skin, you may have a plantar wart. The area might be tender, but try not to touch it. This growth may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is highly contagious and can enter your body through cuts or sores. The most common places to come into contact with HPV are swimming pools, locker rooms, and bathroom floors, all areas in which you are more likely to walk barefooted. Generally speaking, plantar warts are not dangerous, but they do spread rapidly. The most effective preventative method is to wear foot coverings in places where the virus thrives. If plantar warts become a common occurrence, refuse to go away on their own, or inhibit your ability to walk, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist for guidance and a range of treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors 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 Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The plantar fascia is a long, fibrous band of tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel with the toes. It helps form the arch and stabilize the foot. The plantar fascia is in a constant state of flux—alternating between lengthening and contracting as we walk and run. Running and other physical activities can be taxing on the plantar fascia. So can being obese, standing at work all day, or wearing shoes that don’t offer proper arch support. Excessive strain and stress on the plantar fascia can cause it to become irritated, torn, inflamed, and ultimately painful. This is a condition known as plantar fasciitis, which is the most common form of heel pain. The pain of plantar fasciitis is most severe when you take your first steps in the morning. It can sometimes be alleviated by refraining from physical activity, icing the bottom of the feet, losing weight, or switching to more supportive footwear. If the pain does not subside, or worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. Podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis frequently and have various treatments to repair the plantar fascia, reduce inflammation, and eliminate the heel pain it causes.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Children’s feet may look like miniature versions of adult feet, but this is not true. They differ in shape and will change as they grow. The first year of life brings ample fat pads on the soles helping the feet to be soft and flexible. The arch will develop as the child begins to walk, and the feet will grow in length and width. It is beneficial for parents to have their child walk barefoot in order to help to strengthen the entire foot. The toes and the arch become stronger as the toes grip the floor, and growth can be restricted when tight shoes are worn. When children start to wear their first pair of shoes, it helps their feet when they have adequate cushioning and stability. Children of all ages can find it easier to wear shoes when they are easy to close, in addition to preventing feet from slipping. Research has indicated the average life of a pair of children’s shoes is four months, and it is advised that they be replaced approximately within this time frame. It is important for parents to purchase new shoes at the appropriate time because this can help to protect the feet against unwanted foot conditions. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to buy for your child, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you in the right direction. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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