Items filtered by date: July 2024

Dealing with nail fungus can be more than just a cosmetic concern. It can affect your comfort and confidence. Symptoms often start subtly with discoloration, usually yellow or brown, and thickening of the nail. As the infection progresses, nails may become brittle, crumbly, or even emit a foul odor. Beyond appearance, nail fungus can cause discomfort. Nails might feel tender or sore, especially when wearing shoes or applying pressure. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty walking or performing daily activities. Effective treatments range from over-the-counter antifungal creams to prescription medications or nail lacquers. Maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding shared pedicure tools can help prevent recurrence. If you suspect nail fungus, do not delay seeking professional advice. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the infection and recommend the best course of treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various ankle joint conditions, such as cartilage damage or ankle impingement. Small incisions allow an arthroscope to visualize the joint and perform repairs, reducing recovery time compared to traditional surgery. Recovery from ankle arthroscopy typically involves some rest to minimize swelling. Patients may resume driving within a few weeks and return to work or sports within four to eight weeks, depending on individual progress and the nature of activities. For personalized guidance on post-operative care and to ensure optimal recovery, consulting a podiatrist is a wise idea. This type of doctor provides specialized expertise in foot and ankle health, ensuring thorough rehabilitation and long-term joint function. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored advice and support throughout your ankle arthroscopy recovery journey.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

The choice of children's shoes can significantly impact their gait or the way they walk. Improper or unsupportive shoes can lead to issues with foot alignment, discomfort, and even pain during walking. Footwear that is excessively tight or narrow can limit the natural movement of the foot, whereas shoes lacking proper support may not offer the stability required for healthy gait development. Children’s shoes should fit properly, have cushioning, and allow room for growth as a way to promote healthy gait patterns. Small changes in routine, such as replacing shoes as children grow, ensure optimal foot health and development. The wrong shoes can also contribute to issues like flat feet or toe deformities in children, which also can affect their gait. High-quality, comfortable fitted shoes with support can aid in a balanced gait pattern, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of injuries. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide guidance on optimal gait development and the long-term foot health of your child.

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 Boca Raton Podiatry . 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 Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Everyday foot care is essential for maintaining overall health and mobility. Often overlooked, our feet are complex structures that endure significant wear and tear daily. Proper foot care involves several steps to protect and maintain their health. Start with daily washing and thorough drying to prevent infections. Moisturize to keep skin supple, but avoid the spaces between toes to reduce fungal growth. Regularly inspect your feet for cuts, blisters, and signs of infection, as these can indicate underlying health issues like diabetes. Trim toenails straight across and file the edges to prevent ingrown nails. Wearing well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning is imperative. Shoes should have enough room for toes to move comfortably, and high heels or tight footwear should be avoided to prevent deformities and pain. Paying attention to foot problems and addressing them early can prevent complications. If you have persistent foot issues needing specialized care, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Surgery is often the only effective treatment for severe cases of bunions, where conservative measures like wearing well-fitting shoes and splints prove insufficient. Bunions can cause significant pain and foot deformity, making walking difficult. The primary goals of bunion surgery are to alleviate pain, enhance foot stability, and restore normal walking function. The surgical process involves repositioning the bones, tendons, and ligaments of the big toe, and stabilizing the foot using metal plates, screws, or wires. Post-surgery, the foot must remain stable with bandages or splints, and a special shoe is often worn to relieve pressure. Initial recovery requires limited walking and elevation to reduce swelling, with gradual weight-bearing as healing progresses. Complete recovery from bunion surgery generally takes four to six weeks, although swelling may continue for up to a year. The decision to undergo surgery depends on the severity of symptoms, degree of bone misalignment, the presence of related conditions like osteoarthritis, and overall health. If you are experiencing pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if surgery is right for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . 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 office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.