There are many reasons people wear flip-flops in the summer. Yes, they are easy to put on, they keep your feet cooler, and they are much more affordable than shoes so you can get them in many colors. But experts believe that wearing flip-flops on a regular basis can generate serious problems for your feet. First, most flip-flops do not provide adequate cushioning for your heels or support for your arches. They also lack the proper stability and may cause your gait to change, which can cause alignment problems in other body parts. Second, flip-flops offer little protection for your feet against injury, insect bites, and stings, or sunburn. Third, wearing flip-flops can leave you vulnerable to fungal infections, as well as other microorganisms that thrive in the water or sand. If you want further information about foot safety in the summertime, it might be wise to consult with a podiatrist for professional guidance. 

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

A broken foot can happen for a variety of reasons. These can include falling, dropping a heavy object on it, or possibly from twisting it. An X-ray is typically taken which can determine the severity of the break. This is followed by wearing a cast or boot for approximately six weeks. This is a successful method in stabilizing the foot as the healing process occurs. A broken foot is often accompanied by pain and swelling, and it can help to frequently elevate the foot. After the foot has healed, some patients can benefit from performing specific stretches that may help to improve range of motion. These can consist of pointing and flexing the affected foot, followed by turning the feet in and out. If you have broken your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can diagnose and treat it.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

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

The pain from a foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is generally found in the ball of the foot. A neuroma is another name for a pinched nerve or nerve tumor. It is often benign, and can grow and spread to other nerves in the foot. It is an ailment that affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Many patients describe the pain as feeling like a pebble or marble under the foot, and possibly cause difficulty in completing daily activities. Common reasons for this condition to develop can include frequently wearing high heels, and participating in running and jumping activities that can compress the feet in shoes. Additionally, medical conditions consisting of bunions and hammertoes may lead to getting Morton’s neuroma. A proper diagnosis consists of having a CT scan taken, or possibly an MRI. Many people have found mild relief when specific foot stretches are performed, and it can be beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly. These types of shoes will have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and this can help to achieve full range of motion and flexibility. Morton’s neuroma can be painful, and can hinder the ability to complete daily tasks. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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 ankle is a complex structure of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work together to help you stand, walk, and run. A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Two peroneal tendons are located on the outer side of the ankle. One connects the bone to the metatarsal on the outside of the foot, and the other runs beneath the foot and connects to the arch. Their job is to stabilize the foot and ankle muscles, helping to prevent strains. Injury to these tendons is common among athletes and people with high arches. The three main categories of peroneal tendon injuries are tendonitis, acute tears, and subluxation. Tendonitis, or inflammation, is most likely the result of repetitive use or overuse that causes pain, swelling, and warmth to the touch. Acute tears are commonly caused by repetitive activity or trauma that results in pain, swelling, and ankle joint instability. Subluxation occurs when the tendon slips out of position, often after an ankle sprain. Symptoms include a snapping feeling in the ankle, along with weakness and instability. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for an exam and diagnosis. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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.

Calluses develop as the result of continued pressure on the skin that causes it to harden as a way of protecting itself. Anyone can develop a callus, regardless of their age. While calluses are not particularly dangerous, and not contagious, they can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. In many cases, they do not require medical attention. Some home remedies, such as using a pumice stone to file them down and rubbing in creams that help to soften them, are common. Unlike blisters and corns that form by rubbing against something solid, like a hard shoe, calluses are caused by pressure. If a bone in the foot is out of alignment, such as from a bunion or metatarsal malformation, a callus may form in the area. They also can be caused by poorly fitting shoes, walking, running, and other repetitive exercises. They commonly develop on the feet and heels, usually near a bony prominence. If a callus becomes painful and uncomfortable, it might be wise to see a podiatrist for an evaluation and safe removal procedure. 

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.