Pressure ulcers on the feet, heels, and ankles are skin injuries caused by constant pressure that reduces blood flow to the area. They are more common in people who spend long periods in bed or in a wheelchair. Early signs include skin that looks red, purple, or blue and does not turn white when pressed. The area may feel warm, firm, or painful. If the pressure continues, the skin can break down and form an open sore, or ulcer. In severe cases, the wound can become deep enough to reach muscle or bone. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage, and limited movement. A podiatrist can examine the skin, check blood flow and feeling in the feet, and determine the stage of the ulcer. Treatment involves removing damaged tissue if needed, and applying proper wound dressings and pressure-relieving devices to protect healing tissue. If you have developed pressure ulcers in the lower limbs, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Intoeing in children is a condition in which the feet turn inward while walking or running. It is commonly noticed during early childhood and often relates to developmental alignment changes. Frequent causes include conditions where the thigh bone rotates inward, the shin bone twists inward, or the front portion of the foot is curved. These variations are usually related to growth patterns and positioning before birth. Although many cases improve naturally, some children may experience tripping, discomfort, or gait concerns. A podiatrist can evaluate lower limb alignment and recommend supportive treatments when needed. If your child has been born with intoeing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Working in a kitchen often requires long hours of standing, walking, and moving quickly on hard surfaces, which can place significant strain on the feet and ankles. Prioritizing foot comfort is essential to prevent pain and fatigue. Wearing supportive non-slip shoes helps improve stability and reduce the risk of slips and falls. Using anti-fatigue mats can cushion hard floors and decrease pressure on joints, and taking regular breaks to rest the feet allows muscles to recover and circulation to improve. Additionally, wearing compression socks may also support blood flow and reduce swelling during extended shifts. If you have foot pain during your work day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on the right shoes to wear.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Pain along the back of the heel or through the foot is often blamed on a single tendon problem, but there are important differences that affect treatment. One condition commonly involves short-term irritation of a tendon, such as the Achilles tendon, often triggered by a sudden increase in walking, running, or standing. This type of injury is linked to inflammation and may improve with rest and activity changes. Another condition develops gradually and reflects long-standing wear within the tendon fibers themselves. In this situation, the tissue becomes weaker and less flexible, especially in the Achilles tendon or tendons supporting the arch. Treating both problems the same way can slow healing and prolong discomfort. Identifying which process is present helps guide appropriate care and recovery strategies. If heel or foot tendon pain persists, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a full exam and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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