Items filtered by date: August 2024

Children commonly experience a variety of foot problems as they grow. Sprains are frequent, often resulting from sports or rough play, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking. Prompt treatment with rest and elevation is essential to prevent further injury. In-toeing and out-toeing, where a child's feet point inward or outward while walking, are common developmental issues. Most cases resolve as the child grows, but persistent problems may require evaluation by a podiatrist. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, causes itching, redness, and peeling, usually between the toes. It is prevalent in children who wear tight, sweaty shoes. Fungal nail infections, another concern, lead to thickened, discolored nails that may become brittle. Maintaining proper foot hygiene, wearing appropriately sized shoes, and addressing any foot pain early are key to preventing complications. If your child has any foot or ankle issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Sprains and strains in the foot and ankle are common injuries that can significantly impact mobility. Ankle sprains, particularly lateral sprains, occur when the ligaments are overstretched or torn, often due to twisting the foot. Recovery typically takes several weeks, although severe cases can take much longer. Strains affect the muscles or tendons and can also occur in the foot and ankle, causing pain, swelling, and reduced function. Prompt treatment is vital for quick recovery and may include bracing for support, guided exercises to restore strength and flexibility, and manual techniques such as massage. Severe injuries may require surgery, but with proper management, most people can achieve full recovery. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose these foot or ankle injuries and develop an individualized treatment plan that ensures efficient healing and prevents recurrence. If you suspect you have incurred a sprain or strain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

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 office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns form in the feet when skin is subjected to continuous pressure or friction, commonly on the toes and soles. At first, the skin thickens, creating a callus. But persistent pressure can transform this into a painful corn, which can be recognized by a raised, yellowish-beige surface and a defined hard core. Corns between toes are often softer and whitish due to moisture. Causes include wearing tight shoes, foot deformities, and joint diseases, which heighten pressure on specific areas. Risk increases with age and dry skin. Recognizing a corn is straightforward, but differentiation from similar issues like warts may require a podiatrist’s expertise. Effective treatment involves eliminating the source of the pressure, wearing shoes that fit properly, and possibly using pads or insoles. Removing a corn yourself is discouraged, as unsafe conditions can prompt an infection. If you have painful corns on the feet or toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 and ankle needs.

For diabetic patients, foot care is essential due to the increased risk of complications like infections and ulcers. Start by maintaining good foot hygiene. Wash feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet to prevent dryness and cracking, but avoid applying lotion between the toes to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Regularly inspect your feet for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling, and use a mirror or ask for help if needed. Trim nails carefully, straight across, and file the edges to avoid ingrown toenails. Wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes and clean, dry socks to prevent blisters and sores. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home. If you are a diabetic patient, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits to a podiatrist for professional care and advice. They can manage any developing issues early and provide guidance on proper footwear and orthotics.

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 Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.