There are many bones in your feet, and they each play an important role in helping your feet move and function. When important bones break or become inflamed, this can result in complications that might be painful or uncomfortable. For example, under your big toe are two sesamoid bones near the bottom of your feet. These bones can become inflamed from an injury or from tension that might occur if your big toe is suddenly and forcefully pushed upward. There are many different symptoms that can be felt from sesamoiditis. The most common symptom is pain. When putting pressure on the feet during walking or other physical activities, it is common for individuals with sesamoiditis to experience pain. However, what may make sesamoiditis difficult for the average person to identify is that there are not usually any noticeable, visual symptoms. That is to say that an individual might experience pain but not be able to point to any visual signs of sesamoiditis on their feet. To diagnose sesamoiditis, a medical professional can perform a bone scan or an MRI to identify the condition. If you are experiencing pain and inflammation in your sesamoid bones, contact a podiatrist who can help you treat the problem.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy, is a term for nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system. These are nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy can create various symptoms which may impair a person’s balance and their perception of their body and its movement. These symptoms include numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet. Older adults are more prone to developing peripheral neuropathy as a complication of diabetes, which can cause them to have foot drop, difficulty walking up stairs, rising out of their chairs, and standing up from a crouching position. All of this can increase the elderly person’s already heightened risk of falls. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and evaluation.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

The risk of falling at home increases after reaching the age of 65. This can be caused by diminished balance, strength, and eyesight. Other causes may be dizzying effects from certain medications and neuropathy problems that affect the feet. Further, if you fall once, you are far more likely to fall again, unless changes are made around the house. The majority of home falls take place in the bathroom, experts say. Some preventative measures include installing grab bars in the bath and shower area, putting a chair in the bathing area, and adding non-slip strips or a mat on the tub floor. Other parts of the home can also be modified to decrease the likelihood of a fall. Remove throw rugs, declutter passageways, and add lighting in darker areas, especially stairs and long hallways. Keep a clear path to the bathroom to increase your safety at night. Make sure you use handrails or a walking device if dizziness or balance issues are a problem. Wear shoes with non-skid soles, and avoid going barefoot. If you need more information on preventing falls, please contact a podiatrist who can offer suggestions to help keep you upright.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

A condition known as eccrine bromhidrosis causes the feet to become extremely odorous. This condition occurs when sweat from the many eccrine glands on your feet softens the keratin on your skin. This results in the breakdown of the skin and creates a moist environment that fosters the growth of bacteria. As the bacteria flourish, they release chemicals that cause a stench. Obesity, diabetes, certain medications, and genetics may also play a role. A few ways to curb bacterial growth are keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing moisture wicking socks, and giving your shoes a day to air out before wearing them again. If your symptoms continue or worsen, it may be time to see a podiatrist who can offer more advanced treatment for eccrine bromhidrosis of the feet.  

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon attaches the heel bone with the calf muscles and helps make plantar flexion possible (bending your foot downward at the ankle). Tennis players, dancers, and runners in particular engage their Achilles tendon constantly, and can sometimes suffer an overuse injury known as Achilles tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy usually develops when tiny repeated injuries (micro-traumas) to the Achilles tendon occur and never fully or properly heal. This repeated wear and damage compounds over time and eventually causes the Achilles tendon to become swollen, stiff, and painful. Poor training habits can also be a precursor to Achilles tendinopathy, such as training on hard/sloped surfaces, using improper technique, wearing inadequate footwear, and increasing the intensity or frequency of your workouts too rapidly. If you believe you have Achilles tendinopathy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible. A podiatrist can relieve your symptoms while helping to heal the Achilles tendon properly with various techniques and therapies, exercises, painkillers, orthotics, and more. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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