Items filtered by date: December 2022

Many individuals often wonder what exactly toe jam is and how it is formed. Toe jam is a word given to describe the debris that can sometimes develop and accumulate over time in between the toes. Often, toe jam is composed of dead skin cells as well as lint from socks that are worn. Toe jam typically is not a serious or dangerous foot condition for many individuals. However, since it can cause an odor and might be potentially irritating, there are steps that you might consider taking to prevent toe jam from developing between the toes. One of the most important ways that one can prevent toe jam from developing is by regularly cleaning or washing the spaces in between the toes. This is particularly important if you are someone who is especially prone to sweating in the feet area. If you have any other concerns about toe jam, contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma  is the thickening and hardening of the nerve cells in the foot. It most often affects the third and fourth toes. This condition is caused by repeated trauma or injury to the foot, shoes that do not fit well, wearing high heels, or foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or high arches. With Morton’s neuroma, one can experience pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and burning in the ball of the foot and radiating out to the toes. Some describe the sensation as walking on a pebble. Rest, properly fitting shoes, and a cushioned shoe pad can help when one has a Morton’s neuroma. When more conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgery to space tissue around the nerve or excise the neuroma can be considered. While such surgery is usually successful in resolving pain, it can lead to numbness in the affected area. There is also a chance a Morton’s neuroma will come back. If you are suffering from a Morton’s neuroma, seeking treatment from a podiatrist to try and deal with the problem before surgery is the most viable option.

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 Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A burning sensation in the feet, especially at night, may indicate certain serious underlying conditions that should not be ignored. One of the main causes of burning feet is peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage that is common among diabetics. Neuropathy also may be the result of overconsumption of alcohol or a deficiency in B vitamins, as well as other conditions. When the nerves in the lower extremities are damaged, they send mixed signals to the feet that generate a burning sensation. Peripheral artery disease is another cause of burning feet. Poor circulation to the feet can trigger pain, tingling and burning, especially when walking. Burning generally starts in the sole of the foot and travels upward toward the ankle. Symptoms usually worsen at night. Treatment for burning feet starts with eliminating the causes, the most common of which are high blood sugar and extreme use of alcohol. Certain medications are available that can help to alleviate symptoms of burning feet. If burning feet are inhibiting your daily life, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination, a diagnosis, and treatment options that are best for you. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who get frequent gout attacks often look for ways that can help to prevent them. The pain can be debilitating from gout, and completing daily activities may be difficult to do. It is a condition that affects the joints in the big toe, and common symptoms can include redness and swelling, in addition to severe pain and discomfort. Gout is a condition that is caused by excess uric acid in the blood, and may happen from the foods that are eaten. Foods that contain a high level of purines often need to be reduced, which may help to control episodes of gout. These foods include shellfish, red meat, and drinks made with large amounts of sugar. High-purine foods may be substituted for foods that have a lower purine level, such as chicken, pork, and ham. It is beneficial to lose extra weight if applicable, and incorporating a gentle exercise regime into the daily routine may help to reduce gout attacks. If you are afflicted with gout, please confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and prevention methods. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.