Foot drop causes difficulty lifting the front of the foot, making walking awkward and increasing the risk of stumbling or dragging the toes. Many people adjust to foot drop by raising the knee higher with each step, leading to an unsteady gait that is more like marching. Foot drop results from weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control foot motion and may occur when nerves in the lower spine, sciatic area, or common fibular nerve, become damaged. Foot drop can be linked to a range of issues, including spinal disorders, nerve compression, traumatic injuries, or inherited nerve diseases. Diagnosis typically involves a detailed exam of the foot and ankle, imaging, and nerve testing to identify the underlying cause. If the damage is severe or related to a structural problem, surgery such as nerve decompression, tendon transfer, or ankle fusion may be recommended. If you have problems lifting your feet as you walk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance.

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.

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the toenail presses into the surrounding skin, often causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition commonly affects the big toe and is frequently linked to cutting the toenail too short or trimming down the sides. Shoes that press the toes out of alignment may also contribute to an ingrown toenail. When conservative care is not enough, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to relieve the discomfort and stop infection. Surgery for an ingrown toenail can involve removing part of the nail, the entire nail, or a section of nail tissue beneath the skin to help prevent the problem from returning. These procedures are typically done under local anesthesia and usually take around 10 minutes. Although there is a risk of infection, recurrence, or scarring, ingrown toenail surgery can be a reliable way to reduce pain and infection. If you have ingrown toenail complications, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options, possibly including surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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 a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves a thickening of the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes, often caused by pressure or irritation. Common culprits include wearing tight shoes, high heels, or participating in high-impact sports. Morton’s neuroma is more common in women, likely due to footwear choices. Symptoms typically include a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and the sensation of standing on a pebble. There is usually no visible swelling, but the discomfort can be intense and persistent. Podiatrists may recommend footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve. If you have pain in this part of your foot,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment 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 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.

Swollen feet can be uncomfortable and concerning. Common causes include standing or sitting for long periods, pregnancy, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. However, swelling may also be a sign of underlying medical conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease, lymphedema, or venous insufficiency. Symptoms include puffiness, skin tightness, or difficulty walking. A podiatrist can assess the cause of the swelling with a thorough examination and help manage it with proper footwear, compression therapy, or referrals to other specialists, if needed. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications. If you are experiencing persistent or painful foot swelling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.