Items filtered by date: November 2024

A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle conditions. They treat a wide range of foot issues, from common ailments to more complex conditions. Gait analysis is one important service provided, where the podiatrist observes a patient’s walking pattern to identify abnormalities or issues that may cause pain or lead to injury. Podiatrists also perform procedures such as partial nail avulsion, a technique used to remove a portion of a toenail to treat painful ingrown nails. For warts or verrucas on the feet, swift verruca treatment is a popular option, using microwave technology to target and treat the infection. Additionally, podiatrists help manage conditions like flat feet and heel pain, offering solutions such as custom orthotics, stretching exercises, or lifestyle changes to improve foot health and alleviate discomfort. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat various foot conditions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Selecting the right trail running shoes is vital for men to enhance their performance and ensure comfort on rugged terrains. One key feature to consider is the presence of large lugs on the outsole, which provide added traction on various surfaces. This helps prevent slips and falls during challenging runs. Additionally, a rock plate in the midsole is essential for protecting the feet from sharp stones and uneven ground, allowing for a more comfortable and confident run. Furthermore, EVA foam in the midsole offers excellent cushioning and shock absorption, helping to reduce fatigue over longer distances. Together, these features create a balanced shoe that supports the foot while providing the necessary protection and comfort needed for trail running adventures. Specific shoes are needed for trail running. If you have endured a foot injury from wearing incorrect shoes for this type of running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. This type of doctor can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on appropriate shoe choices for trail running.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

Cracked heels are a common issue that can lead to discomfort, pain, and in severe cases, infection. Cracked heels develop when thickened skin on the heels, called calluses, becomes dry and splits open due to pressure from walking or standing. This is particularly common in people with diabetes or circulation issues, like peripheral artery disease. Callused skin first develops as a protective response to friction and pressure, but it can crack if it becomes too dry. The subsequent heel fissures can cause discomfort, make walking difficult and increase the chances of infection. A podiatrist can help by carefully debriding thickened calluses to reduce pressure and advising on proper foot care and moisturizing techniques. This foot doctor can also determine if you have any underlying issues that may need medical attention. Such a proactive approach can help reduce the risk of complications and promote foot health. If you have problematic cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Diabetic foot wounds progress through three key phases, the inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation stages. The inflammatory phase is when the body initiates its immune response, removing debris and bacteria. In people with diabetes, this phase can be extended because of poor circulation and weakened immunity, which delay healing. The proliferative phase focuses on tissue repair, as new blood vessels form and collagen builds up to close the wound. Diabetic wounds may experience slow progress during this phase, which increases the risk of infection. The maturation phase involves the remodeling of tissue, which can sometimes extend beyond a year. A podiatrist plays a critical role in managing diabetic foot wounds by conducting regular exams and recommending advanced wound care treatment when necessary. If you have diabetic foot wounds, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this serious condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 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.