Items filtered by date: July 2024

Hammer toes are a common foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Symptoms include pain, corns, and calluses due to friction against shoes. Preventing hammer toes involves wearing shoes with roomy toe boxes, avoiding high heels, and regularly stretching toes and feet. Treatment options vary based on severity, ranging from padding and orthotic inserts to alleviate discomfort to exercises and splinting to straighten the toe. In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the toe's position. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive assessment, recommend appropriate treatments, and offer personalized advice to manage symptoms and prevent progression. Early intervention can improve comfort and prevent the need for more invasive treatments down the road. If you notice persistent toe pain, stiffness, or changes in toe shape, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon injuries are prevalent among people who engage in physical activities, from athletes to casual exercisers. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is critical for movements like standing on toes and propelling forward when walking or running. Common injuries include Achilles tendinopathy, which involves tiny tears from overuse and results in pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. More severe Achilles tendon injuries, such as partial or complete tears, cause sudden, sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty pointing the foot down or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can diagnose these injuries through a physical exam, ultrasound, X-rays, or MRI scans to assess the extent of damage. Treatment depends on the injury's severity. Mild cases may be managed with rest and stretching exercises, while severe tears might require surgery and immobilization with a cast or brace. If you are experiencing pain resulting from an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers are categorized into three main types, which are neuropathic, ischemic, and neuroischemic. Neuropathic ulcers develop due to nerve damage, leading to a loss of sensation and unnoticed injuries. Ischemic ulcers result from poor blood circulation, reducing the body's ability to heal. Neuroischemic ulcers combine both nerve damage and poor circulation, making them particularly challenging to treat. These ulcers develop because high blood sugar levels impair circulation and nerve function, increasing the risk of infection. Effective wound care involves maintaining strict blood sugar control, keeping the ulcer clean, and using appropriate dressings to promote healing. Regular foot inspections are essential to detect issues early. Specialized footwear or orthotics can relieve pressure on the ulcer. Severe cases may require medical interventions, such as debridement or surgery. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide you with the care and advice that is needed.

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 Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. 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 Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken foot or toe involves a fracture in the bones of the foot or toes, often caused by trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or heavy objects dropping on the foot. Symptoms can include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty while walking or bearing weight. First aid for a broken foot or toe starts with immobilization to prevent further injury. Keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling, avoid putting weight on the injured foot, and use crutches, if necessary. Pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation. Proper treatment is important as complications from untreated fractures can include chronic pain, improper healing, and arthritis. In severe cases, surgery might be required to realign the bones. If you have broken your foot or a toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist sooner, rather than later. This medical professional can provide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plans to ensure proper healing.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Working on your feet while pregnant presents unique challenges that require special attention to maintain comfort and health. Although standing all day is generally thought to be safe for most pregnant women, taking breaks to sit or move around can significantly ease the strain on your body. That said, if you are at a high risk of preterm delivery or have concerns about your baby's growth, it is essential to avoid prolonged standing. For those who need to stand for extended periods, positioning and movement are important to note. Keep your knees soft, space your legs apart, and engage your core muscles to reduce pressure on the knees and feet. Periodically move your legs by walking or shifting weight to help maintain blood circulation and minimize swelling. Elevating one foot on a low stool can also alleviate lower back stress. Comfortable footwear with good arch support and a low heel is essential, in addition to wearing compression socks to enhance blood flow and reduce swelling. If you experience foot pain or unusual swelling after working on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and options for treatment.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.