Corns, small and often painful thickened areas of skin, can manifest in different forms on the feet, causing discomfort and irritation. Hard corns typically develop on the top or sides of toes, forming dense and compact layers of dead skin. Soft corns thrive in moist areas between toes, adopting a softer texture due to increased hydration. Seed corns are tiny, often painless corns found on weight-bearing areas on the bottom of the feet. Vascular corns, appearing as a dark spot with tiny blood vessels, are less common but can be more painful. Understanding these distinct types of corns aids in their proper identification and subsequent management. A podiatrist can successfully treat any type of corn that may have developed. If you have a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective remedies and prevention techniques.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Promoting overall well-being involves not only physical exercise but also caring for often-neglected areas like the feet. Incorporating effective foot stretches into your routine can contribute significantly to flexibility and foot health. Begin with a simple toe stretch by sitting back on your heels and gently pressing the toes into the ground, providing a soothing stretch for the foot arches. Additionally, calf stretches can be achieved by propping the ball of your foot against a wall and leaning forward. To relieve tension in the ankles, rotate them clockwise and counterclockwise while seated. Finally, the classic seated forward bend can also benefit your feet by stretching the Achilles tendon. These stretches, performed consistently, enhance circulation, reduce stiffness, and contribute to overall foot comfort. If you would like more information about what type of foot stretches to perform, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

There are many types of arthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and gout being two distinct but often confused members of this family. While both inflict pain and inflammation upon the joints, the origins and treatment strategies for each differ significantly. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that arises when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells in the synovial tissues. This results in pain, swelling, and inflammation. RA can affect ankle joints on both sides of the body and can lead to irreversible joint damage over time. Gout, while also inflammatory, is not autoimmune in nature. It develops from elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid, found in certain foods and drinks, as well as influenced by specific medications, forms crystals that deposit in synovial tissues, particularly in the feet, and especially in the big toe. Unfortunately, studies show that some patients with RA also have gout. Obesity is thought to be a link between the two conditions in some cases, as it is a shared risk factor. An accurate diagnosis is paramount for effective treatment. A podiatrist can conduct a series of tests to determine whether your joint pain comes from RA, gout, or both. For help, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Edema is defined as the body having too much fluid in certain areas, causing noticeable swelling and symptoms. Rapid swelling all over your body, especially coupled with other health problems, needs quick diagnosis and care. But if you have long-term swelling in your legs and feet, it may be due to poor blood flow, especially when they feel heavy and are swollen and discolored. Taking care of your skin is important to avoid skin problems and sores. If your skin is red, itchy, and swollen, you can use creams and lotions. People who have had blood clots in their legs should wear tight stockings to prevent leg and foot problems later. Sometimes, breathing problems at night can make your legs swell even if you do not have lung issues. If your skin is thick, swollen, and does not leave an impression when pressed, it may be a sign of lymphedema. This can happen if you had surgery, cancer, or radiation therapy. If you have persistent swelling in your feet or legs, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. 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 contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.