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Pembroke Pines 833-FOOT-VIP
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March 2021

Monday, 29 March 2021 00:00

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Joints, including those in the feet and ankles, can become worn down and damaged due to injuries or diseases, such as arthritis. This can lead to pain and a loss of mobility. In some cases, a joint replacement surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and restore function. During a joint replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged joint and replaces it with a new, prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic, or other materials. Following the surgery, recovery time varies between individuals and the type of joint replacement surgery that they had. For an ankle joint replacement, it typically takes 6 weeks to be able to bear weight on the affected ankle again. For more information about joint replacement surgery for the joints of the feet and ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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.

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Monday, 22 March 2021 00:00

Caring for Your Feet as a Runner

Running is great exercise, but it can also take a toll on your feet. To keep your feet healthy while you run, it is important to wear the right shoes. You want your shoes to fit snuggly, but to have about a half inch gap between your longest toes and the end of your shoes. Go shoe shopping later in the day or after a run, when feet are at their largest, and wear the shoes around the store to determine if they are right for you. Your foot structure and biomechanics may also be a consideration when shoe shopping. People with flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal gait will want to look for running shoes that reduce the impact of these issues. For more information about choosing the best running shoes for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Sunday, 21 March 2021 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Ankle fractures can vary from hairline cracks to shattered bones. Depending upon the nature and severity of the injury, a full recovery may take months. As experts in ankle and foot health, a podiatrist can diagnose and treat your ankle fracture with a specific treatment plan—and there are things you can do to aid the healing process while keeping yourself safe. Keep a list of any medications that have been prescribed to you, always take them as directed, and check with your doctor first before taking any over-the-counter medicine. To reduce swelling, use pillows to elevate your leg above your heart, and see if your doctor thinks moving your toes around may help. If you are wearing a cast or splint, keep it dry and never try to remove it yourself. If your toes become numb, you experience new or worsening pain, or your foot changes color, call your podiatrist immediately. Working with your podiatrist will help you get back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle strains
  • Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

  • Bruising
  • Inflammation/ Swelling
  • Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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.

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Monday, 08 March 2021 00:00

Single-Leg Heel Raises

Did you know that stretching your feet and ankles is a great way to help maintain their overall health? A single-leg heel raise is an exercise which can stretch and strengthen the feet and ankles. To do this exercise, stand in front of a counter or wall and hold it for balance. Lift one foot, placing your full weight on the other foot. Rise up on your toes, lifting your heel off the ground. Then, slowly lower your heel until it touches the ground again. Repeat this exercise 10 times on each leg. Avoid bouncing on the balls of your feet while doing this exercise and stop if you begin to feel pain. For more information about exercises for your feet and ankles, consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 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.

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Monday, 01 March 2021 00:00

Why Do Bunions Develop?

The largest joint in the big toe is referred to as the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The MTP joint helps to balance the body’s weight while performing daily activities.  A bunion is a bony protrusion that is considered to be a deformity that forms at this specific joint. It can develop from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It may cause the second and third toe to overlap, and larger shoes may need to be worn. In larger bunions, a callus may form on top of the toe, and this is generally a result of excess friction that is caused by the shoe. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the bunion. If you have developed this condition, it is best that you speak with a podiatrist who may suggest surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Read more about Bunions
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