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Pembroke Pines 833-FOOT-VIP
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May 2024

Tuesday, 28 May 2024 00:00

Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, can be treated through both surgical and non-surgical methods. Non-surgical treatments include proper nail care, such as trimming the nail straight across and soaking the foot in warm water to reduce swelling. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can also treat an ingrown toenail by gently lifting the offending nail edge to place cotton underneath, which helps guide the nail to grow outward. Wearing roomy and comfortable shoes also relieves pressure on the affected toe. For more persistent or severe cases, surgical options might be necessary. A common procedure performed by podiatrists is a partial nail avulsion, where the ingrown portion of the nail is surgically removed under local anesthesia. In cases where ingrown toenails recur frequently, a podiatrist might perform a matrixectomy, which involves removing a portion of the nail bed to prevent the problematic section of the nail from growing back. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment options to alleviate pain and prevent recurrence. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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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Tuesday, 21 May 2024 00:00

Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Understanding and addressing pain in the ball of the foot, medically termed metatarsalgia, is essential for maintaining mobility and overall foot health. Various factors, such as Freiberg disease, metatarsal stress fractures, and nerve damage like Morton neuroma, can contribute to discomfort in this area. Additionally, conditions like sesamoiditis, and age-related changes, such as thinning of the fat pad cushion, may worsen symptoms. Consulting a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans can help. Non-invasive measures, including footwear adjustments and custom orthotic devices, are often effective in alleviating pressure on affected areas. Additionally, injections of anesthetics or corticosteroids may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and muscle spasms. When conservative approaches fail to combat metatarsalgia, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore joint function and alleviate persistent pain. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you suffer from consistent pain in the ball of the foot.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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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Tuesday, 14 May 2024 00:00

Buschke-Ollendorff Syndrome

Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the presence of skin abnormalities, typically in the form of firm, non-tender, rubbery bumps called connective tissue nevi, and bone abnormalities, such as osteopoikilosis. These can occur on the feet. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. While the skin lesions are usually asymptomatic, they can cause cosmetic concerns. Osteopoikilosis often goes unnoticed and does not typically cause symptoms. Diagnosis is usually made based on clinical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. Management of Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome involves monitoring for any potential complications and addressing cosmetic concerns. Podiatrists can help by providing supportive care and addressing any foot-related issues that may arise, such as discomfort or deformities associated with osteopoikilosis. If you develop skin abnormalities affecting the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and care.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

  • Freiberg’s disease
  • Kohler’s disease
  • Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Tuesday, 07 May 2024 00:00

Types of Running Foot Strikes

In the world of running, your feet interact with the ground in various forms, each influencing performance and potential for injury. There are several types of running foot strikes, depending upon the biomechanics of your feet. One is the heel strike, where the heel makes initial contact with the ground. While common, excessive heel striking may lead to impact-related injuries. Next, the midfoot strike involves landing on the middle part of the foot. This type distributes forces more evenly and is often associated with a smoother gait. Finally, the forefoot strike, where the ball of the foot hits the ground first, reduces the impact on joints but demands greater calf strength. Each type has its merits and drawbacks, and finding the right one can vary depending on terrain and personal preference. If you are interested in a gait analysis performed to determine your running foot strike, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

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 office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Biomechanics in Podiatry
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