Pitting edema is a type of swelling in the ankles or feet where pressing on the skin leaves a temporary indentation. This happens when extra fluid collects in the tissues. It may be linked to circulation problems, vein conditions, heart or kidney concerns, certain medications, or other medical issues. Some people notice tight shoes or swelling that worsens as the day goes on. Diagnosis starts with a physical examination, where a provider checks the amount of swelling and how long the indentation remains after pressure is applied. A podiatrist may also review medical history, symptoms, circulation, and skin changes, and may recommend additional testing when needed to help identify the cause. Because swelling can signal an underlying health concern, proper evaluation matters. If you have ongoing swelling in your feet or ankles, especially with discomfort or skin changes, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 Hallandale Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It may lead to itching, peeling, redness, and painful blisters. The infection often develops between the toes or along the sole of the foot where moisture becomes trapped. In some cases, fluid-filled blisters can form and cause burning, tenderness, or cracking of the skin that becomes uncomfortable while walking or wearing shoes. The affected skin may appear flaky, scaly, or white from excess moisture. Scratching can increase irritation or lead to secondary infection. Athlete’s foot spreads easily in warm, damp environments like locker rooms, swimming pools, and shared showers. Wearing sweaty socks or tight shoes for long periods of time may also increase the risk of infection. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, determine the severity of the fungal infection, and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Care may include antifungal medication, drying treatments, and methods  to prevent the infection from returning. If you have athlete’s foot symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Morton’s neuroma and traumatic neuromas are painful nerve conditions that can affect the feet in different ways. Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve becomes thickened from repeated pressure or irritation, usually between the third and fourth toes. Many people describe burning pain, tingling, numbness, or the feeling of standing on a pebble while walking. A traumatic neuroma forms after a nerve has been injured by surgery, a deep cut, or direct trauma to the foot. As the nerve heals abnormally, it may create sharp pain, sensitivity, or electric shock sensations. Although these conditions involve different causes, both can interfere with walking and daily activity. A podiatrist can examine the foot, identify the affected nerve, and use imaging studies or diagnostic testing to confirm the condition. Treatment may include orthotics, footwear changes, injections, medication, or surgery, when symptoms become severe. If nerve pain in the foot continues to worsen, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Wearing the wrong shoes can place unnecessary stress on the feet and lead to a variety of uncomfortable conditions. Bunions may develop when tight shoes push the big toe out of alignment, creating a painful bony bump. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, damp footwear, and can cause itching and peeling skin. Ingrown toenails can occur when shoes crowd the toes, causing the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Additionally, corns can develop from repeated pressure and friction, leading to thickened areas of skin. A podiatrist can evaluate these issues, provide effective treatment, and recommend proper footwear to prevent future problems. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions and guide you on the correct shoes to wear.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Hallandale Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.