Items filtered by date: March 2023

An infants foot is made of soft, flexible cartilage, which gradually hardens as the baby develops and will be formed in the late teenage years. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the shape of the foot is often evident at approximately two years of age. The foot shape is important to consider when choosing the right shoes. If the big toe is the longest of all the toes, it is considered to be tapered. Conversely, a rounded foot shape consists of the second or third toe being the longest, and when the toes are the same length, this is considered to be a square foot shape. Children’s foot health may include having the toddler crawl and walk barefoot while indoors, this helps strengthen the entire foot. The toes can also become stronger as they grip the floor and stretch. When it is time for the first pair of shoes to be purchased, it is beneficial they are made of soft leather material, and have flexible soles. If you would like additional information about how to take proper care of your child's feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

One of the most common causes of heel pain is the foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a portion of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes, and it may become inflamed or torn for various reasons. These can include obesity, standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Patients have found the pain may be worse in the morning upon arising, and may feel better as the day progresses. This may be a result of moving the foot, and it is beneficial that specific stretches are performed during the day for continued relief. Additionally, wearing custom-made orthotics may help to reduce existing inflammation and increase comfort level. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM  from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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 and ankle needs.

Foot pain is common, and it is important to find the cause in order to treat it properly. Sometimes foot pain will be temporary, and rest is all that is needed. However, if this pain continues, it is important to seek medical help so that it does not get worse. Conditions that can cause foot pain include, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, Achilles tendonitis or rupture, and bone spurs. Achilles tendonitis occurs from overuse of the Achilles tendon. Anyone can be affected by this injury, but athletes are particularly prone to this condition. An Achilles tendon rupture can occur suddenly, and intense pain is felt in the back of the foot and into the calf. With an Achilles tendon rupture, surgery is sometimes necessary. Bone spurs can result from bone injuries. Generally there is only pain with a bone spur when it is larger or if it is angled in such a way that it presses on nerves. Shoes become difficult to wear and standing for a prolonged time is challenging. At times, the extra bone needs to be shaved to reduce pain. If you have foot pain that does not get better in a reasonable time or worsens, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.

When choosing or shopping for a running shoe, many runners and athletes consider a variety of factors. For example, runners might select a specific type of shoe because it is better suited to a particular kind of terrain. The degree to which running shoes might actually increase an athlete’s speed, however, is another important factor to consider when purchasing a pair of running shoes. This is to say that running shoes might actually make a runner faster because a good pair of running shoes will essentially increase one’s running economy. In other words, good running shoes might maximize the effort that a runner puts into their runs, ultimately increasing their speed. If you are someone who is looking for the perfect pair of running shoes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Hallandale Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels can result from increased pressure on the feet caused by excess weight or standing too long. Under such pressure, the fat pad under the heel tries to expand, and with dried skin or from wearing open-heeled shoes, there is no support to shore up the expansion so the skin around the heels starts to crack. Sometimes, dry or cracked heels can occur from an underlying medical condition, like diabetes or hypothyroidism, both of which reduce sweating and create more dryness. This unsightly condition can start out as small cracks on thickened, dry skin, and calluses may form over the cracks. This can develop into deeper cracks and can even bleed, and it can hurt to walk. Once this happens, the possibility of infection increases. If you suffer from cracked heels, you can try to moisturize your feet more often to see if it helps, but due to the possibility of this getting out of hand and leading to further complications, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your heels and recommend the best treatment for you.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.