The type of doctor that specializes in conditions regarding the feet is referred to as a podiatrist. After completing the required education, the initials DPM are generally used after their name to indicate that they are a doctor of podiatric medicine. The amount of required schooling consists of a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of study in podiatric medical school. After three years of residency training and passing the required exams, podiatrists can become certified. There are several branches of podiatry that this type of doctor can choose to practice in, including wound care, surgery, and diabetes. If you would like additional information about the responsibilities of this type of physician, please speak with a podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

When performing foot stretches, we often neglect stretching the toes. However, stretching the toes is very important, as bending the toes down from the knuckles stretches not only the toes but also the tighter muscles along the top of the foot, and the arch muscles along the sole of the foot. To perform this simple toe stretch, sit down and then place your fingers under the sole of the foot and place your thumbs on top of the toes. Pull back under the ball of the foot and stretch out the toes away from the foot while using your thumbs to bend the toes downwards at the knuckles of the foot. Hold this stretch for several seconds and repeat on the opposite foot. For more information about stretches that you can do to improve your foot health, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are those that are found on the bottom of the feet. Warts are caused by a virus that is known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can enter the body through a tiny break in the skin, and generally affects the top layer of skin. Plantar warts grow inward on the soles of the feet. This is a result of standing and walking for the majority of the day. A plantar wart appears as a small patch of hardened skin, and often has small, black dots in the center. These types of warts can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it is beneficial to quickly begin treatment. This can consist of applying salicylic acid to the wart, or possibly freezing it. If you have a plantar’s wart, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best form of treatment is for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Hammertoes are a foot condition characterized by an abnormal bending of the second, third, fourth, or pinky toes. This deformity of the toes can cause pain and irritation in the toes, as well as corns and calluses. There are many nonsurgical treatment options for hammertoes, including shoe modifications, splinting the toe, padding or trimming corns and calluses, and certain exercises, therapies, and medications. However, sometimes these more conservative treatments fail and surgery may become an option. There are several surgical treatment options. In a joint fusion, the cartilage surfaces of the affected joint are removed and a screw is placed into the area to prevent motion. In a phalangeal head resection, a portion of the phalanx bone is removed and tension in the affected tendon is released. There are also tendon transfers, in which the tendons that are too tight may be cut or transferred to relieve tension and straighten the toes. To find the best treatment for your hammertoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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