Maintaining the hygiene of your feet is very important and can prevent painful foot and nail problems, from athlete’s foot to ingrown toenails to foot wounds. When it comes to foot hygiene, there are three main areas to pay attention to: daily foot care, toenail care, and daily foot inspections. Daily foot care consists of washing and thoroughly drying the feet each day and wearing clean socks and shoes. When caring for the toenails, you should trim them straight across regularly.  You should also use clean and sanitized nail clippers, and seek immediate care if your toenails appear discolored or misshapen. Daily foot inspections are a facet of foot care that is especially important for those who have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or poor circulation. Each day, check your feet for any abnormalities such as cuts, scrapes, sores, discoloration, lumps, and pain or strange sensations such as tingling or numbness. If you notice any foot or toenail problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid can crystallize in and around the joints, leading to painful gout flare ups which usually affect the small joints of the feet and toes. Gout flare ups can be intensely painful, making the affected joint inflamed, swollen, and stiff. Various myths exist about gout. It was once believed that gout only affects overweight or obese men, but this is not the case - anybody can get gout, regardless of their sex or size. Another common myth is that gout is not a serious or chronic condition. This is not the case, as gout can cause health complications like permanent joint damage and can become recurrent or chronic if steps are not taken to prevent future gout flare ups. Because of this, it is very important to get gout properly diagnosed and treated. If you have gout in your feet or toes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Dancing can be an intense workout and place a great deal of pressure on the feet. Certain types of dance are particularly hard on the feet, such as tap and ballet. Some of the foot problems that dancers face an increased risk of developing include fifth metatarsal fractures, ankle sprains, bunions, stress fractures, ankle impingement syndrome, trigger toe, sesamoiditis, hallux rigidus, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. Having any of these issues can make dancing difficulty, painful, or even impossible. If you are a dancer and have any foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as the pain occurs. Early detection and treatment of most foot conditions greatly improves the chances of making a full recovery, helps prevent more serious injuries, and allows you to keep on dancing.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

A foot contusion is another term for a bruise on the foot. This is typically a mild injury that occurs as a result of a direct impact to the foot. For example, you may develop a foot contusion after dropping a heavy piece of furniture on your foot or after getting kicked in the foot during a soccer match. The bruising and swelling characteristic of this injury is caused by small, damaged blood vessels leaking blood underneath the skin. Though contusions can sometimes look serious and cause discomfort or pain, they are usually not serious and get better without medical treatment. However, if you notice that the bruising, swelling, or pain is getting worse over time, or if you have trouble bearing weight on the foot, then it is suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can determine if you have a more serious injury.

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 Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors 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 Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The condition that is known as poor circulation can have a negative effect on the feet. It can be caused by medical conditions that can include diabetes and high blood pressure, and many patients can experience numbness or a tingling sensation. Noticeable symptoms can consist of cold feet, hair loss on the legs and feet, and wounds may heal slower than usual. Effective prevention methods can include stopping smoking, and incorporating a gentle exercise routine into your daily regiment. Additionally, it is beneficial to consume a diet that is full of fruits and vegetables. If your feet have become numb, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage poor circulation.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.