Items filtered by date: February 2024

Surgery for flat feet, or pes planus, aims to correct the underlying structural issues in the foot and alleviate associated symptoms. The surgical approach depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's symptoms. In cases where conservative treatments such as wearing orthotic inserts fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered. One common surgical procedure for flat feet is the realignment of the bones and tendons in the foot to restore the arch and improve stability. This may involve techniques such as tendon transfers, osteotomies, which are bone cuts, or fusion procedures to correct deformities and improve foot function. Another option is the insertion of implants or grafts to support the arch and provide long-term stability. Surgical correction of flat feet requires careful evaluation and planning by a qualified podiatrist to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize risks. If you have flat feet that are causing you pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is an option for you to consider.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Janale Beckford, DPM of Tampa Podiatrists . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Athletes often develop various foot issues. A male ballet dancer experiences sudden lateral foot pain after landing from a jump, fearing it may end his career. A basketball player suffers acute pain after twisting his ankle during a game, and is now using crutches. A female ballet dancer faces persistent lateral foot pain hindering her rehearsals, despite treatments over two years. These cases share a common condition often overlooked and known as cuboid subluxation. This involves injury to the joints and ligaments around the cuboid bone, causing lateral foot pain and weakness during push-off. Diagnosis involves physical examination, as imaging may not clearly show the condition. Treatment includes manipulation to realign the cuboid, followed by supportive measures like taping and orthotics. Addressing biomechanical issues is important for recovery, ensuring athletes can return to their activities safely. If you are an athlete and have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to prevent worsening of symptoms and obtain appropriate treatment for the diagnosis.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Janale Beckford, DPM from Tampa Podiatrists . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Foot blisters, those fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin, often arise from a combination of factors, shedding light on the intricate nature of their formation. In scenarios of low friction, prolonged moisture exposure, and ill-fitting footwear, the outer layer of the skin becomes susceptible to damage. Excessive moisture softens the skin, making it more prone to friction and subsequent blistering. Additionally, wearing tight or poorly cushioned shoes can create constant rubbing against the skin, aggravating the vulnerability. Soft tissue distortions, such as bunions or hammertoes, contribute to increased pressure on specific areas of the foot, intensifying the likelihood of blister formation. Understanding the interplay of these factors underscores the importance of proper footwear, moisture management, and addressing foot deformities to prevent blistering. By acknowledging the various causes of foot blisters, patients can take proactive measures to safeguard their feet and maintain optimal skin health. If you have developed blisters on your feet that have become infected, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat this condition, and offer effective blister prevention techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Janale Beckford, DPM of Tampa Podiatrists . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Each toe consists of two or three small and delicate bones that are susceptible to fractures, commonly caused by incidents like stubbing your toe or heavy object impacts. Most broken toes can be managed without surgery and treated conservatively. However, severe injuries include situations where the toe becomes crooked, there is an open wound, or if it involves the big toe, necessitating care from a podiatrist. In cases involving the big toe, casting or splinting may be required for healing, with occasional surgery if bone fragments disrupt proper healing. Symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, stiffness, and bruising lasting up to two weeks. Crooked toes may need realignment, either with or without surgery. Initial symptom relief involves rest, elevation, and pain relievers. Buddy taping and wearing appropriate footwear can assist healing, with gradual resumption of activity once swelling subsides. If you have broken your toe and you have concerning symptoms, such as numbness, increased pain or swelling, open wounds, fever, slow healing, or unusual discoloration, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Janale Beckford, DPM from Tampa Podiatrists . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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