Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged, disrupting communication with the feet. Many patients first notice numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp shooting pain that often begins in the toes and gradually spreads upward. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel temperature, pressure, or injury, increasing the risk of unnoticed blisters, sores, and balance problems while walking. Diabetes is the most common cause, as long-term elevated blood sugar damages nerve fibers and circulation. Other causes include traumatic injury, poor blood flow, infections, autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, kidney or liver disease, toxin exposure, and certain cancers. A podiatrist can perform neurological and vascular testing, evaluate skin integrity, manage pressure areas, and provide medical care to help prevent infection and tissue breakdown. If you have foot problems associated with peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

A bunion develops when the bones and soft tissues around the big toe joint slowly lose their normal alignment and stability. The process often begins when the small supporting bones and ligaments beneath the joint weaken and no longer hold the toe in its proper position. As this support breaks down, the base of the big toe starts to shift outward, forming a bump, while the top of the big toe angles toward the second toe. This causes the tendons that help bend and straighten the big toe to be pulled out of place, which increases the sideways drift of the toe. A muscle along the outside of the foot then pulls the big toe into a twisted position, making the joint unstable. Over time, the joint rotates and becomes loose, leading to a visibly angled big toe and the prominent bump seen with a bunion. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM of Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Swollen feet often occur with additional symptoms that help clarify what is happening. Bruising or unexplained bleeding may suggest injury or vascular concerns. A burning sensation can point to nerve irritation or inflammation. Changes in pulse strength, including a weak or absent pulse, may signal circulation problems. Some people notice difficulty moving the foot, ankle, or toes, along with stiffness or pain that limits range of motion. Swelling can also make standing or walking uncomfortable or unstable. Itching may occur as skin stretches, while lumps or nodules can form around joints or soft tissue. These combined signs provide important diagnostic clues. A podiatrist evaluates circulation, nerve response, joint function, and skin health to determine the cause. When swelling appears alongside these changes, it is suggested that prompt evaluation be sought by a podiatrist to help guide appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM of Segall Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Plantation, FL Ft. Lauderdale, F . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals within the joints, leading to intense inflammation and discomfort. Symptoms often appear suddenly, and may include swelling, redness, warmth, and severe pain that frequently affects the big toe, but can involve other joints of the foot and ankle. These attacks may occur without warning and can limit walking and daily activity. Causes include elevated uric acid levels in the blood, which may be influenced by diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Risk factors include obesity, family history, medications, and metabolic disorders. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a clinical evaluation, manage painful flare-ups, and develop a treatment plan to protect joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management techniques.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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