Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot due to a viral infection in the skin. They often appear as small, rough areas with tiny black dots and may feel tender when walking or standing. Unlike other warts, they can grow inward because of pressure from body weight, creating a sensation similar to stepping on a pebble. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, so it is commonly spread in locker rooms, around pools, or shared surfaces. A podiatrist can identify plantar warts through examination and may gently trim the area to reduce pressure and confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include topical medications, freezing, or other in-office procedures designed to remove the wart and reduce recurrence. Early care can help prevent spread and discomfort. If you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 offices located in Plantation, FL Ft. Lauderdale, F . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain can develop for many reasons, ranging from mild strain to serious injury. A common cause of ankle pain is a sprain, which happens when the strong bands of tissue that connect bones in the ankle joint are stretched or torn. This may happen during sudden twisting or overuse. Achilles tendonitis is another source of ankle discomfort. It involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the thick cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Bursitis may also lead to ankle pain. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the ankle joint, and when they become irritated, swelling and aching can occur. In more severe cases, ankle pain may result from a break in one of the bones that form the ankle joint. A podiatrist can perform a thorough evaluation, use X-rays and other imaging to determine the cause, and create a treatment plan to reduce pain and restore mobility. If ankle pain is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plantation, FL Ft. Lauderdale, F . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching the toes plays an important role in maintaining healthy feet. The toes contain joints, muscles, and tendons that help support balance and movement while walking or standing. When they become stiff, the toes may not move normally, which can lead to discomfort or reduced flexibility. Regular toe stretching helps improve mobility, allowing the toes to move through their full range of motion. It can also improve blood flow, which supports healthy tissue and may reduce swelling. Flexible toes also help the foot absorb pressure more evenly when walking, which may lower the risk of strain or injury. Stretching can also support proper alignment of the toes and forefoot, an area that includes the bones just behind the toes. A podiatrist can examine the toes and feet to identify stiffness, imbalance, or developing conditions like bunions or hammertoes. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Numbness in the big toe can develop when nerves that supply sensation become irritated, compressed, or damaged. Common causes include injury to the foot, nerve damage, bunions that place pressure on nearby nerves, and wearing tight-fitting shoes that restrict normal circulation and nerve function. Chronic health conditions like diabetes may also contribute to nerve-related changes that lead to numbness. Risk factors include repetitive pressure on the foot, poor footwear choices, structural foot problems, and underlying medical conditions. Symptoms may include tingling, reduced sensation, burning discomfort, or weakness in the toe area. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve health, foot structure, and footwear habits to guide treatment and relieve pressure on affected nerves. If numbness persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.