Most babies are born with flat feet, but the arch fully develops during the teenage years. There are some children that have a joint hypermobility condition, and this is referred to as low muscle tone. This may prevent the arch from developing, which could result in having flat feet in their adult years. One type of flat feet is called flexible flat feet. The ligaments hold the bones in place in addition to supporting the arches. Children who have joint hypermobility do not have the same support as those without it, and the ligaments are more flexible than normal. There are stretches and exercises that can be performed that may help to strengthen the arch. An effective stretch is done by standing up while slightly leaning back. This will propel the muscles in the front of the ankle to become stronger. Additionally, standing on one leg will activate the muscles in the ankle to maintain balance as well as stability. If you have questions about flat feet and would like to learn more about how to perform effective stretches, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.

Reflexology is a popular form of foot therapy. It is performed by applying pressure to certain reflex points on the feet which are connected to specific organs. Patients have noticed their ailments may be diminished as a result of having this type of therapy done, and it may produce a healing response in the overall body. Some therapists lightly touch the heels and surrounding areas and may pull on the toes. Having a massage performed is another form of foot therapy. This targets the tissues to relieve tension in the muscles and may possibly improve circulation. The benefits of reflexology can include boosting the immune system, balancing the body’s energy, and reducing toxins in the body. There are additional bonuses for both types of therapies, and if you would like more information, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to determine which is right for you.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

A stress fracture of the cuboid bone is said to be more common among people who run and play sports like basketball, gymnastics, and ballet. The main symptom of a cuboid stress fracture is continually building pain on the top of the foot near the 4th and 5th metatarsals. A cuboid stress fracture is considered to be a repetitive overuse injury and may be difficult to detect. At first, pain is experienced during or directly after activity, but it often progresses to pain while at rest which is a sure sign of a stress fracture, experts say. This injury may be the result of rapid increases in training distance, duration, or intensity. Other considerations are nutrition, footwear, and medications. A proper diagnosis can be made through imaging tests, such as an MRI. Treatment usually starts with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, but may include wearing a cast or boot. Surgery may be needed in more severe cases. Bone healing typically takes six to ten weeks. For further information, please consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Plantar, or foot warts, are common in children. These warts are lumps that have hardened skin, are typically gray or brown in color, and have irregular surfaces. They are usually located on the heel or sole of the foot – areas that bear most body weight. Plantar warts are not always serious, but they can affect life quality. Foot warts in kids are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are aesthetically displeasing. Not all children with HPV will get plantar warts. They can occur from walking barefoot on floors containing the virus. Warm, wet areas, like public swimming pools, bathrooms, and changing rooms, are ideal breeding grounds for the virus. Oftentimes, there is a small wound on the foot, which provides an entrance for the foot wart. Plantar warts develop very slowly and may take up to a year to become visible. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the wart. They may hurt when walking and can get infected. If your child has a plantar wart, visit a podiatrist who can offer options for treatment.

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 and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is the most common fungal infection that affects the feet. It is common in older children, and it might occur in one or both feet. This fungus grows best in warm, moist areas of the skin and between the toes. Someone with this affliction will experience red, moist, scaly, and cracked skin that can be itchy and peeling between the toes. Sometimes they will find small blisters on the bottoms and sides of the feet. This might also be accompanied by an unpleasant odor and can come back repeatedly. Home treatment of athlete’s foot includes washing and drying the child’s feet daily, moisturizing them, using antifungal powders and lotions that can be purchased over-the-counter, wearing clean socks daily, wearing shoes that breathe, not sharing shoes or socks with others, rotating shoes between wearing them, and making sure to wear footwear in public spaces like community showers, gyms, or swimming pools. If the condition is not healing, an infection develops, the feet swell, there is pus or pain, consult with a podiatrist for a more effective treatment for your child’s athlete’s foot.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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 and ankle needs.