If you suffer from arthritis, you should know that you might be at an especially high risk of experiencing complications in your feet. For example, you may experience swelling and redness in the joints of your feet or you may even have severe pain when moving your feet. There are several things you can do by yourself at home to help manage the effects of arthritis and your feet. First, to treat swelling, you might consider applying an ice pack to the affected area of the feet. You might apply the ice for ten minutes, always being sure to use a towel to separate the pack from making direct contact with the skin. If your arthritis is making you experience plantar fasciitis in your feet, you might also consider rolling your feet over a water bottle. To do this, get a cold water bottle and roll the bottom of each foot back and forth over the bottle while sitting down. If you have arthritis, it is important to contact a podiatrist who can help you manage your condition. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.

When blood circulation to the feet becomes impaired, an individual may suffer a variety of negative consequences. For example, when circulation slows, the feet can become numb, discolored, and cold. In some cases, poor circulation might even cause hair loss below the knees and cracked skin on the feet. Pregnant women and individuals suffering from diabetes are at a particular risk of suffering from poor circulation. However, there are several steps that you can take to improve and promote blood circulation to your feet. First, you might consider purchasing a pair of compression socks, which exert pressure on your feet, effectively encouraging circulation by forcing blood vessels to travel up to the heart. To promote better circulation, you might also try simply adding more physical activity to your daily routine if you are someone who spends a significant part of your day at rest. By increasing movement, you can effectively loosen arteries and facilitate blood circulation. Lastly, you might try massaging your feet to jump start blood circulation throughout the feet. Contacting a podiatrist may help you better understand ways that you can increase blood circulation in your feet.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM of Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

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 offices located in Plantation, FL Ft. Lauderdale, F . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Orthotics are defined as inserts that are placed inside of a shoe that may help with specific foot conditions. They can be prescribed for toe or foot deformities, flat feet, or plantar fasciitis. There are certain things to consider when determining if orthotics are right for you. These can consist of existing scar tissue in the foot, any foot deformities, and the patient’s activity level. An effective method to measure for custom-made orthotics includes taking a plastic mold of the patient’s feet and adding specific materials which may provide relief from existing pressure. After the orthotics are worn it is beneficial for the feet to be closely monitored. Problematic symptoms to look for include swelling, redness, or if a foot ulcer has formed. If you have a foot condition that is causing you pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively determine if orthotics are the right treatment for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

There is a medical condition that is known as dyshidrotic eczema which can produce blisters on the feet. They are generally itchy and can last several weeks. The blisters may appear on the soles of the feet or between the toes and are often uncomfortable. The first signs this ailment may be developing consist of a burning or prickly sensation on the skin of the feet. It is a long-term condition that can disappear over time and then reappear. The skin often becomes dry and using a good moisturizer may help the skin to feel better. It is beneficial to wear socks or stockings that are made from cotton or silk and to refrain from wearing any type of nylon. Additionally, it can help to wear shoes that are made from leather materials and to refrain from using harsh detergents while washing the socks. If you have a chronic condition where blisters appear on your feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult the expertise of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

While you may assume that athlete’s foot is the cause of your itchy feet, there are other possible culprits. Two other infections that can make your feet itchy are scabies, which also causes an itchy rash, and hookworm. Skin disorders, such as dyshidrotic eczema, a form of eczema that affects the feet, or psoriasis may also be to blame. Or you may be having an allergic reaction to a substance your feet have come in contact with. Peripheral or diabetic neuropathy injures nerve fibers which can then cause uncomfortable sensations in the feet, such as itchiness, pain, and numbness. Itchiness can also be a lingering after-effect of a burn on the skin of your feet. With so many possible causes of itchy feet, it makes sense to get the professional opinion of a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition properly.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.