Wearing the right shoes plays an important role in protecting foot health and preventing pain. Shoes that fit correctly help support the feet while walking and standing. Poorly fitting shoes can place extra pressure on certain areas of the foot and contribute to problems, such as bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes. A hammertoe is a toe that bends abnormally at one of its joints. Shoes with a wide toe box give the toes enough room to move naturally. The toe box is the front part of the shoe that surrounds the toes. Proper shoes also help distribute body weight more evenly across the foot, reducing stress on joints and soft tissues.

Several features make a shoe healthier for the feet. Shoes with low heels place less pressure on the front of the foot than high-heeled shoes. A wide and deep toe box helps prevent crowding of the toes. Breathable materials allow air to circulate around the feet. Lace-up shoes usually provide a more secure fit than slip-on styles. A firm heel counter, which is the back portion of the shoe, helps keep the foot stable. The sole should provide cushioning and support. A shoe should also allow the ball of the foot to rest comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, walking patterns, and shoe-related problems. Foot pain sometimes develops because shoes do not match the shape or needs of the feet. A podiatrist can identify pressure points, diagnose shoe-related conditions, and recommend footwear that offers better support and comfort. In some cases, special shoes or custom orthotics worn inside shoes help improve foot function. Professional evaluation can also help prevent existing foot conditions from becoming more serious. If you have foot pain that worsens when wearing shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on how to choose shoes that fit properly. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Foot pain can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It may appear as aching, sharp discomfort, or a burning sensation in different parts of the foot. This pain often develops from repeated stress, poor foot mechanics, or improper footwear. Underlying conditions, such as flat feet or high arches, may also contribute. Risk factors include standing for long periods, carrying excess weight, and playing certain sports. Strain on soft tissues can lead to a number of conditions. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the heel tissue. Fat pad atrophy occurs when the natural cushioning on the heels thins. Morton’s neuroma develops from a thickening of nerve tissue, commonly between the third and fourth toes. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, order X-rays and digital imaging, and create targeted treatment plans to relieve pain and restore function. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition affecting the strong tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Early changes often involve irritation from sudden increases in activity or repeated strain, causing pain, stiffness, and tenderness, especially after movement. If stress continues, the tendon may begin to lose its normal structure, making healing less efficient and symptoms more persistent. Over time, long-standing damage can develop, with thickening, weakness, and ongoing discomfort that may limit walking, exercise, or daily activity. At this stage, the tendon is more vulnerable to serious injury. Because symptoms can worsen gradually, many people delay treatment until the condition becomes harder to manage. A podiatrist can evaluate tendon function, identify contributing movement patterns, and recommend treatment based on how advanced the condition has become. If you have recurring pain or stiffness near the back of the heel, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

A plantar wart is a growth that appears on the bottom of the foot. It is caused by a virus that enters through small breaks in the skin. A plantar wart often looks round and may feel firm or rough to the touch. Unlike many raised warts, plantar warts are usually flat because body weight pushes them inward. One key sign is the presence of tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels within the wart. Warts commonly develop on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot and can become painful when walking. They may also form in clusters, which can increase discomfort. A podiatrist can examine the area and confirm the diagnosis. Treatment measures to reduce pain and remove the wart safely include freezing or burning off the growth as well as prescribing certain medications. If you have symptoms of a plantar wart, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo 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 office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.