Foot and ankle trauma can happen in a fall, sports mishap, or auto accident. During a crash, most people tense and brace for impact. The feet and ankles can absorb force from the collision and body weight. Each foot has 26 bones, plus joints, muscles, and soft tissues that support balance and movement. Damage to these structures can make standing or walking painful. Warning signs include pain, swelling, and changes in the foot’s shape. Numbness, weakness, or skin-color changes deserve attention because some injuries can worsen quickly.

Serious trauma can affect several areas of the foot. For instance, the force of an auto accident can injure the toes, middle foot, or heel when loose objects strike or crush the foot. The damage can involve puncture wounds, soft-tissue injuries, or broken and dislocated bones. A Lisfranc injury affects bones or joints in the middle of the foot and can cause lasting pain or poor balance when untreated. A heel bone fracture can happen when a strong impact crushes or breaks the heel. These problems can limit mobility and raise the risk of arthritis, infection, or an abnormal walking pattern.

A podiatrist can examine the injured area and check circulation and nerve function. X-rays and other imaging is ordered to find the type and severity of damage. Treatment options include a cast, a special boot, or supportive shoes. Some fractures, crushed bones, and severe joint injuries require surgery to restore alignment and stability. Early care can help protect movement and reduce the chance of long-term pain. Do not delay an evaluation because swelling or pain seems manageable at first. If you have foot or ankle trauma from a fall or accident, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, 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.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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 from sciatica occurs when a nerve in the lower back becomes irritated or compressed. The pain travels along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the leg and into the foot. It can affect the ankle or different areas of the foot. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, and numbness. Some patients also develop muscle weakness that affects balance or makes it harder to lift the front of the foot. The location of the pain depends on which part of the nerve is irritated.

Because sciatica can feel like a foot problem, a careful examination is important. Similar symptoms can result from an injured nerve in the foot and poor circulation or another foot condition. A podiatrist can ask where the pain begins and whether it travels down the leg. The doctor can also test strength, sensation, and reflexes. The way a patient stands and walks can provide further clues. Imaging or nerve tests can help clarify the cause when the examination does not provide enough information. Sudden weakness, loss of bladder control, or numbness around the groin requires immediate medical attention.

A podiatrist can help manage the effects that sciatic nerve pain has on the feet. Custom orthotics can improve foot position and provide better support while walking. A brace can steady the ankle when weakness causes the foot to drag or makes the joint unstable. The podiatrist can also recommend properly fitted shoes that support balance and reduce pressure on painful areas. Regular foot examinations are especially important when numbness makes cuts, blisters, or skin irritation harder to notice. The podiatrist can monitor changes in strength and walking patterns. Surgery is generally reserved for severe cases with serious or worsening nerve problems. If you have foot pain related to sciatica, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

Blisters can develop when skin repeatedly rubs against shoes, socks, or another surface. This friction can damage the upper layers of skin and cause a pocket of fluid to form. Blisters commonly appear on the feet, especially after walking, running, or other physical activity. Shoes that fit too tightly or too loosely can increase friction. Moisture can also make the skin more likely to rub and become irritated. A blister can feel tender, painful, or uncomfortable when pressure is placed on the affected area.

A podiatrist can evaluate a foot blister and determine whether it is related to friction, an infection, or another foot problem. The examination can also help identify factors that could lead to repeated blisters. Podiatric care can include protecting the affected area with appropriate dressings or padding. A podiatrist can also determine whether a large or painful blister needs to be drained safely. This can reduce pressure while helping protect the skin from further damage. Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or other conditions that affect healing can benefit from prompt evaluation of foot wounds and blisters.

Blisters should also be evaluated when they are persistent, unusually painful, or show signs of infection. These signs can include increased redness, swelling, or worsening pain. A podiatrist can assess the area and provide treatment based on the condition of the skin and the cause of the blister. Professional care can also help address pressure points or other foot concerns that contribute to repeated skin irritation. Identifying these problems can help reduce the chance of additional injury and support proper healing. A podiatrist can also check whether footwear fit, foot structure, or activity-related pressure is contributing to the problem and recommend appropriate professional care to protect the skin. If you frequently develop foot blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

A broken toe is a fracture in one of the small bones of a toe. Each of the four smaller toes has three bones, while the big toe has two. Any of these bones can break. A fracture can happen after stubbing a toe against a hard object or dropping something heavy on the foot. Pain can begin right away and make walking uncomfortable. Swelling and bruising are also typical signs. Damage around the toenail can occur with some injuries, especially when the impact is strong enough to cut the skin beneath the nail.

A podiatrist can examine an injured toe and determine whether a fracture is likely. X-rays can usually show the location of the break and help guide treatment. An injury involving bleeding or damage beneath the nail deserves prompt attention because a cut can be hidden under the nail. The position of the toe also matters. A podiatrist can check whether the broken bone remains properly aligned, and look for damage to nearby tissues. This evaluation helps separate a fracture from other injuries that can cause similar pain and swelling.

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the broken toe. Surgery is rarely required for toe fractures. A podiatrist can stabilize certain fractures by securing the injured toe to the neighboring toe, a method called buddy-taping. A hard-soled shoe can reduce painful bending of the toe when walking. Many toe fractures heal within four to six weeks. A podiatrist can monitor healing and determine when returning to sports or other physical activities is appropriate. Persistent pain or problems with walking can signal that the toe needs further evaluation. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.