A bunion is a bony bump that can develop on the side of the big toe. If a patient does not respond to more conservative treatments to correct this deformity, then a surgical procedure might be recommended in some cases. Following the surgical procedure, your podiatrist may advise that some kind of physical therapy is performed. Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, might be recommended where the intention is to decrease swelling in the affected area. Potential physical therapy options might also include some kind of gait training, where a physical therapist helps you walk normally or correct any limping tendencies. Lastly, proprioceptive balance training might be another form of physical therapy that is meant to improve and increase stability. If you have bunions and want to learn more about physical therapy following a surgical procedure, contact a podiatrist today.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM of FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Excessively dry skin can lead to a foot condition known as cracked heels. The cracks can become deep if not treated promptly and these are referred to as fissures. People who develop cracked heels can have pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk. Fissures can develop as the heel endures the weight of the body and the fat pad that is found under the skin can flatten out. This foot condition can develop in patients who wear shoes with an open back or stand for the majority of the day. Additionally, obesity may play a significant role in the development of cracked heels as well as existing medical conditions. These conditions might include dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. Treatment methods can consist of limiting the amount of standing that is done on hard or uneven surfaces and it can help to apply a good moisturizer. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, please consult with a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options and prevention methods.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Just as with adults, children’s foot care is important to their health and wellbeing. Children’s feet are more delicate, and they are still growing. Properly fitted shoes are vital. Children can also experience unique foot disorders, such as Sever’s disease, flatfoot, plantar warts, or other conditions or deformities. Most children with flat feet do not have pain, but sometimes this can cause difficulty in a child’s participation in sports, or they may walk or run awkwardly. It can cause pain or cramping in the feet, legs, or knees. Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the heel’s growth plate that usually affects kids between ages 8 and 14 because the heel bone is not yet fully developed. Plantar warts can develop on the feet, usually the soles, from the human papilloma virus (HPV). These warts can be deep in the skin and be painful when walking or standing. Should your child have a problem with their feet or they are experiencing foot pain, seek treatment from a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM of FootWorx Active Podiatry. 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 office located in Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There should be no shame in being overweight or obese, but when your feet hurt because of your weight it might be time to make some lifestyle changes and see a podiatrist. The heavier you are, the more pressure and pain your feet can feel. It is said that your feet can take up to three times your body weight in force. Excess weight may cause gout, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or osteoarthritis, among other afflictions. Being overweight can also lead to health conditions that affect the feet, such as type-2 diabetes, which can cause neuropathy and eventually amputation. Foot pain can make it hard to exercise and may interfere with losing weight which can cause a vicious cycle. You can appreciate your body and live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet can lead to weight loss even without exercise. It is important to stick to diet changes for 20 days or more for it to become a habit. Other things you can do to improve the comfort of your feet include wearing padded socks, not going barefoot, keeping your feet clean and dry, checking your feet regularly for cuts or bruises, and wearing well-fitting supportive shoes. If you are overweight and suffering from foot pain, consider seeing a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and help in this area.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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