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March 2019

Monday, 25 March 2019 00:00

Have I Broken My Toe?

Broken toes are typically caused by an injury, or if a heavy object has been dropped on it. Some of the symptoms that may be associated with this condition may consist of severe pain and discomfort, bruising, or swelling. Many patients may find it difficult to walk if they have broken their toe, and this may be a result of an infection that may have developed. Additionally, walking may be hindered because the toe may feel stiff, and the nail bed may have been injured. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically involves having X-rays taken, the correct treatment can begin. Mild relief may be found by elevating the foot, in addition to putting minimum weight on it. It may be helpful to tape the injured toe to the toe next to it, and this may provide adequate stability as the healing process occurs. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Adam Auster from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Miami Shores and South Miami, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 18 March 2019 00:00

What Is Gout?

Common symptoms from the condition known as gout may include swelling and tenderness of the big toe. Many patients may also be aware of the severe pain and discomfort gout may cause. It is known to lodge uric acid crystals in the joints, and this generally occurs in the big toe. Elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream is typically the reason for this condition to develop, and it may be a result of the body’s inability to excrete uric acid via the kidneys. If certain foods are frequently ingested, this may lead to the formation of gout. These can include shellfish, excessive amounts of alcohol, or red meat. There may also be a connection between patients who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and the development of gout. If you are suffering from gout, speak to a podiatrist who can prescribe you the proper treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Adam Auster from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

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Published in Blog
Monday, 11 March 2019 00:00

Foot Surgery May Bring Relief

Many patients have foot conditions that may benefit from having foot surgery performed. This is often recommended if traditional treatment has been unsuccessful, and may be considered to find relief. Fusion surgery may help patients who have arthritis in the foot or ankle. The purpose of having this type of surgery performed is to eliminate pain and discomfort by fusing the bones together. Patients who have chronic heel pain may benefit from having heel surgery performed. This may be an option for people who are afflicted with plantar fasciitis. If you are feeling numbness or a tingling sensation in your toes, neuroma surgery may be a choice to consider. This is performed by removing a small part of the nerve, which may bring relief. If you have foot pain and are thinking about having surgery performed, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist who can properly guide you in determining if this is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Adam Auster of Florida. 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 offices located in Miami Shores and South Miami, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Monday, 04 March 2019 00:00

Causes of Blisters

A blister that develops on the foot can be painful and uncomfortable. It is most likely caused by excessive friction that occurs in one area of the skin. The outer layer of the skin disintegrates, and a small pocket of fluid forms over the raw skin. This is the body’s natural defense mechanism to protect the damaged skin. There may be other reasons why blisters may develop. These may include an allergic reaction to a bee sting or insect bite. Additionally, if the skin is burned by flames or frostbite, blisters may form to possibly prevent infection. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to the formation of blisters, including contact dermatitis, or eczema. It is important to leave the blister alone, and it may drain on its own when the raw skin has healed. If you have a blister on your foot that has become discolored or does not heal, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can prescribe medication, if necessary.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Adam Auster of Florida. 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 Miami Shores and South Miami, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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