Items filtered by date: March 2017

In a recent study conducted in the Boston area, correlations between obesity, foot pain, and foot disorders were investigated. The sample size of the study was 2445 men and women with an average age of 68. In men, severe obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m^2 or more, was found to be associated with foot pain. For women, both moderate (30-34.99) and severe obesity were associated with foot pain. The general conclusion of the study was that regardless of foot posture and dynamic foot function, as one’s BMI increased the likelihood of foot pain increased as well.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

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Monday, 20 March 2017 00:00

Managing Athlete's Foot

Anyone that has ever had Athlete’s foot knows how much of a nuisance it is.  It itches and itches, and no amount of scratching will make it relent.  The foot gets red, and pain can quickly ensue.  Athlete’s foot is a fungus, and like most fungi, thrives in warm, moist environments.  The gym is a perfect place for this fungus, so it is important to remember to wear sandals when showering after your workout.  Keep your feet dry, make sure to clean them well, and change your socks daily.  If your feet are prone to sweating you may have an increased risk of Athlete’s foot, so double your efforts in this regard.  If you do contract the disease, over the counter treatment options are available, and are quite effective.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

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Monday, 13 March 2017 00:00

Finding the Right Shoes Online

As the internet has become a popular go-to place for shopping, you may find yourself buying shoes online. However, as with all shopping online, it’s important to make sure that you know what you’re buying. One critical component of shopping for shoes is finding the right shoe size. Make sure that you know what brand you are buying online, as sizes can vary across brands, and make sure to inspect the return policy. Take the time to understand the product specifications, including heel height and width. As soon as you receive the shoes, test the shoes out indoors.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

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Monday, 06 March 2017 00:00

The Role of Podiatrists

Podiatrists are doctors that specialize in and specifically treat all things related to the feet. Podiatrists are particularly important for maintaining regular foot care, as “three out of four Americans experience serious foot problems in their lifetimes.” Foot ailments should never be overlooked, as they can be an indicator of more serious problems like diabetes. An important part of proper foot care, as recommended by podiatrists, is wearing properly-fitting shoes. Improperly-fitting shoes not only are uncomfortable, but can impact your foot structure and eventually lead to long-term foot problems.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

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