October 2020

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain on the inside of the ankle or heel. This pain often radiates into the sole of the foot. The pain can have a sharp, shooting, electrical, dull, or burning sensation, and is frequently accompanied by numbness. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Non-surgical treatments include wearing more comfortable shoes or orthotics to better support the foot and to disperse force more evenly across the foot, performing stretching and strengthening exercises, losing weight, modifying daily activities to limit repeated injury to the foot, and getting corticosteroid injections into the affected area or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. To find out which treatment option is best for you, consult with a podiatrist today.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Gary L. Curson, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Broken toes can be very painful and require professional attention. Common symptoms that indicate your toe may be broken include pain, bruising of the affected area or toenail, swelling, and redness. The toe may also appear bent out of shape, and in severe cases the bone may stick out of the skin. Discoloration may also appear on the toenail of the broken toe, as it is common for blood to collect under the nail. In some cases, the nail may even fall off. For a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan, please seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

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 Gary L. Curson, DPM from Florida. 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 Surfside, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are an uncomfortable condition that may cause a great deal of pain. When the skin of the heels are dry enough, they can begin to become callused, cracked, and in severe cases deep fissures that may bleed can form. There are many different reasons why these cracks develop, but some of the risk factors can include obesity, prolonged standing, psoriasis, and diabetes. To help prevent cracked heels, it is recommended to avoid wearing open-heeled shoes and flip-flops, and to apply a good moisturizer to the feet after they have been washed and dried thoroughly. For more information on how to treat cracked heels, please seek the professional advice of a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Gary L. Curson, DPM from Florida. 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 Surfside, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running has been a popular hobby for many years. It is considered to be relatively simple to begin, but it requires a good pair of shoes that fit correctly. It is important to prevent running injuries from occurring, and this can be accomplished by performing foot stretches to warm up and cool down before and after each run. Additionally, it is beneficial to increase mileage and speed slowly, as this can make it easier for your body to adapt to running. Many people incorporate strength training and other cardio workouts that can help the body to become stronger, and this can often contribute significantly in preventing running injuries. If you are interested in pursuing running, but worry about your foot health, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gary L. Curson, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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