Foot pain during pregnancy can result from several natural changes in the body. Weight gain places extra pressure on the feet, while hormonal fluctuations can loosen ligaments and lead to changes in foot structure. Swelling may also occur and contribute to discomfort. Some women may develop flat feet as the arches lower under added strain. Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support can worsen symptoms. Types of foot pain include arch pain, heel pain, and general fatigue. Risk factors include prolonged standing, poor footwear, and increased body weight. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, recommend supportive shoes or custom orthotics, and provide care to reduce discomfort. If you have developed any type of foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Amy DeGirolamo, DPM from Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

When a toenail separates from the skin beneath it, the condition is called onycholysis. This can make the nail look white or yellow where it has lifted, while the rest of the nail remains pink. The area may collect debris and can sometimes develop an odor or mild discomfort. Causes of toenail separation include repeated pressure from shoes, direct injury, and fungal infection. Certain medical conditions that affect nail growth may also be a factor. In some cases, the nail edge becomes uneven or thickened as it pulls away from the nail bed. A podiatrist can examine the nail closely, determine the cause, and check for infection or underlying disease.  Trimming the damaged portion and testing nail samples may also be involved. Treatment plans include managing infection, reducing pressure on the nail, and guiding healthy regrowth. If your toenail lifts from the nail bed, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Amy DeGirolamo, DPM of Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Toenail fungus can develop for several reasons related to environment, nail health, and overall foot care. This infection affects the nail unit, which protects the toes and helps support balance and pressure during walking. It commonly begins when fungi  enter the body  through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. and it occurs in warm, moist environments like inside tight shoes or damp socks. Over time, the nail may become thickened, brittle, and discolored. It can appear yellow, white, or brown and may lift from the nail bed or develop a crumbly texture. A podiatrist can examine the nail and may perform tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include topical or oral antifungal medications, professional trimming or thinning of the nail, and guidance on proper hygiene and footwear to reduce recurrence. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Amy DeGirolamo, DPM of Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Pain in the feet and ankles is extremely common among young dancers training at an advanced level. Different dance styles place unique demands on the body, which can affect where and how often injuries occur. Ballet, for example, tends to show the greatest overall number of dancers dealing with foot and ankle discomfort, likely due to repetitive movements like pointe work and strict technique. On the other hand, contemporary dance often sees more new cases developing over time, possibly because of its dynamic and unpredictable movements. The location of pain can also vary depending on the style, with certain areas of the foot or ankle being stressed more in specific genres. Understanding these patterns can help dancers and coaches focus on prevention, proper technique, and recovery strategies. If you are a dancer and have persistent foot or ankle discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Amy DeGirolamo, DPM from Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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