Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that develop due to poor circulation and nerve damage. These ulcers commonly form on pressure areas of the foot and may heal slowly, increasing the risk of infection. Treatment typically involves a combination of approaches to support healing and reduce complications. Standard care includes cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue, and reducing pressure with specialized footwear or devices. Additional therapies may include advanced dressings, infection control, and methods to improve circulation. A podiatrist can evaluate the ulcer, assess overall foot health, and determine the most appropriate plan of care. If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions and management advice.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Foot and ankle surgery requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and clear communication between the patient and podiatrist. Before the procedure begins, both groups place high importance on understanding the plan, confirming the correct surgical location, and completing safety checks to prevent errors. These steps help create a safe and organized environment in the operating room. During the procedure, podiatrists focus on precise handling of tissues and the most essential technical parts of the operation. These critical steps are key to restoring movement and protecting surrounding structures. Patients often place greater importance on visible parts of the procedure, such as when the surgery begins and ends, while podiatrists concentrate more on the deeper and complex aspects. If you are anticipating foot or ankle surgery, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ask questions before surgery, enabling you to feel confident and support a smoother recovery process.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM 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 office located in Longwood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Fungal toenail infections develop when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail, causing thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. These infections often return because fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes and public spaces. Reinfection can also happen if treatment is stopped too soon or shoes are not properly disinfected. Beyond over-the-counter and prescription medications, a podiatrist can provide advanced care, including professional nail debridement to reduce thickness, stronger topical treatments, oral antifungal therapy, and, in some cases, laser treatment to target the infection. Regular monitoring helps ensure the infection is fully cleared. Preventive steps like keeping feet dry, wearing breathable shoes, and avoiding barefoot exposure are essential. If the infection continues or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for comprehensive treatment.

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 Melissa C. Verde, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 Longwood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is often described as sharp heel pain with first steps, but many people notice it behaves in less predictable ways. The plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, helps store and release energy with each step. When it becomes irritated, the pain may ease after moving, then return later in the day or after standing too long. Tight calves, changes in activity, or even long periods of sitting can all play a role. It is not always about overuse. Wearing supportive shoes, gentle stretching, and pacing daily activity can help calm symptoms. Avoiding sudden increases in walking or exercise is also important. Early attention can prevent a longer recovery. If heel discomfort lingers or keeps returning, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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