Items filtered by date: November 2025

The foot is a complex structure made to support movement, balance, and weight. It is built from key bones, such as the talus, calcaneus, and cuboid, along with many smaller bones that work together through a network of 33 joints. Numerous tendons and ligaments connect these bones and allow the foot to move smoothly while providing strength and stability. These parts work as a unified system to help you stand, walk, and adapt to different surfaces. A podiatrist can evaluate how well your foot structures are functioning, identify sources of pain, and recommend treatments that restore comfort and mobility. If foot pain is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

Foot pain can develop in almost any area, and each spot can tell a different story. Discomfort in the heel may be caused by plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, while aching in the arch often points to strain, flat feet, or tendon irritation. Pain across the top of the foot may come from wearing tight shoes, joint inflammation, or small stress fractures. Pain near the toes, bunions, hammertoes, or pinched nerves can make walking uncomfortable. Because the foot’s structure is so intricate, even a small imbalance or change in gait can create widespread discomfort. A podiatrist can pinpoint the true source of pain and provide targeted treatment, from custom orthotics and footwear guidance to targeted exercises and pain relief options. If foot pain is keeping you from moving comfortably, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and sometimes infection. This common problem can make even the simplest tasks uncomfortable, especially when wearing shoes. A podiatrist can relieve the pressure by gently lifting or trimming the affected nail, and treating any infection that may be present. For more advanced cases, a minor in-office procedure can prevent the nail from growing inward again. Wearing shoes with adequate toe room and trimming nails straight across can help reduce future problems. Proper care not only eases discomfort, but also restores confidence in walking and daily movement. If you notice swelling, pain, or drainage around your toenail, it is suggested you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone on the outer side of the foot becomes partially displaced or irritated, often due to overuse, ankle sprains, or repetitive stress. This condition can cause sharp pain along the outside of the foot, especially while walking or pushing off. Because it can mimic other injuries, proper diagnosis is essential. A podiatrist will carefully examine the foot, assess joint mobility, and may perform imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment often includes gentle manipulation to realign the bone, padding or taping to stabilize the area, and custom orthotics to prevent recurrence. Targeted exercises may also be given to restore strength and flexibility. If you experience persistent pain on the outer side of your foot or discomfort after activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and personalized care.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.