Fibromyalgia can cause persistent foot pain, often affecting the heels, arches, toes, and ankles. This chronic disorder heightens sensitivity in the nervous system, making weight-bearing activities uncomfortable. Many patients experience aching, burning, or stabbing sensations in their feet, which can fluctuate in intensity. Stiffness, swelling, and tenderness are also common, particularly in the morning or after prolonged standing. Poor circulation, common in fibromyalgia, may contribute to cold feet or a tingling sensation. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or prolonged pressure on the feet can worsen symptoms, making everyday movement difficult. While fibromyalgia does not directly damage the foot’s structure, ongoing pain and discomfort can alter walking patterns, leading to strain in the ankles and an increased risk of imbalance. A podiatrist can assess your foot mechanics, recommend supportive footwear, and provide custom orthotics to ease discomfort. They may also suggest additional treatments to improve mobility and alleviate pain. If you have foot pain connected to fibromyalgia, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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 problems in children are more common than many parents realize, and addressing them early can prevent long-term problems. One of the most common issues is toeing, where a child may walk with their toes pointed inward, known as in-toeing, or outward, referred to as out-toeing. Both conditions are typically caused by alignment issues but may resolve with time. Athlete's foot is another frequent issue, caused by fungal infections that can lead to itching, redness, and peeling skin. Ankle sprains are common in active children and occur when the ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear during physical activities. Ingrown toenails, which form when the edges of nails grow into the skin, can be painful and lead to infections. Additionally, plantar warts, caused by a viral infection, can also affect children’s feet, causing growths on the soles. If your child has foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Clubfoot, or talipes equinovarus, is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot turns downward and inward, often affecting the alignment and mobility of the foot and ankle. In true clubfoot, structural abnormalities in the bones or underdevelopment of the calf muscles are present. In positional clubfoot, this condition is the result of how the baby was positioned in the womb. Other congenital foot deformities include metatarsus adductus, where the foot turns inward and joint mobility may be limited, and metatarsus varus, which causes the foot’s bottom surface to turn inward, raising the arch. Talipes calcaneovalgus presents with a backward-bent foot and outward-facing heel. These congenital abnormalities can affect a child’s ability to bear weight and walk as they grow. A podiatrist can assess the severity of these conditions and recommend corrective casting, bracing, or surgery, if needed. If your child is born with a foot abnormality, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Longwood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the right shoes is essential for people with bunions, as these bony protrusions on the side of the big toe joint can lead to chronic discomfort and mobility issues. Shoes that provide relief should have a wide, roomy toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion and surrounding toes. Soft, flexible materials like leather or mesh can help prevent irritation. Heels no higher than two inches and cushioned soles offer added support and stability. Extra-depth shoes may be beneficial for accommodating bunions and any associated issues such as corns or calluses. Adjustable features, like laces or straps, allow for a better fit as feet change over time. Orthotic inserts can be added to relieve pressure, support the arch, and improve alignment. A podiatrist can guide patients in selecting the most appropriate footwear or, if needed, recommend custom-made shoe inserts to address severe deformities. If you have problematic or painful bunions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options, which may include shoe selection.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can sometimes be a sign of underlying thyroid issues. The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating metabolism and skin health. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, can lead to dry skin, which may result in cracked heels. Dryness, along with thickened or rough skin, can occur when thyroid dysfunction affects the body's ability to retain moisture in the skin. This makes the feet more prone to cracking, especially when combined with other factors, such as standing for long periods or wearing improper footwear. Treating the underlying thyroid condition can improve skin health, including preventing or reducing the occurrence of cracked heels and promoting overall foot well-being. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief options, which may include prescribed medication. 

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.