header_image_podiatry_center_fort_Lauderdale_florida
 

Foot Pain - Common Foot Ailments

By Bette Kozarek

If your feet, legs or knees are giving you pain, it's time to visit podiatrist Dr. Phillip D. DeCubellis, D.P.M. and his caring Associates Dr. Jason Evans, Dr. Leon Pearlstein and Dr. Angela Steinmetz at the Podiatry Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

DeCubellis, a specialist in diseases of the foot and leg is a graduate of the University of Southern Florida. He followed that with graduate studies at the University of Southern California at Los Angeles County Medical Center and at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Believe it or not, Dr. DeCubellis is licensed not only in Florida but also in Ohio, Illinois and Wyoming. He also has a clinical faculty appointment at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. Before moving to his present facility at 2828 E. Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale 6 years ago, he was in an office down the street for nine years.

When I asked office coordinator Michelle Alter about some of the common foot ailments that Dr. DeCubellis and his Associates treat, she replied, "some of the most common are bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, warts and heel spurs."

I was told that hammertoes and bunions are more apt to be problems for woman. Although high heels and shoes with pointed toes may be attractive to the eye, all to often, they can cause foot ailments.

"Wearing shoes that are too small or too tight can cause several foot problems," said Dr. Evans.

Ingrown toenails can be a genetic problem but they can also be caused from improper toenail trimming. Ingrown or deformed toenail tissue maybe severe enough to warrant surgical treatment.

A bone spur is an overgrowth of bone as a result of trauma or reactive stress of a ligament or tendon. The growth can cause pain and even restrict motion of a joint, depending on its location and size.

Perhaps the most common deformity of the foot is a bunion which is an enlargement of the bone and tissue around the joint of the big toe.

A hammertoe is a contracture of the toe frequently caused by an imbalance in the tendon or joints.

Corn and callus formation may occur as a hammertoe becomes more rigid over time.

Ankle fractures and sprains are also common foot ailments.

Pain control for a mild to moderate sprain is known by the acronym RICE which refers to rest, ice, compression and elevation.

A fall, accident or hard blow may cause one or more bones in the ankle to fracture or break. Treatment depends on where and how badly the ankle has been broken. A cast may be used to hold the bone in its proper position for healing.

Wounds that are resistant to healing can be a real problem. People with Diabetes and those with vascular and/or circulatory problems are prone to this situation. There are also pressure ulcers from traumatic injury that resist healing. I was told that Dr. DeCubellis is a strong believer in saving limbs rather than resorting to amputation. As you might expect, wounds that do not heal can lead to worse problems if not properly treated.

If you are looking for a caring and capable podiatrist to treat your foot pain or foot ailment, why not pay Dr. DeCubellis and his Associates at the Podiatry Center a visit. I know you will be happy you did. They accept Medicare and most insurance plans plus, they welcome Walk-ins. Call (954) 776-5700 for info.