August 2018

Pain is typically felt on the foot near the pinky toe if you are afflicted with cuboid syndrome. Additional symptoms that can be experienced may include the area appearing red, difficulty in walking due to a lack of mobility, or possible swelling. One of the most common causes of cuboid syndrome developing may be due to ankle sprains. This type of injury may put excessive pressure on the ligaments and ankle bones, possibly resulting in the cuboid bone dislocating and moving outward. If you are afflicted with this condition, you may find moderate relief in elevating your foot, which may aid in reducing swelling. It’s suggested to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information and treatment recommendations.

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 Dr. Phu Nguyen 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 Miami, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Our feet are the most neglected parts of our bodies, so it is important that we take good care of them. As you grow older, you may notice that your feet become drier due to the lack of oil glands on them. The good news is that there are ways to help restore the lost moisture in your feet. You should use a foot cream twice a day to help rejuvenate your feet. Another helpful tip is to soak your feet in warm water mixed with honey. This may help peel off the dead skin. If you are experiencing dry or cracked heels, and at-home remedies do not work, you should meet with your podiatrist to look for a solution for your feet.

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 Dr. Phu Nguyen 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 Miami, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The pain and discomfort may be overwhelming if you experience a broken ankle. Research has shown that treatment needs to be started as quickly as possible and this may extend for a period of six to twelve weeks. There are specific symptoms that are associated with a broken ankle, including swelling and bruising, the inability to stand or walk on your foot, and the ankle appearing deformed if the bone is dislocated. An effective diagnosis is typically achieved by having an X-ray performed to determine the severity of the fracture. If the break is not severe, the patient may be fitted with a protective boot or a plaster cast in addition to using crutches, which are designed to keep the weight off the ankle. For more severe fractures, the bone may have to be realigned through manual manipulation or surgery, which may require wires and screws to be inserted into your foot. Please consult with a podiatrist if you feel you have broken your ankle to determine the proper treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Phu Nguyen from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Many people experience the feeling of their feet “falling asleep” after an extended period of inactivity. This feeling is the result of prolonged pressure on the nerves or blood vessels that supply them. However, once the pressure is gone, the sensation immediately disappears. This entire process is commonly referred to as having poor circulation in the feet. If you are looking to “wake up your feet” when they fall asleep, one of the best ways to do so is by giving them a massage. Massages help stimulate your nerves and muscles while improving circulation. The massage should be done by using warm olive oil and using circular motions to rub your feet. Another way to wake up your feet is to soak a cloth in warm water and apply it to your feet. This will help increase blood flow to the area and nerves. If you are struggling with poor circulation in your feet, it will help to speak with a podiatrist to determine the best treatment method for you.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Phu Nguyen of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness  or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 and ankle needs.