Bone spurs in the feet, also called osteophytes, form when the body produces extra calcium in response to stress, friction, or inflammation. These growths are not always painful, but they can interfere with nearby tissues and cause discomfort. Heel spurs are one of the most common types. They develop beneath the heel bone from strain on the plantar fascia or at the back of the heel due to tension from the Achilles tendon. Tarsal spurs occur in the midfoot, either on the top or bottom, and often make wearing shoes painful because of pressure against the spur. Toe joint spurs typically affect the big toe, leading to stiffness, limited motion, and pain while walking, especially when arthritis is present. A podiatrist can determine the cause of the bone spur, relieve pressure on surrounding structures, and recommend treatment. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors 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 offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hallux valgus, more commonly known as a bunion, is caused by a change in the alignment of the toes. A bump forms at the base of the big toe as the top moves inward toward the other toes. As the condition progresses, it can cause pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty in finding comfortable shoes. In some cases, the misalignment can result in additional issues like hammertoes. Bunions are often caused by an inherited foot structure, wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, and repetitive stress on the feet. Conditions like flat feet or arthritis can also contribute to the development of hallux valgus. A podiatrist can help manage bunions by offering conservative treatments, including custom orthotics, shoe modifications, and padding to alleviate pressure. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity and relieve pain. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity has also brought an increase in foot and ankle injuries among players. Quick pivots, sudden lunges, and rapid stops put significant stress on the feet, often leading to plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendon ruptures. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, is especially vulnerable during explosive movements causing tears or ruptures. Strains of the peroneal tendons along the outside of the ankle or stress fractures of the metatarsals in the forefoot may result from repetitive pounding on hard surfaces. Mild sprains or bruising can impact stability, making it harder to push off, jump, or change direction. A podiatrist can provide a full evaluation, order imaging if necessary, and offer advanced treatment options to restore mobility and reduce long-term complications. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain after playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Some babies are born with foot deformities that affect the way the toes, arches, or ankles are positioned. Clubfoot, for example, causes the foot to twist downward and inward. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed if casting does not correct the shape. Metatarsus adductus results in the front of the foot turning inward, while metatarsus varus causes the sole to angle inward with a high arch. A congenital foot condition known as talipes calcaneovalgus occurs when the foot bends upward with the heel turned outward. Flat feet, medically known as pes planus, occur when the arch does not develop as expected. Each of these conditions may interfere with normal foot function, if not addressed early. A podiatrist can diagnose these problems, guide appropriate treatment, and support healthy development. If your newborn exhibits signs of developmental foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors 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 offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people age, foot problems can greatly increase the risk of falling. Weakness, frailty, and exhaustion may affect mobility, while gait alterations and balance difficulties make walking less stable. Common conditions, such as bunions or the loss of natural fat pads on the feet, can cause pain, pressure, and instability. These issues may lead to reduced confidence and a higher chance of falls, which can result in serious injury. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, provide treatment for pain, recommend supportive footwear, and design strategies to improve balance and safety. If you or a loved one have foot or ankle pain from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment tips for various foot conditions. 

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.