Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, or CMT, is a disorder of the peripheral nerves, responsible for transmitting information to and from the brain and spinal cord. CMT disrupts these nerves, leading to sensory loss and muscle deterioration. This results in symptoms like balance problems, foot abnormalities, pain, and difficulty walking. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease is a progressive condition, worsening over time, and affecting about 150,000 people in the United States and 3 million worldwide. It is important to understand the peripheral nervous system to comprehend CMT. The peripheral nervous system links the central nervous system to organs, limbs, and skin, enabling the transmission of information and regulating functions like heartbeat and breathing. Nerve signals are carried by axons covered with myelin, akin to electrical wires in a home. CMT can cause myelin decay, slowing nerve signals and affecting longer limbs first. If you are having peripheral nerve damage affecting your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that will provide you relief with everyday functioning.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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.

Dealing with a broken ankle can be both painful and challenging. The first step is to seek medical attention for diagnosis through an X-ray. The treatment approach will depend on the severity of the fracture. Treatment options include using a specialized boot or a plaster cast to stabilize the ankle, possible bone manipulation under anesthesia, or even surgical intervention. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing progress. Once diagnosed and treated, the recovery process begins. Healing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks or longer, depending on the severity of the break. Specific post-treatment instructions include how long the boot or cast will be needed and guidelines for weight-bearing. Gradual ankle movement and prescribed exercises may be recommended to prevent stiffness. Other recovery tips include resting and elevating the ankle, taking prescribed pain relievers, and being cautious about weight bearing. Gently moving your toes and bending your knee to prevent muscle stiffness is thought to be helpful. For help in dealing with a fractured ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors 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 offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout, a form of arthritis, is characterized by painful joint swelling due to a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often affects the big toe as well as other joints. Failing to address gout can lead to lasting joint damage. Treatment for gout involves lifestyle adjustments, including alcohol avoidance and weight management, along with medication. During acute attacks, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, can alleviate pain and swelling, though they don't impact uric acid levels. Corticosteroids, taken orally or injected into affected joints, also offer relief. Colchicine, an alternative to NSAIDs, lessens inflammation if taken early. To prevent future gout occurrences, medications are used to lower uric acid levels in the body. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors limit uric acid production, while uricosuric medicines increase its elimination via urine. It is important to be aware of the adverse effects of any medication. For help with the management of gout, it is suggested that you keep in communication with a podiatrist, who is specifically trained to deal with such problems. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Recovering from an ankle sprain is an important way to prevent lingering weakness and instability in the ligaments. To enhance your ankle's range of motion after a sprain, the ABC's exercise has proved effective. While seated, trace the alphabet with your toes suspended in the air. Flexibility stretches can help by placing a towel under your foot while gently pulling back, feeling a comfortable stretch. Toe curls help to strengthen the toes and foot arch. An effective stretch is done by standing on a smooth surface and scrunching a towel under your foot. Eversion and inversion exercises also help to build ankle strength. While seated in a chair, use a towel to help glide your foot outward and inward with slow, controlled movements to avoid strain. For added strength, toe lifts can be an effective stretch, which is done by gently lifting your toes while keeping your heel grounded. Weight-shifting exercises are beneficial in promoting balance and stability. This is done by gradually shifting your weight from side to side while maintaining proper form. Any of these exercises should be done with your podiatrist’s approval and without causing pain. For more information, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor for additional stretches for ankle sprains.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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 and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are uncomfortable growths on the soles of the feet and can create quite a nuisance. Caused by the human papillomavirus, which is abbreviated HPV, the virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. The ideal environment for this to occur is warm and damp, such as swimming pools or communal showers. The pressure from walking or standing can push these warts inward, making them appear flat. While plantar warts can sometimes resolve on their own, treatment is often sought to alleviate pain and prevent their spread. Over-the-counter topical treatments containing salicylic acid may help to gradually dissolve the wart. Medical interventions such as freezing the wart, which is referred to as cryotherapy, or minor surgical removal may be recommended by a podiatrist. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can guide you toward the treatment method that is right for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 and ankle needs.