Items filtered by date: June 2025
Why the Right Shoes Matter When Playing Pickleball

Pickleball may look low impact, but the quick stops, sharp turns, and constant movement can take a toll on the feet. Wearing shoes designed for the sport makes a noticeable difference. Pickleball shoes offer the kind of lateral support and sole stability that everyday sneakers often lack. This helps reduce the risk of ankle sprains, heel pain, and arch strain. The right pair can also absorb shock better and provide a firm grip on the court, lowering the chance of slipping. Breathable materials and a reinforced toe box add to both comfort and protection, especially during long matches or frequent play. Whether you are new to the game or playing several times a week, proper footwear can help you move with more confidence and less risk. If you are experiencing foot pain during or after playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
- Broken Foot
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress Fractures
- Turf Toe
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Keeping Heels Smooth and Preventing Cracks

Dry, cracked heels are often the result of pressure, friction, or lack of moisture. To maintain soft, healthy skin, it is important to care for your feet regularly. Using a gentle foot file on clean, dry skin helps remove buildup without causing irritation. Applying a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer daily can restore hydration and improve skin texture. Wearing supportive, closed-back shoes protects the heels from excess rubbing and helps retain moisture. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, which can dry and harden the skin over time. For deeper cracks or skin that splits and becomes painful, further care may be necessary. If your dry or cracked heels persist or worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment to restore comfort and prevent infection or other complications.
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 one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Keeping Heels Smooth and Preventing Cracks

Dry, cracked heels are often the result of pressure, friction, or lack of moisture. To maintain soft, healthy skin, it is important to care for your feet regularly. Using a gentle foot file on clean, dry skin helps remove buildup without causing irritation. Applying a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer daily can restore hydration and improve skin texture. Wearing supportive, closed-back shoes protects the heels from excess rubbing and helps retain moisture. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, which can dry and harden the skin over time. For deeper cracks or skin that splits and becomes painful, further care may be necessary. If your dry or cracked heels persist or worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment to restore comfort and prevent infection or other complications.
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. Nooshin Zolfaghari from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ingrown Toenails in Infants

Ingrown toenails can occur even in babies, often causing more discomfort than parents might expect. This happens when the edge of a toenail presses into the surrounding skin, usually on the big toe. In infants, wearing tight socks, rapid nail growth, or improper trimming can contribute to the problem. You may notice redness, swelling, or tenderness around the nail. Babies may cry or pull at their feet if the toe is painful. Unlike in adults, the skin around a baby’s toenail is soft, so early treatment is usually simple and gentle. Soaking the foot in warm water and keeping the area clean can help. Avoid trimming the nail too short or rounding the edges. If there is persistent redness, swelling, or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to ensure your baby’s toe heals properly and comfortably.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ingrown Toenails in Infants

Ingrown toenails can occur even in babies, often causing more discomfort than parents might expect. This happens when the edge of a toenail presses into the surrounding skin, usually on the big toe. In infants, wearing tight socks, rapid nail growth, or improper trimming can contribute to the problem. You may notice redness, swelling, or tenderness around the nail. Babies may cry or pull at their feet if the toe is painful. Unlike in adults, the skin around a baby’s toenail is soft, so early treatment is usually simple and gentle. Soaking the foot in warm water and keeping the area clean can help. Avoid trimming the nail too short or rounding the edges. If there is persistent redness, swelling, or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to ensure your baby’s toe heals properly and comfortably.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?
Morton’s Toe Can Lead To Ongoing Foot Pain

Morton’s toe is a foot structure where the second toe appears longer than the big toe. In fact, in most cases, the first bone of the big toe is shorter than normal. While it may seem like a minor difference, this shape can lead to a range of problems. The imbalance shifts pressure in the foot, often causing pain in the ball of the foot, calluses, and even arch discomfort. Over time, walking or standing for long periods may become more difficult. Custom orthotics can help redistribute weight more evenly and reduce strain. Proper footwear with good arch support and cushioning can also make daily activities more comfortable. Understanding this condition is the first step toward relief. If you have a longer second toe and are experiencing foot discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Trauma
- Sports injury
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Corns and calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Blisters
- Ingrown toenails
- Sprains
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
- Severe pain
- Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
- Signs of infection
- Continued swelling
- Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.