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Key Takeaways Sports ankle sprains range from mild (Grade 1) to complete ligament tears (Grade 3); treatment depends on severity. The first 48–72 hours matter most: rest, ice, compression, elevation, and protection from re-injury. Returning to sport too soon is the #1 cause of chronic ankle instability — get cleared by a professional first. Most ankle sprains heal without surgery, but persistent instability or full ligament tears may need surgical evaluation. Targeted rehab —

A toenail lifting or falling off looks alarming, but in most cases it is your body finishing a process that started weeks earlier. The medical term is onycholysis, and the two usual culprits are trauma and fungus. Here is what to do the moment it happens, what recovery looks like, and the situations where a loose nail needs a podiatrist instead of a bandage. Why toenails fall off The most common cause is repetitive trauma, what runners call runner's toe: the nail bangs agains

Pain in the big toe joint is one of the most common complaints we see, and one of the most misdiagnosed by patients themselves. The three usual suspects, gout, arthritis, and bunions, can all hurt in the same spot but behave very differently and need very different treatment. Here is how to tell which one is most likely behind your pain, and what to do about each. Gout: sudden, severe, and often at night Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals co

Noticed thin red, blue, or purple lines spreading across your ankles or the tops of your feet? Those are spider veins, and the ones a size up with a greenish-blue tint are called reticular veins. They are one of the most common cosmetic concerns we hear about at Sunshine Foot and Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes, and patients usually arrive with the same three questions: what caused them, are they dangerous, and what actually gets rid of them. This guide answers all three. What caus

Worried about your child's flat feet? Learn what's normal, the warning signs to watch for, and when to see a podiatrist for pediatric flat feet in Lauderdale Lakes, FL.

"Foot pain" isn't one thing — it can come from your heel, your forefoot, your toes, your nerves, or your skin. Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot & Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes walks through the most common causes of foot pain, what helps at home, and when to see a podiatrist.

Why toenails grow into the skin An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail, usually on the big toe, curves down and digs into the surrounding skin. The most common causes are cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners, wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, stubbing or injuring the toe, and simply inheriting nails that naturally curve. Once the nail edge pierces the skin, every step presses it deeper, which is why ingrown toenails rarely improve on their own o

If every step feels like there is a pebble in your shoe, or the area just behind your toes burns and aches after a day on your feet, you are describing metatarsalgia, pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. It is one of the most common complaints we treat, especially in people who stand all day, runners, and anyone who loves thin-soled or high-heeled shoes. The good news: most cases respond well without surgery once the real cause is identified. What causes pain in the

Children's feet develop rapidly during the first several years of life, and many common foot conditions are easier to correct when caught early. As a parent, knowing when to seek professional care for your child's feet can prevent minor issues from becoming long-term problems. Dr. Jonathan Mollineda at Sunshine Foot and Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes provides pediatric foot care for children of all ages, from toddlers taking their first steps to active teenagers involved in sports

When foot pain doesn't respond to conservative care, surgery is sometimes the right next step. Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot & Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes explains the three most common foot surgeries — bunionectomy, hammertoe correction, and neuroma removal — and what to expect.

Key Takeaways Most bunions don't need surgery — conservative care (wider shoes, padding, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care) controls symptoms for many patients. Surgery is the right answer when pain limits daily activity, the deformity is worsening, or the second toe is being affected. Modern bunionectomy techniques include both traditional open and minimally invasive approaches; Dr. Mollineda chooses based on your specific deformity. Expect a stiff post-op shoe for se

Wondering if laser therapy will work for your toenail fungus or stubborn heel pain? Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot & Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes explains how in-office laser treatment works for both conditions, what each session feels like, and how to know if it's right for you.

Visiting a podiatrist for the first time? Learn exactly what to expect at your initial appointment at Sunshine Foot and Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes, FL. Dr. Mollineda walks you through the visit, the exam, and your treatment options so you feel prepared and confident.

Chronic foot or arch pain? Custom orthotics from Sunshine Foot and Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes, FL are prescription medical devices molded to your unique foot structure. Dr. Mollineda explains how custom orthotics differ from drugstore inserts and how they bring lasting relief.

Plantar warts are caused by HPV and commonly appear on the heels and balls of the feet. Learn how Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot and Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes, FL diagnoses and treats plantar warts safely — from in-office removal to prescription options that prevent recurrence.

Flat feet (pes planus) can cause foot, ankle, knee, hip, and lower back pain. Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot and Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes, FL provides thorough flat foot diagnosis and individualized treatment plans for patients of all ages across South Florida and Broward County.

Confused whether to see a podiatrist or orthopedist for your foot pain? Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot and Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes, FL explains the differences in training, specialty, and approach — and helps you choose the right foot doctor for your specific needs.

Achilles tendinitis causes pain along the back of the heel and can sideline runners, walkers, and active adults. Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot and Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes, FL explains the early warning signs, what makes it worse, and when to see a podiatrist before it progresses to a tear.

Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe that worsen over time without treatment. Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot and Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes, FL explains the early signs, what makes bunions worse, and the options from conservative care to bunion surgery.

Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether caused by overuse, improper footwear, or an underlying condition, heel pain can interfere with daily activities and reduce your quality of life. At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating heel pain to help patients regain mobility and comfort. This guide explains the causes of heel pain, how to prevent it, and effective treatment options. Ke