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September 2019

Monday, 30 September 2019 00:00

Why Do Corns Develop?

A small, hardened portion of skin on top of the toe may be referred to as a corn. It may appear to be yellow, and can cause considerable pain while wearing shoes. They can also form in between the toes, and on the bottom of the feet. A common reason why corns can develop is a result of excess friction that may come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Patients who are afflicted with corns may find moderate relief when the foot is soaked in warm water. This may help to soften the affected area, followed by filing with a pumice stone. If it is painful to complete daily activities, wearing a corn pad over the corn may provide adequate cushioning that is needed for temporary relief. If you have a corn on any part of your foot, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer permanent treatment options.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses

The time one takes to care for the feet daily is possibly connected to preventing specific foot conditions from developing. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, and they must provide adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This may be helpful in preventing bunions and hammertoes. Flip flops and high heels may be desirable to wear, but research has shown they may be harmful to the feet. Ingrown toenails may be avoided by frequently trimming the toenails straight across the toe. When the feet are washed and dried daily, the uncomfortable condition that is known as athlete’s foot may be avoided. Additionally, the feet will feel good when a moisturizer is applied, and this may be helpful in preventing cracked heels. Consulting with a podiatrist can be beneficial in acquiring additional knowledge about how to properly take care of your feet.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care
Monday, 16 September 2019 00:00

Are Ingrown Toenails Painful?

Patients who have had ingrown toenails are often familiar with the pain and discomfort that is often associated with them. It occurs as a result of the edge of the toenail growing into the surrounding skin. This can happen if shoes that are worn do not fit correctly, and the toes may be crammed together. Additionally, this condition may be caused by trimming the toenails in a rounded fashion instead of straight across. Common symptoms that many patients notice are pain around the edge of the toenail, redness, and swelling. Moderate relief can be found when the feet are soaked in warm water, as this will be beneficial in softening the affected area. If it becomes infected, it is strongly advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. 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 Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
Monday, 09 September 2019 00:00

Possible Dangers Of Wearing Flip Flops

Research has indicated that wearing most styles of flip flops, may cause injuries to the feet. This can be a result of a lack of arch support, which may play a significant role in how you walk. Painful foot conditions, that can include plantar fasciitis, may develop from having inadequate cushioning to protect the soles of the feet. Additionally, the toes may become strained from excessive grasping in order to keep the sandals on the feet. The entire foot may feel tired, and this may come from overall muscle strain. People who choose to wear flip flops enjoy the convenience of wearing these types of shoes, and may not know the potential dangers they may cause to the feet. If you would like additional information about how flip flops can affect your feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

  • They Slow You Down
  • May Cause Blisters and Calluses
  • Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Flip Flops and Feet
Monday, 02 September 2019 00:00

Possible Causes of Athlete’s Foot

The medical term for athlete’s foot is known as tinea pedis. It is a condition that affects the feet, and is caused by a fungus. Many patients notice symptoms of this condition between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, which often include severe itchiness and a burning sensation. The fungus of this contagious ailment lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. To avoid getting this uncomfortable condition, it is important to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear clean shoes and socks, and it will also help to keep the toenails trimmed. Relief may be found while using an antifungal spray on the affected areas. For more severe cases, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment options, which may include medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Athlete's Foot
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