October 2020

It can be difficult to tell the difference between an ankle that is broken and an ankle that is sprained. A break occurs when one or more of the three bones in the ankle joint, the tibia, fibula, or talus, is fractured. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that join the bones of the ankle are overstretched or torn. Both conditions may cause pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to put weight on the affected ankle. If you have mild to moderate pain but can still put some weight on the ankle after an injury, then it is most likely a sprain. However, if you have pain that is severe or gets worse over time, can’t put weight on the injured ankle, have trouble moving the ankle, hear a popping noise at the time of injury, or notice that your ankle looks misaligned or deformed, then it is most likely a break. In any case, it is best to visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tinea pedis, or Athlete’s foot as it is more commonly known, is a fungal infection of the skin and feet. It typically affects the spaces between the toes and is characterized by cracked, scaly skin. This infection is contagious and can be spread through contact with infected skin flakes or through contact with fungi in damp areas, such as public swimming pools. If you find yourself with athlete’s foot, it is important to keep the feet clean, dry, and cool, as the fungus thrives and multiplies in warm, moist environments. You should also avoid public swimming pools, public showers, and foot baths. Wear sandals if possible, or air out your shoes by alternating them every 2-3 days. Avoid wearing socks made from fabrics like nylon, which do not dry easily. Finally, follow your doctor’s prescribed treatments, which can include topical or oral antifungal medications. If you think that you may have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

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.

Hammertoe is a deformity of the toes that causes the small toes to bend at the joint. If left untreated, hammertoes can be permanent. Common signs of hammertoe include curling toes, thickening of the skin on the affected toe, trouble finding shoes that fit correctly, and pain. One of the leading causes of hammertoe is poor fitting shoes. Avoid shoes that have a narrow and pointed toe, that are too tight, or that have a high heel. Shoes that have wide toe boxes and are roughly a half inch longer than your longest toe are generally best to reduce the risk of hammertoe. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan for hammertoe will require visiting a podiatrist, so if you believe that you are suffering from hammertoe, consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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 care needs.

One common source of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel to the bottom of the foot, is inflamed. Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include sharp heel pain, pain after resting, heel tenderness, pain while flexing, and tingling or burning in the bottom of the foot. Upon experiencing symptoms, it is important to visit a podiatrist. During the exam, a podiatrist will examine any swelling, tenderness and pain points. After the examination, your podiatrist will suggest a variety of treatment options that can include rest, orthotics, stretching, icing, and massages. Medicine may also be prescribed. If you think that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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 care needs.