November 2020

Women often experience swollen feet and ankles at some point in their pregnancy. It may become evident during the evening hours, or if the outside temperature rises. Swelling can be referred to as edema, and generally starts at approximately twenty-five weeks. It typically occurs as a result of increased blood flow and pressure from the growing baby. Many pregnant women find mild relief when they can frequently elevate their feet during the day, or while engaging in a mild exercise routine. The feet may become larger, and it is beneficial to get a proper foot measurement before purchasing new shoes. If you would like additional information about how pregnancy can affect the feet, please speak with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

A bunion is a type of foot deformity in which a bony bump forms on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe. Bunions develop slowly, as pressure on the joint at the base of the toe causes the toe to move out of place. Although bunions can sometimes be embarrassing, if you have them, you aren’t alone. About a third of adults in the United States have bunions. Bunions may cause foot pain, stiffness, redness, or swelling and tend to worsen over time, potentially making wearing your regular shoes, or even walking, more difficult. Seeking treatment can help. Treatment options may include wearing orthotic insoles and wider shoes, taking oral medications to relieve pain, or wearing special braces or pads on the foot. In more severe cases, surgery may be an option. If you have bunions, consult with a podiatrist to determine which treatments are right for you. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

Plantar warts are warts that occur on the bottom of the foot. There are many different treatments for these warts, such as topical medications and freezing the warts off with liquid nitrogen. If these treatments have failed, or if the warts are large and widespread, laser surgery to remove the warts may also be an option. During this procedure, a beam of light is aimed at the foot to destroy the wart tissue. Anesthesia may be used to minimize pain. If you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to find the right treatment for you. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are an older adult, you may have experienced foot problems. Unfortunately, foot problems are a common occurrence as we age. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to care for your feet and potentially prevent certain conditions from developing. One thing that you can do is perform a weekly foot check, in which you examine your feet for any problems, such as redness, swelling, cuts, sores, or punctures. Wearing comfortable, properly-fitted shoes is very important for maintaining good foot health. Improving your overall circulation, and thus improving circulation to your lower limbs, can help you stay on your feet. You can stretch, walk, or do other lower impact exercises. Regularly wash and dry your feet to maintain good hygiene, and moisturize your feet regularly to avoid dry skin. For more information about how to care for the feet as you age, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Pain in children's feet may be indicative of growing pains, or underlying medical conditions, and it is important to take notice if your child complains of general aches in their feet. Many young children are active and enjoy participating in running and jumping activities. This may cause sprains, fractures, or injuries to occur. Children who frequent public swimming pools and surrounding areas may get athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection. Additionally, the medical condition that is known as Sever’s disease can affect the growth plate in the heel in young children, and may cause severe pain and discomfort. Occasionally, children may get bunions, and this can be caused by genetic factors or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It is suggested that your child is diagnosed by a podiatrist, who can properly manage existing foot pain.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.