June 2020
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Defining an Achilles Tendon Rupture
The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the ankle, connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. When the tendon gets overstretched because of forceful jumping, pivoting, or sudden acceleration, the tendon can tear or rupture. Some signs of an Achilles tendon tear includes sudden pain in the calf or ankle, swelling in the back of the leg, a popping sensation, and difficulty walking. An Achilles tendon rupture is a very serious injury that will require the care of a podiatrist to prevent further damage. Treatments that a podiatrist may recommend can include a walking boot, or in severe cases, surgery. Physical therapy will likely be necessary to aid in the recovery process as well. If you are afflicted with an Achilles tendon injury, please consult with a podiatrist for the best treatment techniques that are correct for you.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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 the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to severe pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Symptoms are Associated With a Foot Corn?
A foot corn can be characterized as a thickened area of the skin that is tender to the touch, and often takes a circular shape. Corns will likely form on the bottom or side of the foot because of excessive pressure, often due to ill-fitting footwear. Along with tenderness, other symptoms include foot pain and overall discomfort of the foot. It may help to put a bandage or pad over the corn to reduce irritation and prevent further friction. The affected area may also become dry and cause the skin to flake as well. To help treat a foot corn, please visit a podiatrist for professional care and treatment.
If you have any concerns 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 can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor 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.
How Did I Obtain an Ingrown Toenail?
A sign an ingrown toenail has developed is noticeable when the side of the nail pierces the surrounding skin. This condition can cause severe pain and discomfort, and pus may ooze from an infected ingrown toenail. This ailment can occur for a variety of reasons. These can include wearing shoes that do not fit properly, incorrectly trimming the toenails, or possibly if a toe or nail injury has happened. The toe may appear red and inflamed, and it can be uncomfortable to wear shoes.The affected toe may feel better when it is soaked in warm water. When the skin is softened, some patients find mild relief when the nail is gently pushed away using a cotton swab. If you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options.
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.
Tips and Tricks for Purchasing Childrens Footwear
There are many children who enjoy participating in activities that include running. It is beneficial for parents to take certain steps that can ensure their child wears running shoes that fit properly. Measuring both feet, purchasing shoes at the end of the day, and lacing each shoe correctly, are all factors that should be implemented when trying on athletic footwear. It is also important that the shoes have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, which may be helpful in preventing unwanted foot conditions. Additionally, the socks that will be worn with the shoes will help in determining a proper fit. If you would like more information about how to make sure your child’s running shoes fit correctly, please consult with a podiatrist.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
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.