April 2021

Purine, a chemical compound, is naturally present in the body and in foods including certain meats and seafood, as well as alcohol. When purine is broken down, uric acid is produced. If the body cannot properly flush uric acid out, it may crystalize in the joints—causing inflammation, pain, stiffness and even deformity in extreme cases. This condition, known as gout, is a form of arthritis which most commonly occurs in the metatarsophalangeal joint connecting the foot with the big toe. Men are more likely to develop gout, as well as people with a family history of gout, or those who are over 50 years old. Other risk factors can include obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney functions, and drug or alcohol abuse. In rare cases, children with certain genetic disorders that cause an excess of uric acid can develop gout. If you are in any of these high-risk groups and are experiencing pain or inflammation in any ankle or foot joint, contact a podiatrist who can examine you and may perform tests to analyze the fluid around the joint to see if uric acid crystals are present.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

Because of the stress put on the feet while hiking, having shoes that fit properly is very important. Hiking boots should feel snug but not tight, and there should be enough room for wiggling the toes.  In order to ensure a proper fit, there are a few things that can be done when choosing hiking boots.  Shoes should be tried on at the end of the day or after exercise because people’s feet swell during the day.  When trying on shoes, it is also important to wear the same socks and orthotics that you plan to wear while hiking in order to understand the impact they will have on the fit.  There should also be proper spacing between the end of the toes and the edge of the shoe, and the shoes should have a proper width where the toes aren’t scrunched up.  If you would like more information on making sure your shoes fit properly, consult with a podiatrist who will help provide tips for a proper shoe fit. 

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.

A rash on the foot may be athlete’s foot. It is an uncomfortable foot condition that is caused by a fungus. Common symptoms many patients experience can include severe itchiness on the bottom of the foot and between the toes, a burning sensation, and possible blisters. The type of fungus that causes this ailment lives in warm and moist environments, and is considered to be contagious. Common places the fungi may spread include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is advisable to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, in addition to refraining from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. Mild relief may be attained when an antifungal powder is used, as this may help to alleviate a portion of the itching. If you are afflicted with athlete’s foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment solutions.

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.

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the inside of the ankle that protects the veins, tendons, arteries and nerves within it, such as the tibial nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed. Symptoms range from a shooting pain, numbness, or a burning/tingling sensation anywhere along the tibial nerve from the ankle down through the heel, arch, and even toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome (which occurs in the wrist) in that both conditions involve a nerve being compressed within a confined space. Common causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include flat feet, ankle sprains, diabetes and arthritis, and other conditions that contribute to compressing, or squeezing the tibial nerve. It’s important to seek prompt treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome because if left untreated the condition may permanently damage the tibial nerve. If you believe you are suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose your condition and provide a variety of treatments and therapies.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.