October 2024

Corns are a common skin condition, with distinct characteristics and causes. Corns are thickened patches of skin that develop due to friction or pressure, often on the toes or soles. They are usually smaller than warts and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Symptoms of problematic corns include localized pain and tenderness. Wearing shoes with plenty of room for the toes is the best way to prevent corns. If your toes cannot wiggle and move around, the shoes are likely too tight. Persistent corns that cause significant discomfort may require medical intervention. A podiatrist may recommend cryotherapy, laser treatment, or surgical removal. If you have corns that do not improve, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment options.

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.

Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear. One of the most prevalent types is the inversion sprain, which happens when the foot rolls inward, often leading to damage on the outer side of the ankle. Medial ankle sprains, though less common, occur when the foot rolls outward, affecting the ligaments on the inner side. High ankle sprains involve injury to the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula, usually resulting from a twisting injury. Ankle sprains are typically classified into three grades. Grade one involves mild stretching, grade two indicates partial tearing, and grade three signifies a complete tear of the ligament. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can identify which kind of sprain it is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Trench foot is a condition that arises when the feet are exposed to cold, damp environments for prolonged periods. Historically associated with soldiers in World War I, it can occur in anyone who spends extended time in wet conditions. The primary cause is the combination of cold temperatures and moisture, which leads to reduced blood flow and tissue damage. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and a tingling sensation in the feet. As the condition progresses, blisters may form, and the skin can become numb. If left untreated, trench foot can result in severe complications, including infection or even tissue death. Awareness of this condition is vital, especially for people working in wet and cold environments. If you have this foot condition, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can treat trench foot, and guide you on effective prevention methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Foot and ankle swelling, or edema, can result from various causes, often indicating underlying health issues. Commonly, swelling occurs due to prolonged standing or sitting, which impedes blood circulation and leads to fluid accumulation. Injury or trauma to the foot or ankle, such as sprains or fractures, can also cause localized swelling. Medical conditions like heart disease or kidney problems can disrupt fluid balance, leading to generalized edema. Additionally, conditions like arthritis and venous insufficiency, where veins struggle to return blood to the heart, contribute to swelling. Certain medications may also cause fluid retention as a side effect. Identifying the root cause of foot and ankle swelling is essential for proper treatment and management. If your feet or ankles have become swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Acute ankle injuries are common and can involve sprains, fractures, or soft tissue damage. Clinical guidelines podiatrists use help determine whether an X-ray is needed, based on specific criteria, such as pain in certain bone areas and difficulty bearing weight. A physical exam can assess soft tissue damage, differentiating stable from unstable injuries. Stable injuries involve intact ligaments and bones, allowing conservative treatment like rest and compression. Unstable injuries, often involving complete ligament tears, may require immobilization or more aggressive treatment. If symptoms persist, an MRI can reveal deeper issues, such as syndesmosis injury, where the ligaments between the tibia and fibula are damaged. This often requires a longer recovery. Surgery is typically reserved for chronic instability or severe injuries. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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.