Plantar fasciitis is the most common source of heel pain and is the result of inflammation or a strain of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot by running along the bottom of the foot and connecting the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis can have a variety of causes. Patients who are obese or have gained weight are susceptible to plantar fasciitis due to the stress the extra weight puts ont the feet. Long distance runners are at a higher risk of developing this condition because of the extreme shock to the heel. Other issues that can lead to plantar fasciitis include a tight Achilles tendon, shoes that don’t fit correctly, a sudden increase in exercise, active jobs, or structural foot problems like flat feet. If you are suffering from heel pain, and you are unsure of the source, a podiatrist will be able to help diagnose and treat your heel pain.

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.

Research has indicated that one of the most common ways to break your toe is by stubbing it. This can affect many people who enjoy the sport of running, and it is beneficial to rest the broken toe until the healing process is complete. Some of the symptoms that are experienced can consist of possible bruising under the skin, noticeable deformity, and the area may be tender and swollen. An effective treatment approach for fractured toes can include using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, and this is helpful in providing the stability that is necessary for healing. If you have questions about broken toe recovery and how it affects running, please consult with a podiatrist.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

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.