Foot pain resulting from obesity can profoundly affect biomechanics and gait, as excess weight places undue stress on the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. This strain can alter the way you walk, leading to compensatory movements and further discomfort. Beyond physical discomfort, foot pain caused by obesity can significantly impact daily life, hindering mobility and limiting participation in activities. Seeking help from a podiatrist offers compassionate support and effective solutions for anyone suffering foot problems related to their weight. Podiatrists understand the complexities of foot pain associated with obesity and can provide personalized care to address your unique needs. They offer a range of treatments, including orthotic devices to support proper alignment and footwear guidance to alleviate pressure. If you carry excess weight and have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so you can embark on a journey toward improved foot health and enhanced overall well-being.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the skin, typically occurring between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers. Poor hygiene, sweaty feet, and wearing tight, non-breathable shoes can increase the risk of infection. Prevention primarily revolves around maintaining good foot hygiene practices, including washing and thoroughly drying feet daily, especially between the toes. Wearing clean socks made of breathable materials and changing them regularly can also help prevent fungal growth. Additionally, avoiding walking barefoot in public places and wearing protective footwear in communal areas can reduce exposure to the fungus. Podiatrists play a vital role in treating athlete's foot, offering antifungal medications in various forms, such as creams, powders, or oral medications, depending on the severity of the infection. They may also give guidance on proper foot hygiene and preventive measures to minimize the risk of recurrence. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you the appropriate treatment method.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

During pregnancy, the extra fluid in the body and the pressure from the growing uterus can cause swelling, or edema, in the ankles and feet. However, there are several strategies to help reduce swelling in the feet. First and foremost, ensure you stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out excess fluids. Elevating your feet whenever possible, especially while resting or sleeping, can aid in reducing swelling by allowing gravity to assist in fluid drainage. Consider wearing compression stockings, which provide gentle pressure to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming, can also help improve circulation and alleviate swelling. Avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing is important, as it can contribute to fluid retention in the lower extremities. Invest in comfortable, supportive shoes with adequate arch support to further alleviate discomfort. While having swollen feet during pregnancy is common, if problems arise, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and additional treatment options.

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.

Are you often hiding your feet in closed-toe shoes, even at home? Crooked toes, including conditions like hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes, can cause embarrassment and discomfort for many individuals. They often result from a combination of genetic predisposition, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or underlying foot deformities. Besides the physical appearance, crooked toes can lead to pain, corns, and calluses due to friction against the footwear. Podiatrists offer various approaches to relieve symptoms and correct crooked toes. Conservative treatments may include wearing wider shoes, padding to reduce pressure, and custom orthotics to improve toe alignment. In more severe cases, surgical options like toe-straightening procedures may be recommended to alleviate pain and restore normal toe function. If you have bothersome crooked toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment and relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.