People who are overweight may notice they have foot pain. The feet carry the weight of the body, and this type of pain may be reduced when excess weight is lost. It is beneficial to accomplish this by consuming a diet that is low in fat, and by practicing a frequent exercise routine. Research has indicated that approximately six times the body weight is felt in the ankle joints while climbing up steps. Arthritis in the feet may occur as a result of being overweight, and foot structure may be negatively affected. Common foot conditions that may happen to obese patients can include plantar fasciitis and inflammation of the tendon that is found on the inside of the ankle and foot. Additionally, a condition that is known as hindfoot arthritis affects the heel, and can radiate to the ball of the foot. If you have foot pain due to being overweight, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you an effective weight loss plan which may provide foot pain relief.

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.

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscles in the lower leg to the heel bone. This is a critical body part that can be associated with a variety of injuries. If one has developed an Achilles tendon injury, there are several things that might be done to treat such an injury. For example, an Achilles tendon rupture might be treated by ensuring that the patient receives sufficient rest. Additionally, the Achilles tendon rupture may be treated with serial casting. In some cases, undergoing a surgical procedure might be used to treat an Achilles tendon rupture. If a surgical procedure is performed, it might close the ends of the affected tendon. If you believe that you have suffered an Achilles tendon injury, contact a podiatrist today.

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.

There are various foot conditions that can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails are some of these ailments, and getting the right shoe size may help to prevent these from developing. It is imperative to determine what your correct shoe size is before any purchases are made. This can be done by using the Brannock device that is found in most shoe stores, which can measure the length and width of your foot. Once the size has been determined, the next step is to choose a pair that is pleasing to the eye, then try them on. This is followed by walking around in them for a short period of time in the store, which is when most people can tell if the shoe is right for them. If the shoes are too tight, they may cause blisters or corns to develop, and may need to be purchased in a half or more size larger. If the shoes are too big, they may slip on your feet, and this can increase the risk of falling. If you would like more information about how to find the right shoe size for you, please consult a podiatrist who can help you to make the right choice.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.

A hammertoe is noticeable by the center joint of the toe forming a mountain-like shape rather than lying flat. Hammertoes can be caused by muscle imbalance, rheumatoid arthritis, or wearing shoes that fit improperly. The raised joint becomes painful as it rubs against the top of the shoe and can cause corns or calluses to develop. If the hammertoe is in a fixed position some form of surgery may be the best remedy for eliminating the symptoms that coincide. One solution is to remove parts of the toe bones. A second option is cutting or transplanting tendons in the toe. A third plan is to straighten the toe by fusing the bones which also keeps it from bending. It is strongly urged to seek the counsel of a podiatrist to decide which alternative is best for you. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky from Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.