Rare foot diseases will obviously not affect a wide majority of individuals across the country. However, it can be important and helpful to learn more about these unique conditions, such as Freiberg’s disease. This condition has a negative impact on the second or third metatarsal bones, which can lead to sensations of stiffness at the affected area. If you have Freiberg’s disease, you might even experience swelling or feel pain in the front of the foot. Typically, putting weight on the feet when walking, running, or jumping can exacerbate these symptoms. Although the precise cause of Freiberg’s disease is still elusive, it may be caused by microtrauma near the metaphysis. If you want to learn more about Freiberg’s disease and other rare foot conditions, contact a podiatrist today. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

Pickleball is one of the most popular sports people are playing now because it is slower and has a lower intensity compared to other sports. However, despite it seeming to be an easier form of exercise, injuries to all parts of the body can still be sustained. Ailments from pickleball related to the feet are commonly associated with the Achilles tendon and ankles. An Achilles strain involves the tendon in the back of the ankle that connects the calf to the heel. This can happen from the sudden stop-and-go actions in pickleball and can be accompanied by a sharp, snapping feeling. Ankle sprains are injuries to the ligaments on the side of the ankle and are typically caused by missteps or faulty landings. Wearing well-fitting and supportive footwear, warming up before playing pickleball, performing stretching and strengthening exercises regularly, and using ankle braces can help. If you get injured during pickleball or any other sport, it is important to rest. If pain persists or worsens, see a podiatrist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan so you can return to pain-free play.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Stephen Petrofsky of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Many parts of the body become smaller when excess weight is lost, and this is also true of the feet. It is beneficial to have the feet properly measured when purchasing new shoes, and this will help to ensure a good fit. Research has indicated the feet absorb approximately 120 percent of the body’s weight, and this may explain why foot pain may occur. The excess weight may stretch tissues and muscles, in addition to natural fad pads wearing down. Additionally, the feet and ankles may swell from the added weight, and may generally feel uncomfortable. Many patients have noticed that by losing weight, their feet will feel better, and existing foot conditions may be alleviated. The bone structure of the foot may not change, but the width may be affected, and become smaller. It is beneficial to exercise as often as possible, and this can help the health of the feet. Eating foods that are low in sodium can help to diminish existing swelling, and wearing shoes may become easier. If you have questions about foot health before or after weight is lost, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. 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

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

The Achilles tendon is a large muscle that is located in the back bottom portion of the leg that connects the heel to the calf muscles. It can become inflamed from an injury and is often painful. Achilles tendinitis can occur from overuse and there are two categories of this type of injury. Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis may be more prevalent among younger people who are active and it targets the middle of the tendon as small tears develop. The lower portion of the tendon can be affected by insertional Achilles tendinitis, where it attaches to the heel bone. People who are not physically active may be more prone to getting this type of injury. The symptoms of either type of Achilles tendon injury can include heel pain and limited range of motion, as well as feeling stiff or swollen. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, please seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that are right for you.

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.

A rare foot condition that is generally identified after birth is known as clubfoot. Typically, one foot is affected in babies that are born with this condition, and in some cases, both feet have been afflicted. It is defined as an ailment that turns the foot sharply inward while the toes point towards the other foot. Children who have clubfoot try to maintain balance and can wobble as they walk. This condition often develops from genetic reasons, and it may be more prevalent among children whose mothers smoke or drink during their pregnancy. Many patients choose to manipulate the foot by performing specific stretches, as this may help to guide the foot into alignment. An effective treatment method is known as the Ponseti technique, and this involves putting the affected foot in a cast after it has been stretched into a normal position. This can be helpful in keeping the foot in the correct position until it is fully healed. If the clubfoot is severe or corrective treatment does not yield the desired results, surgery may be necessary. This can be beneficial in putting the bones, tendons, joints, and ligaments into their normal positions. If you would like additional information about clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Congenital foot problems require 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome 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.