Items filtered by date: July 2018

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

One of the best things that most people can do for their feet is to purchase shoes that fit comfortably. This is especially true for elderly people, who may be concerned about a loss of cushioning the feet may experience as the aging process progresses. Shoes that put pressure on the feet are best to be avoided such as high heels, which may possibly cause uncomfortable foot conditions such as corns. If you already have an existing case of bunions, wearing shoes that apply pressure on the feet could cause this condition to become worse. The importance of properly measuring the feet is necessary in older patients and this may possibly accommodate for the feet getting wider, which is common in elderly people. If the majority of the day is spent in a sitting position, it’s beneficial to frequently walk and stretch the legs, which may improve circulation. If the skin on the heels should appear dry and cracked, utilizing a good moisturizer will not only feel good, but will positively affect the general health of the foot. If you have questions and would like additional information about how to take care of elderly feet, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist who can provide the necessary answers.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

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Monday, 23 July 2018 00:00

What is Hereditary Erythromelalgia?

Hereditary Erythromelalgia, a condition more commonly known as “burning man syndrome” is a condition that causes a scorching pain in your foot. This sensation may feel as if your feet are stepping on hot coal. This pain can be caused by a light touch of air or a small splash of water. The pain can occur several times per week and it can potentially wake you up in the middle of the night. This is a rare neuropathic disorder that can cause severe burning pain and redness. The attacks of the condition is typically triggered by heat, pressure, exertion, and stress. It has been discovered that the underlying cause of this disorder is the SCN9A gene. Research has shown that similar problems in this gene may cause the hereditary type of small fiber neuropathy. If you suspect that you have a nerve disorder in your foot, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to learn what is happening with your feet.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Nicholas Przystawski from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Leesburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 16 July 2018 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

While high heels are not the most comfortable shoes to wear, the desire to have the foot look flattering may be ideal in certain situations. The price to pay for this admired look may be the formation of blisters and pain that often form while wearing this type of shoe. An additional downfall of wearing high heels, may be a stress fracture or a serious ankle injury, and this may also affect the Achilles tendon. Research has shown that foot pain generally occurs after spending an hour in high heels. This is typically a result of the weight being distributed to the balls of the feet and may often extend to the toes. If high heels are chosen to be worn frequently and for a considerable amount of time, the Achilles tendon may become stiff, and this may result in difficulty with walking. Relief may be found by practicing proper stretching exercises, preferably several times per day. If you choose to wear high heels, a consultation with a podiatrist is advised to learn about how to stretch your feet.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Read more about Effect of High Heels on the Feet

A heel spur is known to be an uncomfortable and painful condition which develops in the heel of the foot and will typically affect the surrounding area. It is a small bony protrusion that grows in between the heel and the arch, and is often referred to as “heel spur syndrome.” If you are afflicted with this condition, there may be strong symptoms indicating its existence, including a sharp pain in the heel, which may be especially prominent in the morning, severe tenderness, or a consistent ache that may often be felt throughout the day. Research has shown that age may play a significant role in the formation of heel spurs and the pads in the heels may wear down as a result of this. This may cause diminished shock absorption in the heel which may cause this ailment to develop. If you would like additional information about heel spurs, a podiatrist can help you with a proper diagnosis and suggest correct treatment options.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Leesburg, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Monday, 02 July 2018 00:00

Before you start dancing...

 

When babies are born, their feet are generally very flexible. Ligaments connect the 26 bones and 35 joints for optimum support, and is often surrounded by fat for additional padding. Most children have flat feet, and the arch typically forms when walking begins, which is commonly about 12 months of age. As the child begins to walk, research has shown that wearing a shoe with a soft sole will encourage the child to feel and be aware of the ground they’re walking on. This will enable muscle strength to develop, and the child may gradually move to a shoe with a firmer sole. It’s crucial to measure your child’s feet frequently to allow for the proper size shoes to be selected. Once the correct shoe size is determined, the shoe should fit comfortably with adequate room for the toes to move about. If you observe your child is still flat footed after walking or has feet that turn inward or outward, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist for advice about possible treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski of Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

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