Items filtered by date: June 2019

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Vascular diseases are complications that take place in lower extremity wounds such as in the foot and ankle. They are also leading factors in the occasional amputation of these lower extremities. Vascular screenings have shown to be an efficient option in identifying any potential lower limb vascular diseases. When giving a vascular exam, there are a couple of things to look for. First, a visual inspection is done of the wound to note the presence or absence of any tissue loss, as well as the color of the foot and any sign of soft tissue atrophy. Comparing any present color changes in the extremities is a key indicator to the severity of the lesion. It is also vital to check skin temperature for the blood flow rate, as this is another reliable marker to the severity of the wound. This is assessed by lightly palpating the skin with the back of the hand and comparing sites from one extremity to another. There are a couple of different vascular exams that a podiatrist can perform to determine the severity of these ailments. These include blood pressure testing, recording the volume of the pulse and non-invasive testing to determine pressure in the limbs and toes.  If you feel that you exhibit any signs of vascular disease in your feet or ankles, it is vital that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, 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.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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.

Many patients will experience a broken toe after a heavy object has fallen on it, or if it bangs into a piece of furniture. Consistent movements over an extended period of time can also weaken the bones in the toe, and this may result in a hairline fracture. Some of the symptoms that are associated with a broken toe often include pain, swelling, and bruising. Toes that are severely broken often bleed, and can point in the wrong direction. Many patients find comfort when the toe is elevated, as this may help to control any existing swelling. Additionally, the healing process can begin when the affected toe is taped to the toe next to it, which is referred to as buddy taping. If you feel you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can perform an X-ray which confirms this condition, followed by beginning the correct treatment for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical therapy that treats intense pain, speeds up recovery time and avoids the stigma that a surgical procedure would present. It is a heavily utilized tool in the fields of physiotherapy, urology, and sports and veterinary medicine.  A shockwave is an acoustic wave that brings high energy to painful spots and tissues in the body that exhibit subacute, subchronic and chronic conditions. This energy induces regenerative and reparative processes onto these ailing soft tissues, tendons and bones. The shockwave in this therapy repairs tissue and initiates cell growth at an accelerated rate. Shockwave therapy is a three step process. First, the afflicted area is located by using palpation. Then, gel is applied to the area in order to ensure that the waves are efficiently transferred to that spot. Lastly, once the applicator that administers the shockwave is lightly pushed against the injury, the start button is pressed and the procedure begins. If you are experiencing any intense foot and ankle pain and would be interested in additional information regarding shockwave therapy, it is advised that you make an appointment to talk to your podiatrist.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with 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.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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.

The big toe is typically affected if an ingrown toenail has developed. It is a condition that happens when the side of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. There are several symptoms that are associated with this ailment, including pain, swelling, and inflammation which can cause tenderness. Many patients develop ingrown toenails for a variety of reasons. These include wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly, trimming toenails improperly, or an injury which may have happened to the toe. Mild relief may be found when the toe is soaked in warm water, followed by using a cotton ball to to separate the nail from the skin. If you are a diabetic patient, or if an infection has formed, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.