Items filtered by date: July 2023

Flat feet can be easily recognized by the absence of an arch space while standing on the feet. Instead, the foot lies flat on the floor. Flat feet can lead to pain across the arch and heel, while ill-fitting shoes or exercising on hard surfaces may only make it worse. Because having flat feet can affect your movement, the chances of developing knee and hip pain can increase. Athletes with flat feet are at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and knee injuries. Fortunately, people with flat feet who are experiencing some type of pain can wear an orthotic device to correct the deficiency and improve their gait. A podiatrist can examine the feet to determine the severity of this condition and also test the way you walk to determine what type of proper orthotic device is right for you. This foot doctor will make a mold of your feet that perfectly mirrors their shape and builds an insole specifically for you. For more information on options to deal with flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

An ingrown toenail can be a potentially dangerous foot condition if medical attention is not promptly received. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. It is a generally painful ailment, and severely ingrown toenails may bleed and become infected. This condition can be divided into three stages of development. The first stage causes mild inflammation, and it is often uncomfortable. A granuloma may form in the second stage, which can become more painful, and produce pus. This granuloma can grow over the nail in the third stage, and the entire toe may become inflamed. The most common cause of developing an ingrown toenail is improper foot care. This can range from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly to trimming the toenails in a curved fashion instead of straight across. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you seek counsel from a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can perform minor surgery for permanent relief.

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 one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The summer months encourage people to wear lighter shoes, flip flops and sandals that can fit into this category. These types of shoes may be ideal for the beach and pool area but are not meant to be worn while in the work environment. The kind of work shoes that need to be purchased depends largely on the type of work that is being done. People who work around glass, nails, or other sharp objects may benefit from wearing work boots, which may help in preventing a foot injury. Additionally, wearing shoes that fit correctly may be beneficial in avoiding foot fatigue, which is a chronic foot ache. Foot fatigue may be reduced when the feet are rested and elevated during breaks. Many working environments require employees to wear shoes that are slip resistant and have adequate traction. If you would like more information about the best type of work shoes for your profession, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you tips on how to buy work shoes that are right for you.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Because ankle injuries are commonly caused by sprained ligaments, it is a good idea to know what to do when a sprain occurs. The importance of full recovery from an ankle sprain cannot be emphasized enough. Experts suggest a number of actions that can help to restore ankle strength and stability. Rest the injured ankle, keep it elevated at a 45-degree angle as much as possible, and stay off it until it heals. Wrap the ankle to keep it stabilized and to prevent swelling, but avoid making it so tight that it cuts off blood flow to the feet. After the ankle heals, performing a few simple exercises can help strengthen the injured ligament. Pointing and flexing your toes about five to 10 times is one such exercise, and another is performing heel raises. This should be done while holding onto a chair for balance. A third is slowly going up and down stairs, which has the added benefit of burning calories and strengthening the thigh muscles. Before starting any type of ankle exercise after being injured, it is suggested that you check in with a podiatrist for an evaluation and further guidance.  

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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