Items filtered by date: May 2024

Our feet, the foundation of our mobility, can often fall victim to various ailments. Achilles tendonitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon, causes pain and stiffness, often aggravated by overuse or wearing improper footwear. Arthritis, a chronic condition, can affect the joints in the feet, leading to swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. Bunions, bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, result from abnormal foot mechanics or wearing ill-fitting shoes, causing pain and difficulty in walking. Corns, thickened areas of skin caused by friction or pressure, can develop on the toes or soles, causing pain and discomfort. Flat feet, characterized by a lack of arch support, may lead to instability and discomfort during movement. For those with diabetes, foot problems can be particularly concerning due to impaired circulation and nerve damage, increasing the risk of infections and ulcers. If you have any of the above mentioned foot conditions or are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat foot ailments.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, a chronic autoimmune disorder, can relentlessly target the feet, causing considerable discomfort and impairing mobility. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation in the joints, including those in the feet. The toe joints, ankle joints, and subtalar joints are often affected, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and deformities like bunions and hammertoes. Managing RA in the feet requires a multifaceted approach. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and biologic agents can alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression. Custom orthotics and supportive footwear aid in maintaining foot function and reducing discomfort. In severe cases where joint damage is significant and conservative treatments prove ineffective, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints. If you are feeling the effects of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for tailored management strategies and ways to improve overall foot health.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Sweaty feet, medically known as plantar hyperhidrosis, can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for many individuals. Several factors contribute to this common condition. One primary reason is the presence of sweat glands on the soles of the feet. These glands produce sweat to regulate body temperature and keep the skin moist. However, excessive sweating can occur from over-stimulation of these glands, often triggered by factors like hot weather, physical activity, stress, or hormonal changes. Wearing tight or non-breathable shoes can also worsen the problem by trapping moisture and heat, which creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes, may contribute to excessive sweating. Fortunately, there are various strategies to manage sweaty feet, including wearing breathable footwear, practicing good hygiene, using antiperspirant foot sprays or powders, and seeking medical treatment from a podiatrist. If you are experiencing excessively sweaty feet, it is suggested that you a podiatris who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is primarily caused by a type of fungi called dermatophytes. The fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Common sites of infection include public pools, showers, and locker rooms, where the fungus easily spreads from one person to another through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The risk of developing toenail fungus increases with various factors, such as wearing tight, non-breathable shoes that trap moisture, having a minor nail or skin injury around the nail, or having a weakened immune system. Low blood circulation and slow nail growth can make people susceptible to contracting toenail fungus. Keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear, and using antifungal sprays or powders in shoes and socks can help reduce the chances of contracting toenail fungus. If you are suffering from toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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