Patients who have hard or flattened nodules on the bottom of their feet may have a foot condition known as plantar fibromatosis. A specific type of this ailment is referred to as Ledderhose disease and it is a rare foot condition. Patients may notice it affects both feet and typically is painless in the beginning stages. Pain and discomfort may gradually occur while walking and medical attention is often sought from a podiatrist who can treat this condition. There are several reasons why this condition may occur, including genetic history, long-term alcohol use, chronic liver disease, and diabetes. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition may be joint pain in other areas of the body and some people may experience a tingling or numbing sensation. If you have small bumps on the bottom of your feet, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Ledderhose disease.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors 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 offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains are thought to be the most common sports injuries among student-athletes. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched beyond its normal range, resulting in a tear or rupture. The outer ligament in the ankle, which helps to stabilize the joint, is usually the one injured. This can happen when the side of the foot turns under, thereby putting excess stress on the ligament. Among the symptoms are pain, tenderness, swelling, inability to bear weight, restricted range of motion, and a popping sound at the time of injury. An ankle sprain, whether mild, moderate, or severe, must be taken seriously if the ankle joint is to heal thoroughly. However, if the ankle is not treated or allowed to fully heal before resuming activity, the student is at risk of developing chronic ankle instability. If your student-athlete has sprained an ankle, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for a complete exam and diagnosis.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot ailment that causes pain in the heel of the foot. The facia, or band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, becomes irritated and inflamed. This condition usually occurs from poor weight distribution on the foot or excessive or repetitive movement. It is common in runners and those who stand on their feet for a long time. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, age, poor arch support, being overweight, and wearing footwear that does not have proper support or structure. Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis usually feel pain upon waking up after a night’s rest. Pain can be alleviated by resting, staying off the feet, applying ice to the affected area, exercising the foot, wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with insoles, and wearing compression socks. Additional pain relievers can be employed if the above does not work. If you suffer from pain of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can evaluate the severity of the condition and offer appropriate treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Having dry, cracked skin on your feet can interfere with your plans to wear beautiful, strappy sandals to your evening event. Cracked feet are not just unsightly though, deep fissures and cracks can make walking and standing painful, sometimes unbearable. Furthermore, germs can enter these breaks in the skin and cause infections. There are different things that can cause cracked heels. Dry skin is commonly the culprit of cracks in heels and occurs because the skin loses too much oil and water. This condition often shows up in dry, cold weather. The use of furnaces and air conditioners, bathing in hot water, using harsh soaps, aging, having skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema, or physical conditions, like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, can all contribute to dry skin. Another reason for cracked heels might be putting excessive pressure on your feet. This can include prolonged standing, being overweight, and wearing shoes that have open backs and do not protect the pad of the fat under the feet. The feet expand toward the sides, which can result in splitting of hard, dry skin there. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the feet. It thrives in moist, warm areas and the feet are a perfect host for this. This condition can cause peeling, flaking, and cracked skin on the sides of the feet and between your toes. If there is an infection, symptoms can worsen to stinging, burning, blisters, red skin, and itching. Spending too much time in the sun and getting sunburnt can be yet another reason for dry, cracked heels. Washing and drying your feet well, using moisturizer daily, wearing shoes made of material that breathes and that fit properly, controlling excessive sweating, and tending to secondary conditions may all help. If you are not able to keep your dry, cracked heels under control, or if signs of infection are present, consult with a podiatrist who can help you with treatment options that have a greater chance of controlling this annoying condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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