Maffucci syndrome is a disorder that mostly affects bones and skin. It is characterized by multiple enchondromas, or noncancerous growths of cartilage, that develop within bones. These growths usually occur in the limb bones, especially on the hands and feet. Enchondromas can result in severe bone deformities, shortening limbs, and fractures. Maffucci syndrome may be detectable at birth but is usually not seen until around age 5. The enchondromas develop near the ends of bones, where normal growth occurs. They typically stop growing when an individual stops growing in early adulthood. Because of bone deformities with this syndrome, people with this condition usually have a short stature and underdeveloped muscles. Though the enchondromas start benign, they can cause bone cancer and an increase in other cancers. If you are pregnant and your child has Maffucci syndrome affecting their feet, consult with a podiatrist who can help you navigate this affliction.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Michael Metyk, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Foot pain can be common among pregnant women. This may be a result of the added weight that is gained from the growing fetus, and the feet may become swollen and achy. There are simple methods that can be implemented which can provide moderate relief. Elevating the feet as often as possible and avoiding standing for long periods at a time are generally successful in controlling foot pain from pregnancy. Many women enjoy getting foot massages during their pregnancy, and performing specific stretches can help aching feet. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that have a lower heel and are comfortable, and wearing cotton socks may help the feet to breathe. Pregnancy can bring joy and happiness, and it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted who can treat existing foot pain, allowing fuller enjoyment during this time. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Fungal infections commonly affect the toenails. Research has shown that approximately 14 percent of the population nationwide suffers from this fungus, and it can be a stubborn ailment to treat. The fungus that causes toenail fungus enters the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet. These fungi live and thrive in warm and moist environments, such as shower room floors and public swimming pools. The most common type of fungus that affects the toes is called tinea unguium, and it is caused by dermatophytes. Athlete’s foot is also caused by this fungus and can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Toenail fungus is often treated with topical medications, and oral pills may be prescribed. Having laser treatment performed is an option that many people choose, and it may be successful and painless in treating this condition. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that prompt medical attention is received from a podiatrist who can determine which type of treatment is best for you.

For more information about treatment, contact Michael Metyk, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot occurs when a fungal infection between the toes produces a scaly, red rash. Eczema is another condition that is often confused with athlete’s foot. However, they are two very distinct and different conditions in important respects. Eczema is not limited to the feet and is contagious. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Both of these conditions can make the skin of the foot appear red, dry, and itchy. Both eczema and athlete’s foot are diagnosed by a medical professional by ultimately performing some kind of physical examination. In diagnosing both conditions, a medical professional might be particularly concerned with the skin and analyzing skin samples. It is very common for several different foot conditions to be confused with one another, although they are distinct and have separate causes and symptoms. If you are having trouble discerning what condition is impacting the health of your feet, consult with a podiatrist today.  

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

The chances may increase for a foot injury to occur in children who participate in sports activities. These types of injuries can involve the ligaments, bones, and tendons. Fractures and sprains also fall into this category. There are two classifications of foot injuries that can develop, consisting of acute or chronic. Acute injuries consist of contusions, or bruises, fractures, and sprains. Chronic injuries can include stress fractures and tendonitis, and generally happen gradually from overuse. Parents may see symptoms in their children in the form of limping or difficulty walking. At this point, a proper diagnosis is necessary to have, which can determine what type of injury it is. Many times an X-ray or MRI is performed, and this can precede what type of treatment is needed for a complete recovery. If your child has foot pain, it is strongly urged that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward helping your child find relief.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Michael Metyk, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

When the skin on the soles of our feet becomes too dry, it can split and cause painful, sometimes bloody cracks or fissures. These might make it hard to walk, but they can also lead to infections and illness. Lack of moisture causing heel cracks can be from cold weather, dehydration, not moisturizing the feet enough, hot water from bathing or soaking too long, or harsh, drying soaps. Cracked heels can also be a result of diabetes or obesity. Diabetics may suffer nerve damage to their feet from uncontrolled blood sugars that can cause dry skin. People with diabetes are more apt to develop an infection from cracked heels because they may not be able to feel pain in their feet allowing a developing condition to go unnoticed. If one is obese, more weight is put on the foot pad causing it to expand out. If the skin on the feet is dry, there is added pressure and more cracking can result. It is important to examine feet regularly and practice good foot care. If you have cracked heels that worsen or do not respond to foot pampering, see a podiatrist immediately for treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One ailment that can affect children is plantar warts. They are warts that develop on the bottom of the foot due to the pressure the foot endures while walking or running. These types of warts can cause extreme pain and discomfort and may disrupt the ability to run and play. Children may tell their parents that they feel like they are stepping on a small stone and the wart may have the appearance of a cauliflower with black veins in the center. These warts are contagious and the fungus that causes them lives in specific environments. These can include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors so it is suggested that children wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. The fungus enters the body through small cracks on the skin and it is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. Children with a weakened immune system may be susceptible to developing a plantar wart. This type of wart can be removed or treated by a podiatrist, so it is suggested that you schedule an appointment if your child is afflicted with this condition.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Synovitis is inflammation of the tissues that line a joint. Those with gout or another form of arthritis may be at risk for synovitis. It is also a result of overuse or trauma to a joint. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain with joint motion. Since pain or synovitis might mimic that of other afflictions, like fractures or infections, it is important to see a podiatrist and have the feet evaluated. Treatment often includes rest, immobilization, and medications. Surgery may be necessary for synovitis that has persisted. If you feel pain in your feet and ankle joints, see a podiatrist  to get a proper diagnosis and learn about treatment options.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Michael Metyk, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.