August 2022

A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a common foot ailment where a bony bump occurs on the joint of a big toe when bones on the top part of the foot move out of place. The pressure causes the tip of the big toe to be pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint to remain stuck. Bunions can develop from wearing tight or narrow shoes or having an abnormal foot shape, a pre-existing medical condition (like arthritis), or a foot deformity. Bunionettes, or smaller bunions, might form on the joint of a smaller toe.  Elderly people and women are more apt to get bunions. They can occur on one or both feet. Bunions can be painful, the joint might get stiff and swollen, and the skin may get sore and red. Prolonged standing might exacerbate the pain of a bunion. If left untreated, bunions can get worse over time, and it might become difficult to walk. Bunion pads, well-fitted shoes, or toe spacers might help. In severe cases, bunion surgery – a bunionectomy – might be called for. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Michael Metyk, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Though it can be funny to think of breaking your foot as a valid excuse to get out of going to an event you would rather skip, to actually break your foot is not funny at all. You can sustain a foot fracture from falling, moving quickly (such as in running or another sport), twisting your foot to one side, dropping something heavy on your foot, or enduring other injuries. When a fracture first happens, it is important to take weight off of the affected foot and elevate it. If you see a bone sticking out of your foot, your foot looks deformed in some other way, your foot is numb or cold, or you are in severe pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible. Your broken foot will usually be cast and/or put into a walking boot until it heals. Surgery may be required. A broken foot is something to take seriously. A podiatrist can ascertain the severity of the break and provide the best treatment option for you. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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 cuboid bone is located in the foot, and cuboid syndrome can occur when the surrounding joints and ligaments become inflamed. The pain is often felt on the outside of the foot where the pinky toe is, and may increase when weight is put on it. It can happen as a result of the cuboid bone moving outward as the heel bone moves inward, often from a sprain. Some people experience cuboid syndrome by putting repetitive strain on the foot while participating in running and jumping activities. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to developing this condition. These include having flat feet or being obese. Additionally, having gout, arthritis and certain bone conditions may lead to getting cuboid syndrome. Effective preventive methods can include stretching the foot adequately before beginning an exercise routine, and it can be beneficial to wear shoes that have ample support. Treatment can begin with elevating the affected foot, and specific stretches and exercises can be done that can help to minimize discomfort. If you have this type of pain in your foot, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat this ailment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Pain, swelling, and stiffness often accompany arthritis in the feet. Many people have their toes affected by arthritis and it can be difficult to walk. Additionally, there may be a bump that forms as a result of the joints rubbing together and the toes may curl. The most common form of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis and it affects the cartilage between the joints generally causing pain and discomfort. The condition that is known as gout can cause pain in the big toe and comes from having excess uric acid in the bloodstream. This can cause crystals to lodge between the joints in the big toe and can cause debilitating pain. An autoimmune disease can cause psoriatic arthritis and typically affects the toes. Another form of toe pain can come from having an infection within the joint and this is referred to as infectious arthritis. Mild relief may be found when the shoes that are worn fit properly and it is advised to refrain from wearing high heels. If you have pain in your toes, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose arthritis in the feet as well as offer correct treatment advice.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.

When the outer edge of the toenail pushes into the skin\ it is referred to as an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are generally painful, red, and swollen, and it can be difficult to walk. In severe cases, pus may ooze from the area and will need prompt medical attention. An ingrown toenail can happen as a result of wearing shoes and socks that are too small or from trimming the toenails incorrectly. When the toenails are trimmed in a straight line the likelihood of getting an ingrown toenail may be decreased. Diabetic patients may benefit from maintaining proper foot health and this can help to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water followed by gently pulling the skin away from the toe using a piece of cotton. This is generally a temporary fix and it is advised to contact a podiatrist who can perform 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 Michael Metyk, DPM of Florida. 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 Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.