There is no question about how painful gout can be. It is a foot condition that is classified as arthritis, which happens when crystals form in the joints of the big toe. This is caused by having excess uric acid in the blood, which can come from the type of foods that are eaten. These can include foods that are laden with purines, such as shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Genetic factors may also contribute to getting gout, and patients may want to be aware of what they are eating if it runs in their families. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include swelling surrounding the affected joint, and it may be warm and tender when touched. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to developing gout. These can consist of diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. If you have bouts of gout, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and prevention methods.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 condition that is known as plantar fasciitis affects the heel and arch of the foot. There is a band of tissue called the plantar fascia, which connects the heels to the toes. It is found on the sole of the foot, and it can become inflamed or torn for various reasons. These reasons can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. People who are overweight may be prone to getting plantar fasciitis, which may be a result of having the added weight the feet must bear. The pain may be worse in the morning when awakening, and may start to feel better when the foot is moved. Mild relief may be found when custom-made insoles are worn in the shoe, and the foot is frequently elevated. There are specific stretches that can be done, which may help to ease the discomfort from plantar fasciitis. The heel can be stretched by standing on a step while lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with permanent relief options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Michael Metyk, DPM  from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

A bunion can be caused for various reasons, including genetic factors, aging, and choosing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. Wearing tight shoes may cause a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, which may push the other toes toward each other. The medical term for a bunion is referred to as hallux valgus, which is considered a deformity. Protruding bunions may cause pain and pressure, and medical attention is often sought for relief. Calluses and corns may form on top of the toes due to the foot touching the top or side of the shoe. Prevention methods for bunions can be implemented by wearing shoes with adequate room in the toe area, and walking barefoot can help to strengthen the overall foot. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief options. 

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.

The field of podiatry has become popular in recent years. Research has shown people are living longer, and elderly patients often have foot conditions that need to be tended to. A podiatrist is a medical professional that treats a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments, ranging from hammertoe to broken ankles. Additional responsibilities can include performing foot and ankle surgery, prescribing medications, and attending conferences to keep informed of the latest podiatric advances. The mandatory education requirements begin with obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by enrolling in a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program for four years and earning a DPM degree. The last step is to begin a residency program where medical and surgical experience is gained at a hospital. In addition to these educational needs, it is beneficial for future podiatrists to have compassion, interpersonal skills, and be detail-oriented. Podiatry can be a gratifying field of medicine, and if you are considering this as a career option, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can help you to determine if this is right for you.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Dry cracked feet are common for many people. Dry skin, or xerosis, comes from a lack of moisture in the skin. It can be a cosmetic problem or an underlying health condition. Itchiness, rash, pain, and even infections can be a result of dry skin. Cracked skin on the feet can be from calluses on the heels or soles of the feet. This can happen from environmental factors, such as temperature or soaps used. It can happen from skin afflictions, like athlete’s foot or psoriasis.  It can come from medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, or malnutrition. Cracked feet can also come from aging. As one ages, changes in hormones and metabolism lead to the body replacing skin cells less frequently, the outer skin layer becoming thicker, and the protective fat pad on the sole becoming thinner. The skin on the feet becomes more stressed leading to cracked and calloused skin. If you suffer from dry, cracked feet and additional moisturizing does not help or an infection seems to be brewing, it is suggested that you consider seeing a podiatrist for additional help.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. 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

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Thickened and discolored toenails could be caused by toenail fungus, but other conditions can cause the same symptoms. These signs might also be the result of bruises, warts, or some type of skin cancer. With toenail fungus, beyond discoloration of the nail, there may be debris under the nail, nail thickening, and an irregularity to the white part of the nail. A discolored spot under the toenail may be a sign of melanoma, a possibly fatal form of skin cancer. This usually presents as a brown or black streak that might look like a bruise. Darier disease is a genetic disorder that typically causes yellowish, wartlike blemishes on the body and red and white streaks on toenails. If you notice changes to your toenails and you do not know the cause, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to treat whatever might be causing the condition.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Any new parent surely knows the challenges of caring for a cranky baby. Not only can newborn babies and infants engage in persistent crying, they can also experience general discomfort. This can make caring for the infant difficult for all kinds of parents. Performing a very gentle foot massage on an infant might possibly yield positive health benefits for an them. Specifically, performing a gentle foot massage might alleviate discomfort in the newborn’s body. Foot massages might even be beneficial to other parts of the newborn’s body that are not near the feet or lower legs, such as the upper abdominal area. However, of course, it is always important to first consult with a trusted medical professional, such as a podiatrist to ensure that you are doing what is best for your infant’s health. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today if you are caring for a newborn.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Michael Metyk, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Some older people shuffle or drag their feet when they walk. There can be a variety of reasons they do this, including weak hip and leg muscles, a prior or imminent health condition (such as dementia or a sign of a stroke), or from a fear of falling and trying to take more cautious steps. Shuffling while walking can increase a senior’s risk of falling because their shoes can catch on the ground, or their feet can slide on rugs or uneven surfaces, and they become unbalanced. As we know, falling can have serious consequences. Gentle flexibility and balance exercises can be tried to attempt to increase strength and to change the shuffling gait.  If you shuffle when you walk, or if you oversee an elderly person who does this, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine the cause and treatment necessary.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Michael Metyk, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.