A Lisfranc injury involves the midfoot joints and ligaments that connect the forefoot to the arch, an area responsible for stability during standing and walking. Injuries range from mild to severe and may include ligament sprains, fractures of the midfoot bones, or joint dislocations. A sprain develops when supporting ligaments stretch or tear, while fractures and dislocations disturb normal bone alignment. This joint complex provides stability rather than movement, making proper healing important. Causes include low-energy twisting injuries such as slips or falls, as well as high-impact trauma. Sports that require pushing off or contact place added stress on the midfoot. More serious injuries are often linked to car accidents, falls from height, or crush injuries, and can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, or foot deformity. If you have symptoms of a Lisfranc injury in your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors 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 Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe surgery is considered when a bent toe causes ongoing pain, pressure points, or difficulty wearing shoes despite conservative care. Hammertoe surgery aims to straighten the affected toe by correcting tight tendons, ligaments, or joint alignment that pull it into an abnormal fixed position. Depending on severity, surgery may involve tendon release or joint resection. In some cases, fusion is performed to improve stability and reduce friction against footwear. Recovery time varies, but swelling and stiffness are common during early healing as the toe adjusts to its new position. A podiatrist plays an important role by confirming the diagnosis and determining whether surgery is appropriate. They also explain risks and expectations, select the most effective surgical approach, and guide post-procedure care to support healing and restore walking comfort. For help with foot pain caused by a hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

The biomechanics of the feet change significantly when wearing high heels, shifting body weight forward, and increasing pressure on the forefoot, while limiting natural ankle motion. This altered alignment can strain muscles, tendons, and joints, leading to fatigue, pain, and imbalance during standing and walking. Risk factors include prolonged high heel wear, narrow toe boxes, elevated heel height, and existing foot structure concerns. Common foot conditions linked to high heels include bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas, in addition to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon tightness, stress fractures, and ankle instability. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, address pain, recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and provide medical treatment to reduce damage. If you frequently wear high heels and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on what type of heels to wear.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

Neutral and stability running shoes are designed to support different foot types and running mechanics. Neutral running shoes provide even cushioning across the midsole and feature a flexible construction that allows the foot to move naturally, making them ideal for runners with a normal arch and minimal pronation. Stability running shoes, on the other hand, offer a firmer foam on the inner side of the midsole, structured sidewalls, and a broader base to improve balance and control overpronation. Choosing the correct shoe reduces injury risk and improves running efficiency. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, recommend the most suitable shoe type, and provide custom orthotics, if necessary. If you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the correct running shoes to wear.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.