Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot due to a viral infection in the skin. They can become very painful, especially when they form on weight-bearing areas, making standing or walking uncomfortable. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through small cuts or weak spots. Symptoms include a rough patch of skin, tiny black dots in the center, and tenderness when pressure is applied. Children and teenagers are most vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. The virus spreads in warm and moist environments such as locker rooms and pools. Plantar warts can be painful as they grow inward on the sole of the foot as a result of walking and standing. A podiatrist can provide effective treatments that remove discomfort and prevent recurrence. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors 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 offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are just starting to run, you may be unfamiliar with the many foot and ankle injuries that can occur if adequate measures are not taken to prevent them. Some of these injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sprains, strains, and fractures. To help prevent foot and ankle problems associated with being a runner, make sure that you are wearing properly-fitted, comfortable running shoes. Start slowly, running just a few miles per week, and then work your way up, increasing the distance and time that you run. Stretch and strengthen the feet by warming up and cooling down before and after your runs. For more information about how to prevent running injuries when you are a beginner, consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Pronation and supination describe how the feet roll during walking or running, affecting the way weight is distributed with each step. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward, allowing the arch to flatten and absorb shock. Supination happens when the foot rolls outward, placing pressure on the outer edge. When these motions become excessive, they can lead to foot pain, arch strain, and ankle instability. Overpronation may cause stress on the heel and inner arch, while oversupination often results in discomfort in the outer foot or ankle. Improper shoe support, high arches, or flat feet often influence these gait patterns. A podiatrist can evaluate the alignment and function of the feet, recommend supportive footwear or orthotic devices, and discuss corrective options, when necessary. If you have foot pain, especially after activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain. It occurs when the strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated at its attachment to the heel bone. This fascia helps support the arch and absorbs stress during walking, running, or standing. When excessive tension develops, microtears form in the fascia. The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp or throbbing pain that is often worse with the first steps after rest. Although sometimes referred to as heel spur syndrome, the pain is not caused by a bone spur, but by inflammation of the plantar fascia itself. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing, repetitive stress from sports, and biomechanical issues like overpronation. A podiatrist can examine the foot, evaluate gait, and suggest a variety of management solutions. Included are custom orthotics, immobilization, injections, and specific exercises. When conservative methods fail, surgery may be an option. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 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 offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.