A podiatrist is a medical professional that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions. In some states, podiatrists can also treat ankle and lower limb issues. Podiatrists must obtain a 4-year bachelor’s degree, attend four years of podiatric medical school, and undergo residency training for three or more years in hospitals or clinics. After completing training, they must pass a series of board certification exams. Once fully licensed in their state, they can show the letters DPM after their names, which stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. If they choose to specialize, they must complete a fellowship and pass certification exams in the area(s) of specialization. This can include a variety of sub-specialties, including but not limited to orthotics, diabetes, and pediatric foot care. Though podiatrists are not technically physicians, they undergo as much training as medical doctors. Podiatrists differ from orthopedists in that they treat lower limb disorders and not musculoskeletal disorders of the body. If you are suffering from pain, numbness, or swelling in your feet or have any questions related to the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can talk to you at length.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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 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 offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are caring for a young child, then it is imperative that proper care and attention are given to the health of their feet. One disease that can negatively impact the health of a child’s feet is known as Kawasaki disease. This condition is primarily associated with throat problems and high temperatures in children. However, this disease can also bring about negative symptoms in the feet. Specifically, children who develop Kawasaki disease may notice abnormal symptoms in their feet. These children might have feet that are particularly painful or red, and they might also be somewhat swollen. During the second phase of Kawasaki disease, a child might also demonstrate skin that peels off on the feet. Peeling might also appear on the soles of the feet. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about Kawasaki disease and the feet.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors 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 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 warts are often confused with other kinds of foot conditions such as corns. However, plantar warts are importantly different from corns, and anyone who cares about maintaining the health of their feet ought to be familiar with what is unique about them. Plantar warts are growths on the feet that are ultimately caused by the human papillomavirus. These growths sometimes can be painful. Plantar warts can, in fact, grow in clusters. However, they do not necessarily do so. These clusters of plantar warts on the bottoms of the feet can present themselves as groupings of warts. Clusters can also form on one or both feet at a time. If you are someone that has plantar warts, contact a podiatrist today to learn more and to receive treatment. 

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 and ankle needs.

A broken toe is a foot injury that may or may not be severe. It can happen from jamming it into a piece of furniture, or from dropping a heavy object on it. A broken toe is considered to be severe if a bone is protruding from the skin. This often requires immediate medical attention, which also may help to prevent getting an infection. Some patients hear a snapping or popping sound with this type of fracture, and the intense pain can make it difficult to walk. Symptoms from a mildly broken toe often include bruising and swelling, which can make existing shoes difficult to wear. Effective treatment techniques can start out by having an X-ray taken, and this is successful in determining the severity of the fracture. Many broken toes are treated by using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which is generally adequate enough to provide the necessary stability as it heals. If you have broken your toe, please confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with tips on how your toe can heal properly.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Ingrown toenails are generally painful and can become infected when medical attention from a podiatrist is not promptly sought. Ingrown toenails can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or when the toenails are trimmed improperly. An ingrown toenail is defined as a toenail that grows into the skin instead of over it. The symptoms many people experience include the surrounding skin becoming red and tender, in addition to pus oozing from the toenail once it becomes infected. Some patients have found mild relief when the affected toe is soaked in warm water, followed by using a small piece of cotton to gently pull the nail away from the skin, however, these are temporary solutions. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who is qualified to perform minor surgery for complete healing.

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 one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors 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 offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual sprains an ankle they may notice that the tissues or ligaments surrounding the ankle bones have become stretched or unnaturally torn. As a result, the ankle sprain might cause discomfort to the patient and they may demonstrate some kind of limitation in the degree of their ankle motion. An individual may notice that sleeping with an ankle that is sprained can be uncomfortable or difficult. There are several steps that one might consider taking when trying to sleep easier with a sprained ankle. The pain at night stemming from the sprained ankle largely depends on how you are caring for the ankle throughout the day. For example, resting, elevating, and possibly icing the ankle during the daytime may lead to decreased discomfort during the nighttime. Additionally, a person might consider elevating the foot to help mitigate the discomfort felt at night from an ankle sprain. If you are having trouble sleeping at night due to an ankle sprain, contact a podiatrist today. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Many people across the globe do not pay as much attention to their feet as advised. It takes a small but persistent amount of time to have feet that look and feel good. An important thing to do is to trim the toenails correctly, approximately once per week. This is an effective method in keeping the toenails strong and healthy. It is beneficial to trim the toenails straight across, followed by filing them to ensure a finished appearance. The feet will feel better when they are frequently moisturized, which may help to prevent cracked heels from developing. When shoes are purchased, it is important that they fit correctly from the moment they are tried on, and they should not have to be broken in. Additionally, it is helpful to shop for shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Toenail fungus and athlete's foot may be avoided when the feet are kept as dry as possible, and it is helpful to refrain from wearing shoes without socks. If you would like to have more information on everyday foot care tips, please consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the correct knowledge.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

There are 26 bones that are located in each foot which represent the foundation of the body. The field of podiatry specializes in treating conditions of the feet and ankles, in addition to performing surgery that specific foot ailments may require. People who are interested in helping patients find solutions for their individual foot conditions may choose to become a podiatrist. There is mandatory schooling that must occur before DPM follows any name. This is the abbreviation for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and their education includes earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by completing several years of podiatric medicine. Two of these years are in a program focusing on podiatry, followed by two to four years in a residency program. There are various forms of podiatry, consisting of sports medicine, pediatrics, or diabetic foot care. It is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted if this is the branch of medicine that is being considered, so they can address any concerns there may be.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.