At Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas treat patients in Land O' Lakes, FL. A podiatrist could be an important lifeline for you if you've had a foot injury or surgery, or are diabetic. Even without a preexisting condition, a podiatrist can help if you are concerned about the health of your feet. A podiatrist's goal is to keep you healthy and on your feet!

What is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and related structures of the leg. You see a foot doctor for help with things like sprains, hammertoes, bunions, ingrown toenails, and other common foot issues. It's also important for diabetics and athletes to have a podiatrist they trust because of their increased risk of foot problems and injuries. If you have never seen a podiatrist, come to our Land O' Lakes, FL, practice, and take control of your foot health.

What will my first visit be like?

You will probably find your first visit with a podiatrist similar to the first visit with any other doctor. Your podiatrist will perform a thorough evaluation of your feet and ask about any injuries or surgeries you've had. They will look at how you stand and walk and check the range of motion in your joints. They may even want to see your footwear to evaluate how it's fitting. Like most doctors a podiatrist will be interested in your family history, so come to the appointment with as much information as you can.

Your podiatrist will take into account your lifestyle and activity level for your treatment so be honest with your doctor. Treatments prescribed by a podiatrist can include medications, prescription orthotics, and stretches and exercises for your feet.

Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas take pride in keeping patients healthy and on their feet. Call to make an appointment at Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center in Land O' Lakes, FL, today. Reach us at (813) 909-0865.

Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas of Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center treat patients in Land O' Lakes, FL, with heel pain. Our heels take a lot of impact and heel pain is common. Read about some of the common causes of heel pain and come see us if you're concerned about the health of your feet.

Plantar fasciitis

Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of muscle that runs the sole of the foot, is called plantar fasciitis and can be very painful. Symptoms are pain at the back of the foot, and it may be most intense when you first get up and start moving or after a bout of strenuous activity.

Plantar fasciitis is common especially in runners and people on their feet all day, but most cases are mild and can be helped with icing, anti-inflammatory drugs, and stretching exercises. You should still see your Land O' Lakes, FL, foot doctor if you are in pain. Your doctor may recommend orthotics to wear in your shoes to help relieve pain.

Achilles tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon connects the back of the foot to the calf. It often becomes inflamed due to overuse or a sudden increase in strenuous activity. Symptoms are pain behind the heel and directly above the heel. You may also notice swelling or a limited range of motion.

If you have Achilles tendonitis your doctor will recommend a mix of rest from strenuous activities and focus on appropriate exercises in physical therapy. Icing and elevating the foot can help reduce swelling along with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Heel Surgery

In cases of severe and chronic heel pain, your foot doctor may recommend heel surgery. An osteotomy is a procedure that involves cutting the metatarsal bone and aligning it with the other bones in the foot to relieve pressure and pain. This also prevents a heel callus from forming.

The cause of your heel pain could be unique and the combination of several factors. If you are in pain and you've never been diagnosed, it's important to see a doctor and target the cause of your pain. At Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas are here to help with your heel pain. Contact us for an appointment in Land O' Lakes, FL, at (813) 909-0865.

Some foot pain, such as that after a long run, can be treated at home. Other aches and pains may need a podiatrist’s attention. Visit Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas and Dr. George Tjamaloukas at Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center in Land o’ Lakes, FL, to have your feet examined by a trusted specialist. 

When should you decide to go to the podiatrist for your foot pain?

Anything that severely impairs your gait can be a reason for concern. It could be caused by an accident, a hereditary deformity, or the result of habits, like wearing shoes with tighter toe boxes.

If you have swelling that is persistent and does not respond to any at-home treatment like resting and icing, you may want to speak with your doctor.

Co-existing conditions can make foot pain worse.

Diabetic patients can not afford to skip their foot health. Visiting the podiatrist ensures happy feet with sufficient circulation.

Corn and hammertoes that impair foot function are a great reason to visit your caregiver about your foot pain.

Infections and open wounds require attention.

Your physician may need to treat any bacterial and fungal infection of the foot that doesn’t seem to recede in a reasonable amount of time.

Wounds that will not heal should receive medical attention, especially if you have diabetes. Your doctor will be able to share some advice and prescribe medication to help speed the healing.

Ingrown toenails that haven’t responded to at-home treatment needs medical attention from your specialist. They will be able to remove the ingrown for you and help you to stave off any infection following removal.

Put yourself at ease concerning foot health. Have Dr. Tjamaloukas and Dr. Tjamaloukas addresses your foot pain at Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center in Land O’Lakes, FL. Call 813-909-0865 to schedule an appointment today.

Infection

Poor circulation also makes infections worse by lengthening healing.

Diabetic Foot Care in Land O' Lakes, FL

A sprained ankle is one that has a tear or stretch in one or several ligaments in the ankle. These ligaments are elastic tissue bands that keep the bones of the ankle in place. Your ankles are especially vulnerable to sprains because of their tiny size and the pressure applied to them when walking, hopping, jumping, and running, particularly on uneven surfaces.

Depending on the injury’s severity, the ankle sprain could be classified as Grade I, II, or III, and treatments for these differ. This is why proper diagnosis by your podiatrist, Dr. George Tjamaloukas or Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas of Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center, in Land O’ Lakes, FL, is vital.

Causes and Symptoms of Ankle Sprains

In the U.S., most ankle injuries are sprains and the majority of them occur when the ankle is suddenly twisted. In general, the most common cause is when the ankle joint’s outside ligaments get strained due to the foot rolling onto the ankle’s outside portion. This is known as an inversion injury. A less common cause is an eversion injury, in which the ankle’s inner ligaments get stretched due to the ankle rolling into the joint’s inside portion. Symptoms typically include:

• Discoloration or bruising in the affected ankle
• Pain, swelling, and tenderness
• Difficulty moving and bending the ankle
• Difficulty putting your full weight on the injured ankle

Ankle Sprain Treatment Options

The first line of treatment for ankle sprains includes the “RICE” protocol:

• R for Resting the sprained ankle.
• I for Icing the affected ankle for about 20 minutes or so every three to four hours to keep swelling down.
• C for Compressing the affected ankle to immobilize it.
• E for Elevating it simply by propping your leg up while at rest.

For a more severe ankle sprain, however, your podiatrist in Land O’ Lakes, FL, might recommend that you wear a brace or use crutches for extra stability and protection. You may also be prescribed NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if you have significant swelling and pain. Additionally, Grade III ankle sprains, which typically have complete ligament tears might need surgical intervention to repair the torn ankle ligaments.

You will also need to do rehabilitative exercises for restoring your injured ankle’s range of motion and strength. These exercises will likewise help prevent ankle injuries in the future.

Speak to Us If You Have Concerns About Your Ankle Sprain

Call 813-909-0865 to set an appointment here at Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center, PA in Land O’ Lakes, FL, with your podiatrist Dr. George Tjamaloukas or Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas.