If you're looking for a new podiatrist in Land O'Lakes, FL, Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas of Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center treat patients in Land O' Lakes, FL, and the Wesley Chapel, FL, area. If you've never seen a podiatrist, your podiatrist's goal is to help you stay healthy and on your feet later in life. Keep reading about podiatry and foot health and come see us, especially if your feet are in pain!

Podiatrist in Land O'Lakes, FL

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and related structures of the leg. It's important for diabetics and athletes to have a close relationship with a podiatrist. Diabetics are prone to foot problems because of decreased circulation to the extremities, and athletes are more likely to have foot injuries. Even if you don't have a preexisting condition or injury, a podiatrist is an important resource to help you take control of your foot health. When you have pain in a foot you can overcompensate for it as you walk around, and this often leads to other injuries and foot problems. Don't hesitate to see a podiatrist in Land O'Lakes, FL, when you are in pain.

Treating your feet

Your podiatrist will evaluate your feet and may ask to see your current footwear. Observing the wear patterns can help them determine where your problems or your pain are coming from. Like any doctor, your podiatrist will be interested in your family's medical history, so come to a first appointment with as much information as you can. Be honest with your doctor, because your podiatrist will consider your regular exercise habits when prescribing treatment.

Your podiatrist can help you with any foot ailment, from a foot fungus or an ingrown toenail to a complete fracture. Treatment recommendations from your podiatrist can include medications, prescription orthotics, lifestyle changes, and stretches and exercises for your feet. The goal is always to keep you healthy and on your feet!

At Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas treat all kinds of foot ailments and can help you stay healthy and on your feet! Contact us for an appointment in the Wesley Chapel, FL, area, and Land O'Lakes, FL, at (813) 909-0865.

Talar dome lesions cause excessive suffering and may be hard for many people in Land O' Lakes, FL, to tolerate. Thankfully, Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas of Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center can help Wesley Chapel, FL, residents with ankle pain manage this problem and get long-term relief.

What are Talus Dome Lesions?

Before discussing these lesions, it is vital to understand the nature of the talus. The talus is your ankle bone and is covered with cartilage all along the top. This cartilage helps to provide smooth movement for the ankle and minimizes pain and other issues. However, if it gets worn out or damaged through excessive use, you may experience what is known as a talus dome lesion. 

Often, a lesion affects the cartilage on not only the foot but also the bone within the ankle joint. Typically, this type of injury occurs with an ankle sprain or a different kind of severe strain. Unfortunately, lesions may not heal properly and could soften and break, causing a lot of ankle pain. Those in Wesley Chapel, FL, with ankle pain may experience many symptoms. 

These symptoms include chronic pain in the ankle, trouble bearing weight on that foot, clicks when walking, the ankle giving out as you walk, a sudden locking sensation in the joint, excessive swelling of the joint, and sharp jolts of pain that come and go. Treatment of this issue often goes through a multiple-stage process to ensure that you get the most comprehensive and high-quality care possible.

Treating Talar Dome Lesions 

Diagnosis starts with a series of questions about recent ankle injuries that help your podiatrist better understand where your lesions may exist. The doctor then provides a variety of examinations, including moving the ankle and watching you for pain and listening for clicks within the ankle. X-rays and MRI scans also help to give a better understanding of the extent of your injury. 

Treatment starts with the least invasive option first. Often, immobilization, pain medications, and physical therapy are all you'll need to manage this condition. However, you may also need surgery for some lesions. Usually, this happens if there is a lot of loose bone around the injured site or cartilage floating throughout the ankle that may worsen this condition or make it more painful. 

Surgeons will carefully remove these fragments and stabilize the joint and cartilage to make your recovery more effective. Without this kind of treatment, your ankle cartilage could be further injured and cause more suffering. Thankfully, your podiatrist can assess your ankle pain as you go through recovery to decide if more extensive treatment is necessary for your ultimate recovery from this painful condition.

Recovery is Possible 

If you have ankle pain and want relief from this problem in Land O' Lakes, FL, call Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas of Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center, PA, right away. So if you live near Wesley Chapel, FL, and have ankle pain, call 813-909-0865. 

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.