Ankles are an important part of the human body's structure, since they provide the flexibility needed to walk. An ankle sprain occurs when there is a tear in the ligament. These tears can either be mild and result in a mild sprain, or they can be severe and cause a more serious sprain. Ankle sprains can happen to anyone regardless of age, and they can occur while performing any everyday activity. If you are suffering from a mild sprain, it is advised that you follow the RICE method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Elevation, and Compression. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be used to treat minor cases of ankle sprains.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is no secret that the root cause of blisters is increased friction, but it is important to know what is causing the friction. It has been found that the four main causes of friction on the feet are: shoes, socks, sweat, and restricted foot motion. Shoes that squeeze the toes together have the power to increase the amount of friction between the toes, which may result in blisters. According to a study involving military personnel, low friction insoles have been found to reduce blister development. A similar study has shown that wearing double layer socks prevented the military personnel from getting blisters as well.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While many people tend to be concerned with the appearance of their toenails, it is crucial that the overall health of your feet is taken care of as well. This is why it is important that you have a podiatrist who can treat all your foot and ankle related problems. One of the more common problems that people go to a podiatrist for are ingrown toenails. The fact that podiatrists specialize in treating feet allows them to treat ingrown toenails with minimal pain. One podiatrist says, “I see countless people who were traumatized when treated elsewhere. This breaks my heart every time one of these patients walks into my office.” Seeking help from a podiatrist may be very beneficial when you are experiencing issues with your feet.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the weather starts to warm up, you may be tempted to show off your feet with open-toed shoes. However, if you want them feeling healthy and fresh you should take extra precautions to make sure your feet are summer-ready. Wearing low-quality flip-flops and sandals without arch support may cause bunions, blisters, corns, and calluses, so it is important that you limit, if not avoid, wearing them during the summertime. In order to prevent conditions such as plantar fasciitis, you should choose a sandal that has cushioning and arch support so your feet are comfortable while you walk. Nevertheless, the amount of time you spend wearing flip-flops should be limited so that you can avoid injury and other foot conditions.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that occurs between the toes. Symptoms of the condition are itchy, dry, red, scaly skin that tends to worsen in the summer when the weather is humid. The infection itself is usually contracted by walking around barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms or gym showers. Treatments for athlete’s foot come in creams, sprays, liquids, and powders, and they will help stop the fungus from growing. If you have athlete’s foot, be sure to wash your feet prior to applying the treatment to the skin and surrounding area.  Also, do not apply to open wounds. Contact a podiatrist for tips on how to prevent and treat athlete's foot.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky.  Dr. Shlonsky will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma occurs when there is a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to your toes. The pain associated with it is most commonly found between the third and fourth toes, but it can also be felt near the ball of the foot, or between the second and third toe. Causes of pain may be due to wearing shoes that are too tight such as high heels. Compared to others, people with bunions, hammertoes, and high foot arches may have a higher risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. If you suspect that you may have Morton’s neuroma it is important that you seek the assistance of a podiatrist right away in order to receive treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that is characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is considered  normal. Eccrine glands, or sweat glands, are found at the soles of the feet which is why this condition tends to affect the foot area. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis are often hesitant to reach out for a treatment until their daily routines become affected by the sweat. If the excessive sweating occurs at night, it is important to seek medical assistance as it could be a side effect of a serious medical condition.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot diseases and other foot-related problems often become more prevalent as we age. Years of bearing body weight and certain ailments can combine to wreak havoc on the feet and ankles. The foot problems we may experience as time goes on vary from minor to potentially very serious. First and foremost, if you are a diabetic, foot care needs to be a high priority. Diabetic ulcers and sores, if left untreated, can lead to infection and even gangrene, resulting in amputation. Daily foot inspections are necessary to ensure that there are no cuts, sores, or swelling. Even something as seemingly minor as cracked skin on the foot can lead to terrible consequences if gone unnoticed. Using moisturizer and soap that doesn’t dry out the skin can help in this area. That being said, it is also important to keep the feet dry, as toenail fungus grows more readily in moist environments. Keeping the feet elevated is also a good tip. This will help circulate the blood to the lower extremities. Poor circulation can lead to serious medical conditions.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

With warmer weather now upon us, many children make a return to outdoor sports and activities. Many parents may eventually face the issue of their children experiencing heel pain. In adolescents, heel pain is often caused by Sever’s disease. Pain is typically described as being at the back of the heel; this is where the growth plate has not fully developed yet. Sever’s disease is thought to occur because of a mismatch in the growth of the heel bones to the calf muscle and Achilles tendon. Rest and pain relief are key parts of treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Regardless of the season, bunions and the pain associated with them plague athletes of all fields. Skiers, hockey players, basketball players, and other athletes involved in running sports are all susceptible to developing the condition. A bunion is characterized as a painful swelling of soft tissue and bone enlargement over the inner side of the ball of the big toe joint. With progression, the condition can become arthritic and may be accompanied by pain and the inability to wear shoes and walk comfortably. Treatment for bunions depends on the severity of the condition. In many cases, orthotics and wider fitting shoes can help, whereas more severe cases may call for surgery.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.