Items filtered by date: December 2025

The foot is a complex structure made of tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges that work together to support movement and balance. The tarsals form the back of the foot and help create stability for standing and walking. The metatarsals form the middle of the foot and distribute weight evenly with each step. The phalanges are the toe bones that help with push off and balance during movement.  All these parts work in harmony with muscles, tendons, and ligaments to absorb shock and keep the body aligned. When any part is strained or out of balance, pain and mobility issues can develop. A podiatrist can evaluate the structure of the foot, address problems, and recommend treatments that improve comfort and function. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor 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 office located in Leesburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain in older adults often stems from age-related changes in the feet, including soft tissue degeneration, reduced bone density, and long-standing biomechanical stress. A frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia that commonly produces sharp pain with the first steps after rest. Heel spurs may develop beneath the calcaneus, or heel bone, and can contribute to additional discomfort. Achilles tendinitis may cause pain at the back of the heel due to overuse or limited flexibility, while arthritis in the rearfoot or midfoot joints can create stiffness and reduced mobility. Seniors are also at increased risk for calcaneal stress fractures, retrocalcaneal bursitis, and heel pad atrophy, which results from thinning of the natural cushioning under the heel. Nerve conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy may cause burning or tingling heel pain. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and select appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski of Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes irritated and inflamed. It often develops from repetitive stress, wearing improper footwear, prolonged standing, high arches, or flat feet. Symptoms usually include sharp heel pain when taking the first steps in the morning, discomfort after activity, and tenderness along the arch. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide a custom treatment plan, offer orthotics, and guide stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia. If heel pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski  from Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor 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 office located in Leesburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches collapse and the entire sole touches the ground, which can lead to pain, fatigue, and changes in walking mechanics. Some individuals benefit from surgery when conservative care is not enough. Surgical correction can improve alignment and reduce chronic pain, but it also requires recovery time and carries risks such as stiffness or incomplete relief. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, recommend orthotics and supportive footwear, and discuss whether surgery is an appropriate option for your condition. Taking action early can prevent long-term problems. If you have discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss viable treatment options with you, which may include surgery to restore comfort and mobility.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski of Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Swollen feet are a common problem that can affect people of all ages. The reasons may range from temporary fluid buildup in hot weather or pregnancy to more serious health concerns that involve circulation or injury. The medical term for swelling caused by trapped fluid is edema. It often appears in the feet and ankles, causing stretched skin and dimpling when pressed. Injuries like ankle sprains can also lead to sudden swelling, restricting mobility, and causing pain. In pregnancy, swelling may occur gradually, but if it becomes severe and sudden, it could signal preeclampsia, a condition that requires immediate medical care. Prolonged standing or wearing shoes that lack adequate support can also contribute to swelling of the feet. A podiatrist can carefully evaluate the feet to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment to protect long-term foot health. If you suffer from excessive or unusual swelling in the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Nicholas Przystawski of Central Florida Foot Care, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Leesburg, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.