Dr. Isin Mustafa
@FFLC Port Charlotte

Men often resist going to the doctor when they’re sick or in pain. This is true even for foot problems. But most foot conditions are treatable, and easier to treat, when diagnosed early.

Isin A. Mustafa, DPM, MSHS, AACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon with office in Port Charlotte, wants men to know about five foot problems they should never ignore:

• Heel pain is often caused by tissue inflammation, but can also result from a broken bone, a tightPreview Changes (opens in a new window) Achilles tendon, a pinched nerve, or other problem. A qualified physician will know how to diagnose and treat the true cause of heel pain.

• Ankle sprains always, always, always require a prompt visit to the doctor. Men who skip out on medical care are more likely to suffer repeated ankle sprains and then develop chronic ankle instability.
• Big toe stiffness and pain develops slowly over time, as cartilage in the big toe joint wears down. This eventually leads to arthritis. The sooner a man has this diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
• Achilles tendonitis usually develops from a sudden increase in physical activity, such as when men play weekend sports. Chances of an Achilles tendon rupture can be reduced by treatment of the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis: pain and tenderness on the back of the foot or heel.

• Ingrown toenails can pierce the skin, open the door for bacteria to enter the body, and convince some men to perform dangerous “bathroom surgery.” Few men know that a doctor can perform a quick procedure that will end the pain and permanently cure an ingrown toenail.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) has a list of five additional foot problems men should never ignore on its consumer Web site, FootHealthFacts.org.

You may call Dr. Isin Mustafa’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit NaplesPodiatrist.com

—–

Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!