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Items filtered by date: May 2018

Tuesday, 29 May 2018 00:00

How Do I Know if I Have Gout?

The general cause of a condition referred to as gout is an excess of uric acid that accumulates in the body. The big toe is typically affected, and obvious symptoms may include intense pain, swelling, and redness in the surrounding areas. It will often appear as an inflamed protrusion on the side of the big toe, and may affect the ability to walk. Research has shown that it may be a controllable condition and may occur because of the foods that are ingested. There may be several  items that may fall into this category, including the consumption of red meat, an excessive salty foods, and any type of shellfish. Drinking excess alcohol may also lead to the development of gout, in addition to a family history of high blood pressure. Occasionally, there may be specific medical conditions in which the body has difficulty eliminating uric acid, such as kidney or thyroid ailments. The treatment for gout can vary, so it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

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It was recently announced that defensive tackle Maliek Collins of the Dallas Cowboys broke his foot and will be out indefinitely. Collins is no stranger to foot fractures; he also suffered the same injury back in 2016 at around a similar time during the NFL calendar. The defensive tackle has been advised to sit out during any voluntary practices, so that he will be prepared for mandatory football activity that starts in June. Fortunately for Collins, he will have plenty of time to rest before the season starts.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

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Monday, 14 May 2018 00:00

Causes of Flat Feet

Flat feet is a common foot condition that affects millions of Americans. The feet are the foundation of the body, and any misalignment that occurs from flat feet may affect the rest of it. An assessment is often performed to determine the severity of one's flat feet. The ankles may show signs of turning in, and this can an individual’s gait. There are several reasons why flat feet develop, such as an injury that has occurred, diseases like diabetes, or conditions that may develop from arthritis, which may alter the structure of the foot. You may notice pain and swelling surrounding the ankle, and this is a general sign that this condition may be present. Visit a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and possible treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

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It has often been recognized that many conditions concerning the feet may be indicative of the overall health of the body. If muscle spasms in the feet are experienced, it may be a result of certain vitamin deficiencies, which may cause dehydration. Additionally, if the feet are generally cold for a majority of the time, health issues such as diabetes or anemia may be present. Swollen and tender feet may represent the body’s inability to properly circulate the blood. Gout, a form of arthritis, is an extremely painful condition that typically affects men. This ailment is often triggered by a buildup of uric acid crystals, caused by ingesting excessive alcohol or meat. A condition referred to as foot drop indicates difficulty in lifting the front of the foot. This may be a result of the body incurring nerve damage, possibly originating from a leg injury. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you are affected by any of these conditions.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

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