(727) 527-1249Blog
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bones to the toes, becomes inflamed. The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom and inside of the heel, although you may also experience swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth, as well as arch pain. The symptoms are usually at their worst when you take your first few steps after resting for a long period of time, such as when you first get out of bed in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is a common diagnosis, affecting about 10% of the population. A podiatrist can easily diagnose plantar fasciitis by taking a medical history and examining your foot. Imaging studies are rarely needed, but may be ordered if the doctor suspects a different underlying cause to your heel pain. If you are suffering from heel pain, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Having high arches in your feet
- Other foot issues such as flat feet
- Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
- Being on your feet very often
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
- Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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.
Heel Pain Can Indicate Fat Pad Contusion
Heel pain can be a result of a medical condition that is known as fat pad contusion, or Policeman's Heel. Simply put, it is a bruised heel, and it can cause pain and discomfort. This ailment can gradually develop, and affects the fatty tissues that are located under the heel. These types of tissues protect the heel bone, and are likened to a shock absorber. Fat pad contusion can develop from frequently participating in repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and walking. Additionally, it can be caused by wearing shoes that have inadequate cushioning, or from increasing running mileage too soon. Mild relief can be felt when the affected foot is rested until the pain diminishes. Athletes may find it beneficial to pursue non-weight bearing activities, like cycling or swimming, until the healing process is complete. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein 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 contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Heel PainWhy Do I Feel Like I’m Walking on a Pebble?
Compression or irritation of the nerve between the third and fourth toes can cause the nerve to thicken and become painful. This is known as Morton’s Neuroma. Along with pain in the ball of the foot, symptoms may include tingling, numbness, burning, or the feeling of a pebble being stuck in your shoe. Morton’s Neuroma can be caused by injuries to the area, high heels and other footwear with a narrow toe box, or physical activities that cause repetitive stress on the ball of the foot such as running and tennis. Foot conditions such as hammertoes, flat feet, and bunions may increase the chances of developing Morton’s Neuroma. Early detection and treatment such as activity and shoe modification, injection therapy, icing, padding, and the use of orthotic devices can help avoid more invasive treatments or surgery. If you believe you may have Morton’s Neuroma, make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein 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 Saint Petersburg, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Toe Lifts for Strengthening Feet
The strength of your feet influences proper foot biomechanics, walking pattern, ankle stability, and overall balance. Therefore, it is just as important to exercise the feet as any other part of the body. There are several easy exercises that you can do to strengthen your feet, such as toe lifts. You can do toe lifts by standing with your feet firmly on the ground and then lifting just your big toe. Practice this movement on both feet until you have mastered it. Over time, progress to lifting and lowering each toe individually. This exercise can improve your toes’ dexterity, strengthening them and reducing the likelihood of toe injuries in the process. To learn more about various foot stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Dr. Klein to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
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.
How Peripheral Neuropathy May Affect Your Feet
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve damage to the nerves of the feet. It is a common condition among people with diabetes, affecting approximately half of all diabetics. Peripheral neuropathy could cause a variety of symptoms in your lower limbs, including burning, tingling, or pins and needles sensations in your feet, numbness, weakness, and pain. A loss of sensation or increased sensitivity to touch are also common. All of these can lead to changes in the way that you walk, affect your balance, lead to a loss of muscle tone in the lower limbs, and cause swelling in the feet. If you have peripheral neuropathy, practicing good foot care will be especially important for keeping your feet healthy and maintaining your mobility and independence. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, who can help you take care of your feet.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
- Numbness
- Sensation loss
- Prickling and tingling sensations
- Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
- Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
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.
Why Do My Feet Hurt?
There are many reasons why your feet may be hurting, ranging from small injuries to systemic conditions that affect the feet. One of the most frequent causes of foot pain is wearing improperly fitted shoes. These include shoes that are too tight or narrow, shoes with excessively high heels, and shoes that do not adequately support and protect your foot. Fixing foot pain related to footwear is often as easy as changing your shoes. Sports and exercise-related injuries to the feet are also common and will often require activity modifications to reduce foot pain. Systemic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis, can cause foot pain. Fortunately, the effects of these conditions on the feet can be managed with proper care. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
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.
Three Essential Features of a Good Walking Shoe
If you are planning on walki
ng regularly for more than a half hour at a time, be sure to pick out a pair of walking shoes that have these three essential structural features for optimal cushioning and support. 1) Flexibility: choose a walking shoe that is bendable, allowing for your foot to flex during the rolling heel-to-toe walking stride. 2) Lightweight: a lighter shoe will make it easy to stay spry and energetic on long walks. 3) An Undercut Heel: Avoid flared or big heels that may interfere with the heel-to-toe walking stride and opt for an undercut or straight heel instead. For more information and recommendations on walking shoes that are right for your individual foot and walking style, consult with a podiatrist.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes
There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.
You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.
Differences
Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.
Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.
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.
Read more about Walking Shoes vs. Running ShoesWhat Are Different Causes of Ankle Pain?
Pain can be felt immediately when an ankle injury occurs. The ankle joint typically supports the majority of the body weight, and many people often realize this when an ankle injury is endured. Research has indicated there are three bones that connect in the ankle joint. These are connected by several tendons and ligaments that protect the ankle joint. Many patients experience ankle pain through sprains or fractures in addition to arthritis, possibly causing chronic ankle pain. Symptoms of a broken ankle can include immediate bruising and swelling, and it can often become difficult to walk. Rolling or twisting the ankle can result in a sprain, which can be treated by numerous methods. If you have ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so they can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
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.
What Happens When You Sprain Your Ankle?
Ligaments are strong, stretchy tissues that connect bones and also stabilize joints. Ligaments on the inside and outside of the ankle joint support the ankle and help stabilize it during up-and-down and side-to-side foot movements. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of these ligaments become overly stretched or torn from a sudden movement, fall, or twist that knocks the ankle out of its normal position. Ankle sprains can occur while participating in sports, walking on uneven surfaces, or twisting your ankle wearing the wrong shoes. People who have had previous ankle sprains or weakened ankles due to genetics may be more prone to experiencing ankle sprains. Walking may prove challenging to a person with an ankle sprain, and they may experience pain, swelling, bruising, or joint stiffness. It is important to seek the care of a podiatrist for an ankle sprain in order to diagnose and treat any additional, more serious injury that may have occurred, as well as to facilitate proper and prompt healing and rehabilitation to avoid chronic ankle instability.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Pain at the sight of the tear
- Bruising/Swelling
- Ankle area is tender to touch
- In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
- Skin discoloration
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.
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.
Ankle Sprains and High School Sports
One in six of all high school sports injuries are sprained ankles, making them the most common injury among this age group. The site of most of these sprains is the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), which is the band of connective tissue on the outside of the ankle. One of the ways the ATFL can become sprained is when an athlete’s center of gravity shifts over the outside of the weight-bearing leg, which can cause the ankle to roll inward quickly. Sporting activities with the highest occurrence of ankle sprains are girls’ gymnastics, girls’ basketball, and boys’ basketball. If a child experiences one ankle sprain, they may be more at risk of a future ankle sprain, particularly if they are involved in a sport where there is repeated jumping and landing. Even though some people may not view ankle sprains as a serious or significant injury, it is important to seek professional treatment from a podiatrist to help the ankle heal properly and regain strength, while lessening the risk of re-injury.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
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.
More...
Reduce Pain Caused by Sever’s Disease
The painful foot condition known as Sever’s disease generally affects active children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 14. The pain is said to increase during physical activity and can be felt in the bone at the back of the heel. This disease develops because of a growth spurt in which the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons. That is why Sever's disease tends to occur in children and young teenagers, especially those who participate in running and jumping activities like basketball and soccer. One of the ways a podiatrist may relieve a portion of the pressure on the heel is by prescribing custom orthotics. Additionally, resting and icing the affected heel as well as performing gentle stretches may contribute to the pain subsiding. If your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 injuries.
Read more about Sever's DiseaseFoot Conditions That Can Develop From Standing
Research has indicated a significant portion of the population stands for the majority of their work day. This can have an impact on the feet, and it can be beneficial to sit for short periods of time throughout the day. It may help to refrain from standing on hard surfaces, in addition to wearing shoes that fit correctly. It is important for shoes to have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and it may be wise to consider wearing custom made orthotics. There are several foot conditions that can develop from standing on your feet for hours including bunions, joint fatigue, and swelling. Speaking with a podiatrist may provide you with information on how to avoid painful foot conditions while standing, and it is suggested that you schedule a consultation.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
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.
Fungus Can Cause Plantar Warts
A lesion on the bottom of the foot may be referred to as a plantar wart. This is defined as a wart that grows inward, and can happen as a result of the pressure the feet endure on a daily basis. It is caused by a viral infection, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. The fungus that often precedes this infection lives in warm environments, including public pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. A plantar wart appears as a small, hardened area of skin that has black dots in the center. Patients have felt mild relief when a cushioned pad is used in the shoe, which may help to alleviate a portion of the pressure. If you have a plantar wart, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer the right treatments for you.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
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.
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in Dancers
If you are a dancer, you may be familiar with some of the foot and ankle injuries that dancers can incur. Some of the most common injuries among dancers include Achilles tendinitis, posterior impingement syndrome, FHL tenosynovitis, anterior impingement syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, lateral ankle pain, bunions, fractures, and metatarsalgia. All of these conditions can cause pain or instability in the feet and ankles, making it more difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to continue dancing. If you are a dancer and experiencing any sort of foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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.