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Certain Foot Problems can hint toward Systemic Issues
The feet, being the base of the body, may have a larger effect on the entire body than people expect. Certain foot conditions may in fact be a sign of systemic disease in other parts of the body. Spoon-shaped or concaved toenails, otherwise known as koilonychias, are mainly associated with nutritional deficiencies but can also be a sign of genetic disorders, circulatory problems, autoimmune diseases, and musculoskeletal conditions. Toenails that are various colors or textures can also suggest other systemic problems.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, 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. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
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.
Read more about Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Golfer Ian Poulter deals with Arthritis
Professional golfer Ian Poulter has had an arthritic joint in his foot for over two years, and it has kept him from maximizing his golf performance. This arthritic joint has caused him to fall down in rankings and has kept him away from golf for four months. Unfortunately for Poulter, his arthritis has worsened and has made him unable to continue taking cortisone shots to alleviate the pain. Continuous usage of cortisone shots can cause bone thinning and stress fractures.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment,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.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your 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.
Avoid Running Injuries with Proper Before-and-After Routines
Dr. Eric Tan, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine from USC, recently answered some questions from runners regarding injury prevention. While many people understand the basic principle that stretching before and after a run is key in preventing injuries, Dr. Tan believes that there is more one can do. Maintaining and improving one’s flexibility with daily stretching, warming up, and cooling down before and after runs will help keep the body limber. Including days of rest, keeping hydrated, and eating a healthy diet are also very important.
Running injuries, even with proper precautions, can still occur in many runners. If you are suffering from a running injury, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.
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.
Hyperhidrosis Happens Across the Globe
If you’re sweating excessively, especially during random times of the day not caused by exercise or heat, you may have hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is known as a chronic condition that has no known cure. “Nearly three per cent of people around the world deal with [hyperhidrosis], which is marked by excessively sweaty palms, face and feet.” Seeing your doctor is the best option for considering treatment options, which may include prescription antiperspirants or surgery.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
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 Saint Petersburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ill-fitting Footwear Can Cause a Variety of Problems
Finding properly-fitting shoes is fundamental in ensuring that your feet do not develop any long-term foot conditions in the future. Shoes that are tight-fitting, such as high heels, can progress the development of bunions or even Morton’s neuroma. Avoid shoes that have pointed ends, as they squeeze the toes together and can aggravate our bunions. Look for shoes that have sufficient arch support if you have flat arches or flat feet, or opt for buying over-the-counter insoles or custom orthotics. If possible, avoid shoes that have elevation or heels. The types of shoes we wear can determine our body’s gait and how our feet develop long term. Ill-fitting shoes can shift our bodies into an unnatural state and put pressure on our backs and legs.
Proper fitting shoes are essential to one’s overall health. If you are having foot and ankle problems,consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
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.
Advice for Taking Care of Your Feet
As summer is right around the corner, it’s time to start making proper foot care a daily habit if you haven’t already. Keeping our feet clean and moisturized will keep them looking young and fresh, as well as prevent infections or conditions like cracked heels. Keep your toenails trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, and make sure that your feet are dry, especially if you sweat often. Also make sure that you have properly-fitting footwear that gives your feet enough support and doesn’t squish your toes together.
Regardless of season or weather, everyday foot care should be practiced year round. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
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. After all, 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 example.
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.
Also, 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 Saint Petersburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the joints over time without proper treatment. The chronic condition can lead to severe pain and there have been several treatments developed to prevent the progression of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. These treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections for affected joints, and radiotherapy as a last option.
Understanding where RA starts will help treat and prevent the condition. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Severe pain and immobility are caused by an inflammation of the lining of your joints, and in worse cases the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone can occur.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, many cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area. Pain will often initially present in the toes before the condition worsens and spreads throughout the entire foot.
Symptoms
- Swelling and pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of the feet
- Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that your podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and lifestyle to help determine possible causes of your RA.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA, so treatment options are designed to specifically target the symptoms of it, most notably the pain it causes. Two types of anti-inflammatory drugs – non-steroidal or NSAIDs and corticosteroids – may be prescribed by your doctor. In some severe cases where the joints are too badly damaged, surgery may be an option. As always, speak with your podiatrist to help determine the appropriate treatment options available to 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 and ankle needs.
Protecting Your Feet from Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are a contagious skin infection caused by the HPV virus, which thrives in environments that are warm and moist, such as public pools or locker rooms. Plantar warts affect the soles of your feet and can spread quickly throughout your body. Solutions for treating plantar warts involve surgical removal, liquid nitrogen freezing or cryotherapy, and CO2 laser. Protect your feet from plantar warts by wearing footwear in public areas with open sources of water, keeping your feet clean and dry, and refrain from picking at your warts if you have contracted them.
If not treated properly, plantar warts can exacerbate and become debilitating. If you would like medical assistance regarding plantar wart treatment, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of human papillomavirus (HPV) getting into the feet through tiny cuts or abrasions. Typically, plantar warts are contracted through walking barefoot on dirty surfaces since the virus thrives in warm and moist environments. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain, 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
- Legions 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, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. If you think you have developed plantar warts, it is best 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.
Wesley Johnson Contending with Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Wesley Johnson of the Los Angeles Clippers had to miss the game against the Jazz due to plantar fasciitis in both feet. Johnson was experiencing pain when he ran and jumped, possibly why he was also sat out in the game against the Lakers. Johnson was dealing with “pain in both feet at various points earlier this season,” so Johnson’s status was then currently unknown.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
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 Saint Petersburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Know the Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetes is a disease that can affect different parts of your body, most notably your feet. According to health.usnews.com, “approximately 15 to 25 percent of patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point during their lifetime.” Diabetic foot ulcers, injuries to the feet, can lead to infection if not treated properly. Foot ulcers are characterized as an opening “in the skin that exposes the underlying tissue.” There exist neuropathic ulcers, which occur due to a loss of sensation in the feet, or ischemic ulcers, which occur due to a lack of blood flow in the body. It is important to see your doctor immediately for evaluation and treatment of any diabetic conditions you may have.
Diabetics must pay special attention to their feet to help prevent any complications. If you believe you are having problems with your diabetic feet,consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
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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Avoid Running Injuries with Proper Before-and-After Routines
Dr. Eric Tan, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine from USC, recently answered some questions from runners regarding injury prevention. While many people understand the basic principle that stretching before and after a run is key in preventing injuries, Dr. Tan believes that there is more one can do. Maintaining and improving one’s flexibility with daily stretching, warming up, and cooling down before and after runs will help keep the body limber. Including days of rest, keeping hydrated, and eating a healthy diet are also very important.
Running injuries, even with proper precautions, can still occur in many runners. If you are suffering from a running injury, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.
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.
New Therapy Treatment to Help Offset Poor Blood Circulation
A new therapy treatment developed by bioengineers and physicians at the University of California, San Diego should help in the treatment of poor blood circulation that may be caused by critical limb ischemia and peripheral arterial disease. These conditions affect the limbs, cause poor blood circulation and tissue damage, and can lead to amputations if not treated immediately. The treatment involves injecting gel into skeletal muscle tissue, which can help promote muscle remodeling and blood flow.
Poor circulation in the feet can be extremely dangerous. If you are having difficulties with reduced circulation, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
-muscle pain -numbness in legs
-cramps -skin discoloration
-weakness -slower nail & hair growth
-stiffness -erectile dysfunction
Those who are over 50-years-old, have diabetes and/or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and it is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
Consult a podiatrist or doctor to help determine a regime that suits 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 and ankle needs.
Green Tea May Offer Benefits for Alleviating Arthritis Symptoms
The “super food” green tea may now offer health benefits for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A recent study conducted by the Arthritis and Rheumatology medical journal found that a compound in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), helped reduce swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The study, conducted on a group of mice, found that EGCG “appeared to reduce inflammation in [rheumatoid arthritis] without interfering with other cellular functions in the mice.”
The feet are one of the most common sites for arthritis to occur in the body. If you are struggling with arthritis in your feet or ankles, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, including your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In certain forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
- Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
- Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
- Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your 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.
Flip Flops Are Not Recommended for Wearing for Long Periods
Although flip flops can be worn on many different occasions, they may not necessarily be the best type of footwear out there for your feet. Flip flops are open-toed, meaning they do not protect your feet completely, and according to WebMD, “they offer no arch support and could potentially cause a sprained ankle.” The best option is to invest in a sturdy pair of flip flops if they’re your go to shoes. Flip flops made from leather material are sturdy and offer comfort.
Wearing flip-flops for a long period of time can be harmful for the feet. To learn more, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off, perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
- Ankle problems
- Hip problems
- Lower back problems
- Pain in the balls of the feet
- Problems with foot arches
- Changes in the way you walk
Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
- Sprained ankles
- Blisters
- Infections
- Cuts and Scrapes
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.