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What Is a Heel Spur?
When the heel bone suffers repeated strain or irritation, the body can react by sending extra amounts of calcium to the injury site to protect it. Among the causes are poorly fitting shoes, obesity, arthritis, gait abnormalities, excessive running, and plantar fasciitis. This calcium can build up over time and cause hard, pointy deposits, known as spurs, to develop on the heel bone. Heel spurs can cause pain that may be worse in the morning or more mild and steady throughout the day. Rest or activity can trigger the pain. Heel spurs may occur along with plantar fasciitis, which may cause tenderness and inflammation as well. Not all heel spurs are painful, but those that are can be treated by a podiatrist with a variety of therapies including custom orthotics, physical therapy, cortisol injections, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery if more conservative methods do not provide relief.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Do I Need Surgery for a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe affects one of the three middle toes of the foot, causing the toe to bend upward at its middle joint. Wearing shoes with larger foot beds, using shoe inserts or padding, toe stretching and strengthening exercises, and other lifestyle changes might be enough to manage a hammertoe. However, if those kinds of things do not help, surgery may be called for. Those with other foot problems like bunions, corns, or heel spurs may have surgery to take care of all problems at once. However, if one has poor blood circulation in their feet, any kind of foot infection, or health problems that make surgery a risky option, they are unlikely to be a good candidates. If you think you have a hammertoe and cannot find relief, consult a podiatrist for a customized treatment plan.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
- Painful and/or difficult toe movement
- Swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Calluses/Corns
- Physical deformity
Risk Factors
- Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
- Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
- Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
- Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.
Your Ankle Pain May Be Caused by a Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a benign, fluid-filled mass that develops near a joint capsule or the thin layer of tissue surrounding a tendon. When ganglion cysts develop in the feet, they can occur in the ankle or top of the foot. Ganglion cysts usually present as a visible lump on the outside of the skin, and can cause a dull ache or pain—especially if the cyst is pressing on a joint or tendon, or is being irritated by footwear. In some cases, a ganglion cyst may be caused by some sort of trauma, however the exact cause of these bothersome growths is not always known. Because ganglion cysts sometimes disappear on their own, your podiatrist may determine that monitoring the cyst for a period of time may be the best initial approach. However, if the pain and discomfort are severe, or you have had the cyst for a while, your podiatrist may suggest other treatments such as modifications to footwear, aspirating the cyst and injecting it with steroids, or even surgery if more conservative treatment options don't provide relief or the cyst returns.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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
- Bursitis
- 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 Can Cause Cracked Heels?
Severely cracked heels are referred to as heel fissures. They are defined as cracked skin that appears on the heels, and they can often cause pain and discomfort. This condition can occur for several reasons, including being overweight, wearing shoes that have an open back, or standing for the majority of the day. Additionally, medical conditions consisting of psoriasis or eczema may contribute to the development of cracked heels. It is helpful to wash and dry the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Cracked heels can be an unsightly, uncomfortable nuisance, and it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if this condition is affecting you.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
- Invest in a good foot cream
- Try Using Petroleum Jelly
- Ease up on Soaps
- Drink Plenty of Water
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
- Moisturize After Showering
- Skip a Shower
- Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
- Don’t Scrub Your Feet
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
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.
Types of Corns
Repeated friction on the foot can result in developing corns. They are hardened areas of skin, and some can cause pain and discomfort. There are three kinds of corns, consisting of hard, soft, and seed. Corns that form on the sole of the foot are referred to as seed corns, and they are generally found in groups. Hard corns can form on top of the toes, and may come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Soft corns are found between the toes, and are typically moist. Relief for most corns can be found when the correct shoes are worn, and wearing specific socks may help to reduce some of the friction. Some patients can experience pain with corns, and it may interfere with completing daily activities. If you have developed any type of corn on your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide the best options for you.
Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
- Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
- Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
- Wearing only shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
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 to Help Your Body Adjust to Working on Your Feet
If you work on your feet all day, you may want to look into how you can lessen the impact this can have on your health. You may even be able to reduce pain, swelling, and other complications that working on your feet may be causing. The first order of business is to get yourself a good pair (or two) of leather shoes with quality construction, non-slip soles, cushioned inner lining, wide heels and support in the back for your ankles. Alternate those shoes daily. Take every break you are entitled to and sit down while elevating your feet. Try strengthening your body through fitness training, stretching, and building up your endurance. Soak your legs in a hot tub at night to relieve muscles. A podiatrist can also create custom orthotics to distribute weight more evenly and provide extra cushioning and structure. If your feet are in pain after working all day, seek the counsel of a podiatrist to explore all possible treatment options.
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.
Where Are Plantar Warts Found?
A specific type of growth on the bottom of the foot is known as a plantar wart. It grows inward as a result of the constant pressure the feet endure from walking and standing for the majority of the day. It is known to be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and is contagious. The virus can enter the body through a small break in the skin and can cause an infection. These warts can form in a variety of shapes and sizes and cause severe pain and discomfort. They appear to be thickened portions of skin with small blood vessels in the center, which appear as tiny black dots. If you think you may have plantar warts, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment solutions.
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.
Can Certain Medical Conditions Lead To Gout?
Did you know gout is a form of arthritis? It is known to cause severe pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. It can develop as a result of excess uric acid that forms in the joints of the big toe. This can happen due to genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, or it may come from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to the onset of gout, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disorders. The symptoms that many patients experience can be tender joints in the big toe, excruciating pain, and the affected area is often tender and hot. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
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.
Ways to Lower the Risk of a Running Injury
Runners understand the joy the sport brings, however, they are also aware of the possible pain that can come with the activity as well. About 70 percent of all runners injure themselves each year. They may run too fast, too far, or too soon after a previous injury. Luckily, a number of simple guidelines can keep runners on the move. If you are new to running, it’s wise to take it in phases that include walk-run activity. Try not to increase your activity more than 10 percent a week, and try to avoid running more than 45 miles per week, because after that distance, injury is more likely to occur. It’s important to listen to your feet and avoid running through pain. Give your feet and legs a chance to heal before renewing activity. Find running shoes that fit your feet well and cushion your heels, and get new ones after 500 miles. Finally, there are a number of stretching and strengthening exercises you can do to help avoid injuries. If you run consistently, it’s a good idea to plan regular visits with a podiatrist, who can examine your feet, identify any problems, and make custom orthotics as needed.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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.
Strong Bones and Falling
Falling is known to be a common cause of injury in elderly people. This may be a result of weakened bones as the aging process evolves and can cause discomfort and stress. Many patients have developed a habit of walking daily, and bones may be strengthened by performing leg exercises. Additionally, it can help to get regular physical and eye examinations, and this can aid in preventing falling. There are preventative methods that can be implemented in the household that can lessen the number of falls. These include removing worn rugs, improving lighting, and using a shower mat in the bathroom. It is suggested that shoes with non-slip soles are worn, in addition to using a cane or walker, if needed. The feet may be affected by falling, and a fractured foot is not uncommon. If you would like to learn about how to prevent falling, please speak with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
- Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
- Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
- Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
- Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
- Utilizing a walker or cane
- Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
- Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.
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Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
Sinus tarsi syndrome (STS) is a condition that causes pain along the outside of the foot, underneath the ankle. STS is thought to be caused by an unstable subtalar foot joint, brought about by recurrent ankle sprains and trauma. It is particularly common in athletes who play sports that require a lot of jumping, such as basketball or volleyball. In addition to pain on the outside of the foot, people with STS may also experience swelling, tenderness, and a feeling of instability in the subtalar joint. A podiatrist can diagnose STS through taking your medical history and completing a thorough physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and see the extent of the injury. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near 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.
How the Feet Can Reveal Issues Throughout the Body
There are a variety of health issues that can occur throughout the body that podiatrists are often the first to discover. This is because foot related issues can be an indicator of a more severe issue. For example, if your feet are too cold or turning blue, it can mean that there are issues with how the blood is circulating throughout the body. Diabetes is another condition that can affect the feet by causing wounds to heal slower. Heart disease or high blood pressure is another issue that can present itself in the feet by causing the feet to swell. Frequently occurring fungal nail infections can also indicate an auto-immune disorder or a weakened immune system. Patients who notice anything unusual with their feet should visit with a podiatrist to have the issue examined.
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.
Healing the Pain of Plantar Fasciitis
If you have a stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot near the heel that is worse first thing in the morning when you get up, you may have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain, occurring when the plantar fascia—a fibrous band of tissue on the sole of the foot that links the heel bone with the toes and supports the arch—becomes irritated, swollen, hot, red and sore. This irritation may occur through overuse of the plantar fascia due to sports activities, obesity, spending a good deal of your day standing, or by having high arches or flat feet. If you are experiencing the pain of plantar fasciitis, which may be worse in the morning or after periods of rest, there are various proven methods and therapies to treat it successfully. Don’t put up with the pain of plantar fasciitis. Instead, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist today to begin your journey to recovery.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 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.
The Brannock Device
If you’ve ever been to a shoe store and had your feet measured, the salesperson likely used a portable metal tool called a Brannock device. This handy item can determine the length and width of your feet, ensuring that you know what size shoes you should be wearing. There are various types of Brannock devices. Some are made specifically for men’s, women’s, or children’s feet. Others are built for sizing specific types of shoes, such as sneakers or ski boots. To find out your shoe size, it is strongly suggested that you go to a store where your feet can be properly measured. Wearing the correct shoe size can significantly benefit your foot health. To learn more about how the fit of your footwear affects your feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
- When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
- Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
- Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
- Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
- If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.