The possible injuries that may result from wearing flip-flops are often overlooked because they’re a fun and easy summer shoe to wear. Flip-flops may be fine to walk in from the car to the beach, but are not suitable for long distances due to their thin material. Without shoes with proper support, aches and pains in the lower back and limbs are bound to occur. Shin splints are common occurrences due to the strain created from the toes curling and gripping the sole of the shoe, consistently utilizing muscles repetitively. Pain in the toes and the ball of the foot is typical and can possibly form calluses, resulting in additional pressure in the area. Blisters may develop due to a lack of stability in shoes that constantly move around the foot, in addition to falling and tripping. Wearing sturdy sandals may be a remedy for this, along with a solid strap to keep the foot stable.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

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; they're 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 regularly 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

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

When a wart occurs on the bottom of the foot, it is called a plantar wart. Commonly affecting children and young adults, plantar warts are often extremely painful and can make walking very difficult. Caused by the human papillomavirus, the condition may originate in public showers and can develop from a poor immune system. The virus can enter the skin through small cuts on the sole of the foot but may not become visible for several weeks. Resembling a small cauliflower, a plantar wart often has small black dots in the center, which may be hemorrhages under the skin. By avoiding direct contact with infected surfaces such as public pools and shower floors, contracting the HPV virus may be prevented. Treatment may include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or surgical removal in severe cases. A consultation with a podiatrist is important for the diagnosis and treatment of plantar warts.

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.

Star quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots was left on the sidelines of a practice due to an Achilles tendon injury. The injury was reported by the team and also led Brady to sit out the previous practice as well. However, he still played in the Patriots and Miami Dolphins game in which the Pats won 35 to 17. Brady went on to throw four touchdowns that day, so regardless of how severe the injury actually is, it didn’t seem to stop him from performing.

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.

If you sweat often, even in circumstances where it isn’t necessarily hot or you aren’t physically active, you may have hyperhidrosis. It is estimated that around three percent of the U.S. population suffers from hyperhidrosis. While usually not a major health concern, it can generate discomfort and feelings of embarrassment and anxiety. Hyperhidrosis can affect the entire body, but it is very common to experience symptoms on the feet. Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is the term used to denote hyperhidrosis that is localized in the hands and feet. The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs frequently. Infections and skin irritation may occur from all the sweating as well. Many who experience hyperhidrosis also feel self-conscious and anxious due to all the sweating and look for any way to prevent it. Over-the-counter treatment options for hyperhidrosis mostly include antiperspirants. If your feet sweat heavily and frequently, it is recommended to see a podiatrist who can prescribe a stronger antiperspirant or another treatment for hyperhidrosis.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

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.