Foot ulcers are an unfortunately common complication of diabetes. An estimated one in every six people diagnosed with diabetes will experience a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Left untreated, foot ulcers can progress and lead to osteitis and gangrene of the foot. Fortunately, there are things you can do to treat and prevent diabetic foot ulcers, including checking the feet daily for cuts or other irregularities, washing the feet at least once per day, and trimming the toenails every week. Other prevention methods are wearing socks and shoes that give the feet room to move around, keeping pressure off of any existing wounds, and of course, visiting your podiatrist regularly. If you have diabetes, consult with a podiatrist to learn more about treating and preventing diabetic foot ulcers.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

A common fungal infection that affects the feet is referred to as Athlete’s foot. As its name suggests, this condition is common among those who frequently partake in sporting activities; however, anyone can get athlete's foot. Athlete’s foot can develop from skin to skin contact, as well as from indirect contact, such as the sharing of towels, shoes, or through the floor. The most noticeable symptoms can consist of an itchy, red, scaly rash between the toes, blisters between the toes, and ulcers or sores that may leak fluid and generally smell unpleasant. It’s important to promptly seek treatment if you believe you are experiencing these symptoms in order to prevent the infection from spreading. For more information on how to treat athlete’s foot, please consult with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida.  Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.

Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood are often the cause of a medical condition that is known as gout. Common symptoms that many patients experience are severe pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. Gout may occur as a result of eating specific foods that can include red meat, seafood, and drinks that have a high sugar content. Additional reasons can consist of genetic factors and existing medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity. After a proper diagnosis is performed, treatment can begin. It is beneficial to adopt healthy eating habits and drink plenty of water daily. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the correct treatment plan for you.

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

What Is Gout?

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

Symptoms

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

Risk Factors

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

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

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

A common injury among athletes is an ankle sprain. There are several types of ankle sprains that can occur. These can consist of injury to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, which is called a lateral sprain. When the toes turn out while they are pointing up, the medial portion of the ankle can become hurt, and this type of sprain may take longer to heal. A sprain that occurs to the front or back ligaments is referred to as a syndesmotic sprain. Common symptoms that patients can experience with ankle sprains can include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Relief may be found when the impacted foot is elevated, as this may help to diminish a portion of the swelling. Additionally, existing bruising may be controlled when an ankle wrap is used, or a protective boot is worn. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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