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Items filtered by date: March 2015

broken toe2According to a recent study conducted by physicist Cyril Rauch, there’s a science as to why ingrown toenails are more likely to occur on big toes. When nails grow too quickly or slowly, stresses on the nail occur changing the nail’s natural curvature causing cuts into the skin near the nail. The study also found that pregnant women and children, those with a large share of growth hormones in their body, are more susceptible to the condition. Pedicures have also been known to increase the chances of an ingrown toenail occurring due to the process of flattening the nail bed.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are left unattended. To learn more, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

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pregDuring pregnancy many women experience swelling of the feet, ankles, and other parts of the body; this swelling is known as edema or the buildup of the fluid inside of the tissues. Bold Sky has come up with a few ways to reduce swelling to make pregnancy a little bit easier. The consumption of salt is known to cause fluid retention in the body so drinking a lot of water and cutting down on salt intake will aid in the reduction of edema. When possible, rest your legs on an area that will make them higher than your waist when lying down. This will help stimulate the blood flow in the legs in feet. Try avoiding heat or adding a cold compress to the mix for added comfort and swelling reduction.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, speak to Dr. Tae-Jun Ahn of United Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Ahn will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions.

What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Chicago and Niles, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read the more about Pregnancy and Foot Health

Published in Blog
Wednesday, 18 March 2015 14:10

Steps to Keep Diabetic Feet Healthy

footcareAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report, about 60 percent of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occur for people ages 20 and older who are living with diabetes. It is very important for diabetics to be aware of whatever cuts or wounds they may have on their feet; due to nerve damage related to diabetes, diabetics often do not realize they even have them. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has offered some advice to help diabetics protect their foot health. Inspect the feet daily for cuts, bruises, or sores, and treat wounds immediately. Exercise by walking, which can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve circulation. Keep feet covered and avoid going barefoot if possible. Have a podiatrist safely remove any calluses, warts, or corns.

Diabetics must pay special attention to their feet to help prevent infection. If you are diabetic and have any concerns, see Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your diabetic feet.  

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people of all ages each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send the proper signals to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is imperative that the feet are well taken care of to avoid possible amputation of the feet.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

- Regularly check your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet; socks shouldn’t be tight.
- Wear properly fitting shoes that are comfortable.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their Hemoglobin A1C levels as this test lets the physician know how well the blood sugar levels have been controlled during the past 3 months. It is important to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range (70-110mg/dl). It is advisable to visit a podiatrist if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving 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.

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APMAThe American Podiatric Medical Association recently published a study revealing that much of this nation’s foot pain goes untreated.  In a survey of 1,000 people over the age of 18, 77% reported experiencing foot pain, but only a third of those claim they would see a podiatrist.  Half of the participants with foot pain say that the pain has hindered walking, exercising, playing with grandchildren, and other daily activities. 

Among the group who sought podiatric help, 88% reported a quick diagnosis and 76% received treatment that eliminated the problem.  A third of the group said that their visits to the podiatrist exposed other health concerns, such as diabetes, circulatory issues, and nerve issues.

"It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain, when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing," said AMPA President Frank Spinosa. "Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest things from our minds."

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment.  Seek the assistance of 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.

What is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek care of a podiatrist when they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as: heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • physical therapy
  • drugs
  • perform surgery on lower extremity fractures
  • orthotic inserts or soles

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

For more information about Podiatrists, follow the link below.

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 What is a Podiatrist

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 03 March 2015 14:06

Beautify Your Feet for the Summer

25.BeautifyYourFeetThe summertime is a great time to show off your new sandals and allow your feet to breathe. But since the warmer months can be rough on your feet, it's important to give your feet a little extra care to keep them looking great and feeling healthy. Here are a few tips from 7331 Dr. M.L. King Jr. St. N for keeping your feet in tip-top shape during the summer.

Keep feet clean

The best line of defense against fungal infections is proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes. Wash feet with soap and water daily, and dry them thoroughly to prevent infection. Wear shower shoes in public places, like pools and locker rooms. And to prevent ingrown nails and toenail fungus, keep toenails trimmed straight across.

Avoid walking barefoot

Walking outside in the summertime without shoes increases the risk of injury and infection.

Protect feet from the sun

Wearing sunscreen is extremely important in the summertime- and that means lathering up the exposed skin on your feet and ankles too.

Keep your feet fungus free

Coupled with good foot hygiene, you can also prevent toenail fungus by alternating your shoes. And if you suspect a fungus infected nail, visit 7331 Dr. M.L. King Jr. St. N right away for early treatment.

Treat your feet to a pedicure

Eliminate rough, dead, winter skin and improve the appearance of your toenails with a pedicure. Do it yourself or pamper yourself to a professional one for attractive summer feet you'll be proud to show off. But don't leave nail polish on all summer long. Remove it periodically to allow your nail bed to breathe.

Prevent painful blisters

Sandals and flip flops can lead to irritating blisters when they rub against your bare skin. Use padding or bandages to prevent and reduce friction.

Examine your flip flops

Flip flops are great for allowing your feet to breathe all summer long, but thong sandals can result in sore feet and ankles. Choose styles with arch and heel support to keep feet healthy and pain free.

Following these easy steps during the summer months can go a long way in keeping your feet looking and feeling their very best. Inspect your feet daily, and if you encounter any unusual foot problems or experience pain, contact our Saint Petersburg office for a thorough evaluation.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 03 March 2015 14:03

Blister Treatment and Prevention

blistersBlisters form due to the rupturing of cell tissue and the release of plasma, or the fluid inside a blister, creating a thin layer of skin around the plasma to prevent infection. Popping a blister means risking infection, while keeping a blister intact means it must be protected. Blisters should only be popped if they are large enough to disrupt your regular exercises or physical activities, using a sterilized needle in alcohol. Blisters that are painful, oozing pus and red around the edges should be seen by a doctor, as they might be infected. A covered blister should have its dressing removed nightly to be soaked in water and then air-dried. Any itches or burns can be eased with hemorrhoid cream. Reducing friction in the area can help prevent blisters; double-layer socks and petroleum jelly can help do this.

Untreated blisters can worsen and make mobility extremely difficult and painful. For quality blister treatment, see Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Blisters on the Feet

When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain.

What is a Foot Blister?

A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected.

How do they Form?

Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet, are prone to blister formation easily.

Prevention & Treatment

Proper care is vital to alleviate pain and prevent infection to the affected area of the foot. The best treatment is to leave them alone. New skin will develop under the blister and during the healing stages, your blister will pop.

For more information about Blisters on the Feet, follow the link below.

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 Blisters on the Feet

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