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Items filtered by date: August 2015

fiaWhen it comes to foot therapy, many patients will turn to typical methods such as physical therapy to get themselves back on their feet. One alternative called reflexology, however, is a practice that--despite its intrigue--has been around for many years. Reflexology works on the principle that applying pressure to the feet can ease pain elsewhere. Many clients of reflexologists use the therapy to ease pain throughout the body, such as the back, the head, or the stomach.  

Foot therapy is necessary for those recovering from both foot deformities and foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, speak to Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein can answer any of your podiatric questions.

Most common injuries

People who are constantly on their feet are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is important to take part in physical therapy in order to get back on the right track quickly.

What to do when injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. This is important for those wanting to get back into the game quickly. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. These are some steps physical therapy often involves:

  1. Basic stretching & twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
  2. Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
  3. Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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 Foot Therapy

Published in Blog
Monday, 24 August 2015 16:45

Bryan Mone suffers Broken Ankle

fiaBryan Mone of the University of Michigan’s Wolverines will be out for an extended period of time due to a broken ankle. The lower leg injury was sustained during practice, and now it seems the Michigan nose guard may have to miss the entire season. The injury comes as a blow for the Wolverines, who appear to regularly rotate Mone, Ryan Glasgow and Maurice Murst. The 325 pound Mone is the largest and most likely strongest of the group. With Mone out, the team’s change in rotation will force coach Greg Mattison to rely more on Glasgow.    

Broken ankles require immediate treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  • Swelling around the area
  • Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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 broken ankles.

Published in Blog

orthotics5Basketball players often rely on orthotics to give them extra protection while playing on the court. Orthotics provide a great advantage for the athletes, as they help reduce and prevent pain and injury to the lower body—especially the feet. Basketball requires non-stop running and jumping, forcing great pressure onto the lower body and feet. A correctly designed orthotic will help the feet absorb shock by controlling how they hit the ground.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.

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 Orthotics

Published in Blog

runnersPracticing the right running form is important to ensure that people are making the most of every movement. Practicing a proper running form involves several things, such as: looking ahead, relaxing your shrug, allowing the arms to swing, holding your core, using the glutes, reducing impact, staying bouncy, and focusing on footwork. A universal goal is ensuring that your center of gravity directly over the feet as they hit the ground. Cadence or rhythm can help this while also removing pressure from the knees.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury see Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with quality treatment and assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.

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.

Read more about how to Prevent Running Injuries

Published in Blog
Saturday, 01 August 2015 16:23

Solutions for Sweaty Feet

foot pain4Hyperhidrosis of the feet is a clinical condition in which the feet sweat excessively. Young men are particularly susceptible to the condition. To combat sweaty feet, there are several solutions. Wear moisture-wicking socks made out of synthetic material and change them at least once-a-day to prevent bacteria from growing in the damp environment. Foot powder, cornstarch, or even an antiperspirant or deodorant on the feet can also help control sweaty feet.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat 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.

Read more about hyperhidrosis of the feet.

Published in Blog