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Items filtered by date: November 2016

foot pain4Caring for your feet is essential toward overall injury and foot condition prevention, especially if you’re an avid athlete. According to podiatric physicians who offer tips for basketball players, proper equipment, training and preparation are vital toward maintaining foot health. Basketball players are especially prone to acute and chronic injury, so strengthening the muscles is important. Wearing and continually replacing shoes that offer shock absorption and ankle support can also contribute toward a decreased risk of injury.

Regardless of season or weather, everyday foot care should be practiced year round. For more information about everyday foot care, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Published in Blog
Monday, 21 November 2016 20:32

Understanding Athlete’s Foot

corns2Athlete’s foot can be characterized as a contagious fungal infection of the feet that can be spread in public areas such as gym locker rooms, pools and spas. Avoid going barefoot in these places, as the chance of infection becomes higher. If you do contract athlete’s foot, you may experience itchy and cracking skin. The U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends the following tips for treating athlete’s foot. Proper hygiene is important toward long-term prevention, so always remember to dry your feet when leaving a wet area such as a swimming pool or shower. Protect your feet by wearing shoes with breathable material and change your socks every day. Sprinkling antifungal powder as a precaution can also help toward long-term prevention.

For more information about how to treat and prevent Athlete’s foot, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of 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. Speaking to your podiatrist will give you a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as helping you figure out 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.

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Published in Blog
Monday, 14 November 2016 23:08

Understanding Toenail Fungus

broken toe2Fungal infections are often commonly associated with our fingernails, but they are also known to affect our toenails. If left untreated, toenail fungus can lead to more serious problems such as the impact of blood circulation in the feet. Symptoms of toenail fungus involve pain, discomfort and an impacted ability to wear shoes. Toenails may be discolored, yellow and feel brittle. Proper hygiene is vital to preventing and combating toenail fungus. As the condition is contagious, caused by a species of fungus called trichophyton, it’s important to avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Treatment options include topical creams, oral medications or surgery.

While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.

Antibiotics & Treatments

Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well

Alternative Treatments

There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.  

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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Published in Blog
Monday, 07 November 2016 23:48

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis5Arthritis occurs as swelling and inflammation of the body’s joints, leading to symptoms such as rashes, itchiness, fever, weight loss, and trouble breathing, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. Arthritis results when the body’s immune system begins mistakenly attacking healthy cells, particularly in the joints. The different forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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Published in Blog