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Items filtered by date: March 2016

Monday, 28 March 2016 19:35

Stress Fracture Risks Linked to Gene

stressfractAccording to a new study conducted by the University of Liverpool, a new gene in the body may be linked to higher risks of stress fracture injuries. The gene, P2X7R, is believed to cause decreased bone mineral density and increased bone loss in women who are post-menopausal. Stress fractures are injuries induced by fatigue, caused by repeated pressure to the bone over a long period of time. Stress fractures are common among athletes or those who do a lot of physical activity. Research findings were still very limited, but they concluded a possible link between the gene and risk of stress fracture injuries.

Stress fractures can become painful if left untreated for an extended period of time. If you would like assistance in treating a stress fracture, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Coping with Podiatric Stress Fractures

Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken as a result of overexertion or underuse. As a result, the ankles and feet lose support when walking or running from the ground. Since these bones are not protected, they receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes the bones to form cracks.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress Fractures are very common among those who are highly active and involved in sports or activities that make excessive use of their legs and feet. Stress fractures are especially common among:

-athletes (gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players)
-runners/joggers
-osteoporosis patients
-those who engage in high-intensity workouts

Stress Fracture Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be either constant or periodic. The pain is usually sharp or dull, accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Engagement in any kind of high impact activity will exacerbate the pain.

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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corns2High heels are a common shoe trend among women, but it’s important to wear them in moderation. High heels are extremely damaging as it puts uneven pressure on the feet, especially during extensive physical activity. Wearing high heels for too long can lead to irritation and pain in the heel, arches, and the ball of the foot. After wearing high heels, opt for massaging your feet to get circulation going and ice your feet to treat any pain or discomfort. Flats are recommended as an alternative to high heels if you need to wear formal or professional shoes.

High heels can create a myriad of foot and ankle problems. For assistance, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.

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

pregIf you find yourself changing shoe sizes while pregnant, that is because of edema, your body retaining water during your pregnancy phase. You’ll find your whole body, especially your feet and toes, swelling during pregnancy. Hormonal changes in your body and weight gain are also other aspects of pregnancy that can put further pressure on your feet. Make sure to drink lots of fluid, keep your feet elevated, and buy comfortable clothes and shoes to accompany your changing body.   

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, visit Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

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 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

childrens feetOveruse injuries occur when there is repeated stress to the body without any rest in between. Growing adolescents are the most prone to overuse injuries as their skeletons are still developing. Young athletes who practice often without any breaks and who suffer overuse injuries become subject to more serious injuries. Sports medicine experts and trainers are one such solution for helping young athletes recover from and rehabilitate their injuries. Recommendations published by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine in 2014 suggested that young athletes limit their strenuous physical activity and take rest periods often.

Regardless of season or weather, everyday foot care should be practiced year round. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

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 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