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Items filtered by date: April 2016

achilles tendon5A new therapy treatment developed by bioengineers and physicians at the University of California, San Diego should help in the treatment of poor blood circulation that may be caused by critical limb ischemia and peripheral arterial disease. These conditions affect the limbs, cause poor blood circulation and tissue damage, and can lead to amputations if not treated immediately. The treatment involves injecting gel into skeletal muscle tissue, which can help promote muscle remodeling and blood flow.

Poor circulation in the feet can be extremely dangerous. If you are having difficulties with reduced circulation, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

-muscle pain    -numbness in legs

-cramps           -skin discoloration

-weakness       -slower nail & hair growth

-stiffness          -erectile dysfunction

Those who are over 50-years-old, have diabetes and/or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and it is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

Consult a podiatrist or doctor to help determine a regime that suits 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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arthritis4The “super food” green tea may now offer health benefits for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A recent study conducted by the Arthritis and Rheumatology medical journal found that a compound in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), helped reduce swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The study, conducted on a group of mice, found that EGCG “appeared to reduce inflammation in [rheumatoid arthritis] without interfering with other cellular functions in the mice.”

The feet are one of the most common sites for arthritis to occur in the body. If you are struggling with arthritis in your feet or ankles, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, including 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 certain forms, such as 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 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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corns2Although flip flops can be worn on many different occasions, they may not necessarily be the best type of footwear out there for your feet. Flip flops are open-toed, meaning they do not protect your feet completely, and according to WebMD, “they offer no arch support and could potentially cause a sprained ankle.” The best option is to invest in a sturdy pair of flip flops if they’re your go to shoes. Flip flops made from leather material are sturdy and offer comfort.

Wearing flip-flops for a long period of time can be harmful for the feet. To learn more, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off, perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?

Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

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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foot surgery2Albert Pujols of the Los Angeles Angels has recovered from his surgery in November. He had surgery performed on his plantar plate in his foot. He is predicted to be able to play for Opening Day, but was originally expected to be able to resume playing again this month. Pujols has had surgery on his knee in 2012 but played through discomfort for the following 2013 season. Pujols is recovering but his status is not able to be fully determined.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary. If you are struggling with a foot or ankle condition, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

  • Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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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