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Items filtered by date: May 2016

Monday, 30 May 2016 16:58

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

fractures1Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the joints over time without proper treatment. The chronic condition can lead to severe pain and there have been several treatments developed to prevent the progression of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. These treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections for affected joints, and radiotherapy as a last option.

Understanding where RA starts will help treat and prevent the condition. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Severe pain and immobility are caused by an inflammation of the lining of your joints, and in worse cases the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone can occur.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, many cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area. Pain will often initially present in the toes before the condition worsens and spreads throughout the entire foot.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of the feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that your podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and lifestyle to help determine possible causes of your RA.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA, so treatment options are designed to specifically target the symptoms of it, most notably the pain it causes. Two types of anti-inflammatory drugs – non-steroidal or NSAIDs and corticosteroids – may be prescribed by your doctor. In some severe cases where the joints are too badly damaged, surgery may be an option. As always, speak with your podiatrist to help determine the appropriate treatment options available to 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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wartsPlantar warts are a contagious skin infection caused by the HPV virus, which thrives in environments that are warm and moist, such as public pools or locker rooms. Plantar warts affect the soles of your feet and can spread quickly throughout your body. Solutions for treating plantar warts involve surgical removal, liquid nitrogen freezing or cryotherapy, and CO2 laser. Protect your feet from plantar warts by wearing footwear in public areas with open sources of water, keeping your feet clean and dry, and refrain from picking at your warts if you have contracted them.

If not treated properly, plantar warts can exacerbate and become debilitating. If you would like medical assistance regarding plantar wart treatment, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of human papillomavirus (HPV) getting into the feet through tiny cuts or abrasions. Typically, plantar warts are contracted through walking barefoot on dirty surfaces since the virus thrives in warm and moist environments. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain, suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. If you think you have developed plantar warts, it is best speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 Plantar Warts

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plantar fasciitis6Wesley Johnson of the Los Angeles Clippers had to miss the game against the Jazz due to plantar fasciitis in both feet. Johnson was experiencing pain when he ran and jumped, possibly why he was also sat out in the game against the Lakers. Johnson was dealing with “pain in both feet at various points earlier this season,” so Johnson’s status was then currently unknown.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

·     Excessive running

·     Non-supportive shoes

·     Overpronation

·     Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

·     Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices

·     Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

·     Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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 Plantar Fasciitis

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diabetic foot care4Diabetes is a disease that can affect different parts of your body, most notably your feet. According to health.usnews.com, “approximately 15 to 25 percent of patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point during their lifetime.” Diabetic foot ulcers, injuries to the feet, can lead to infection if not treated properly. Foot ulcers are characterized as an opening “in the skin that exposes the underlying tissue.” There exist neuropathic ulcers, which occur due to a loss of sensation in the feet, or ischemic ulcers, which occur due to a lack of blood flow in the body. It is important to see your doctor immediately for evaluation and treatment of any diabetic conditions you may have.

Diabetics must pay special attention to their feet to help prevent any complications. If you believe you are having problems with your diabetic feet,consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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 Diabetic Foot Care

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sports injuryDr. Eric Tan, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine from USC, recently answered some questions from runners regarding injury prevention. While many people understand the basic principle that stretching before and after a run is key in preventing injuries, Dr. Tan believes that there is more one can do. Maintaining and improving one’s flexibility with daily stretching, warming up, and cooling down before and after runs will help keep the body limber. Including days of rest, keeping hydrated, and eating a healthy diet are also very important.

Running injuries, even with proper precautions, can still occur in many runners. If you are suffering from a running injury, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

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

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