American women own approximately 17 pairs of shoes on average. However, they tend to only wear the same three or four pairs regularly. Heels usually don’t fall into the category of “everyday shoes” that women like to wear because they are uncomfortable. Wearing uncomfortable shoes such as heels can cause bunions because they shift your feet into an unnatural position.

Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

• Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
• Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

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U.S. trampoline athlete Charlotte Drury recently broke her foot during training. She was expected to attend the upcoming Rio Olympic Games, but the injury has put an end to her hopes of competing. Drury originally thought she simply bruised her foot during practice, but an MRI revealed a fracture in her right foot. Drury was the frontrunner for women trampolinists and was considered a shoo-in for the Olympic Games. Although she is disappointed that she will not be able to compete in Rio, she is determined to continue playing the sport she loves once she recovers.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue (foot)
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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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The feet, being the base of the body, may have a larger effect on the entire body than people expect. Certain foot conditions may in fact be a sign of systemic disease in other parts of the body. Spoon-shaped or concaved toenails, otherwise known as koilonychias, are mainly associated with nutritional deficiencies but can also be a sign of genetic disorders, circulatory problems, autoimmune diseases, and musculoskeletal conditions. Toenails that are various colors or textures can also suggest other systemic problems.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of 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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Professional golfer Ian Poulter has had an arthritic joint in his foot for over two years, and it has kept him from maximizing his golf performance. This arthritic joint has caused him to fall down in rankings and has kept him away from golf for four months. Unfortunately for Poulter, his arthritis has worsened and has made him unable to continue taking cortisone shots to alleviate the pain. Continuous usage of cortisone shots can cause bone thinning and stress fractures.

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 can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 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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