phone (727)  527-1249

phone (727)  527-1249

Items filtered by date: November 2020

Monday, 30 November 2020 00:00

Two Types of Corns

A corn will develop on the foot as a natural defense mechanism that the body creates. Corns can appear as a result of excess friction that is generally caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. They appear as a small, hardened patches of skin, and they can cause difficulty in walking. Corns typically develop on the ball of the foot or on the outside of the pinky toe. These are referred to as hard corns. Corns that are labeled as soft can develop between the first and second toes or between the third and fourth toes. Corns can develop in people who participate in dancing and sporting activities, as pursuing these activities may cause pressure in specific areas of the foot. If you are afflicted with corns, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to find relief through effective treatments.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Dr. Klein to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 Everything You Need to Know About Corns
Published in Blog

Arthritis is a common ailment in patients who are over 65 years of age. It is a condition that can affect the feet and cause severe pain and discomfort. There are simple stretches and exercises which can help to ease some of the pain. Flexibility may be improved, and there can be an increase in synovial joint fluids as a result of frequently performing stretches. Additionally, an exercise routine can be beneficial in increasing existing range of motion. There may be more aggressive measures that can be implemented which may help to reduce arthritis foot pain. These can include changing specific eating habits, medication, or possibly joint replacement surgery. If you have arthritis in your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is 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 care needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot
Published in Blog
Monday, 16 November 2020 00:00

Towel Toe Curls for Plantar Fascia Pain

The plantar fascia is the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Sometimes, this ligament becomes inflamed due to injury or overuse, leading to foot pain. Stretching the feet can help alleviate foot pain from plantar fasciitis and prevent future injury by strengthening the foot. One simple foot stretch that you can do at home is the towel toe curl. To do this stretch, lay a towel on the floor and put your foot flat on the towel. Then, grab the towel with your toes by curling them around the fabric. Next, lift the towel up with your toes. Repeat this exercise on the opposite foot. For more information about stretches you can do to alleviate or prevent plantar fasciitis, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

  • Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
  • Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
  • Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
  • Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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 care needs.

Read more about Stretching Your Feet
Published in Blog
Monday, 09 November 2020 00:00

Location of Pain From Morton’s Neuroma

The nerves that are located between the toes can be prone to a condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma. This ailment can cause a nerve in this area of the foot to become irritated, and the pain is often felt in the ball of the foot. Some of the symptoms that are experienced with this condition can consist of a tingling or numbing sensation between the third and fourth toes, and may cause the toes to cramp. Morton’s neuroma can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or possibly from medical conditions that can include flat feet, bunions or hammertoes. Mild relief may be found when wearing shoes that fit correctly, and it may help to wear custom-made orthotics. If you have this type of foot pain, it is recommended that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, who can properly diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M of Florida. Dr. Klein will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different 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 care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
Published in Blog
Monday, 02 November 2020 00:00

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder characterized by damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. This condition often affects the nerves of the lower limbs, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, pain, and reduced sensation. This disorder has many possible causes. One of the most common is diabetes, however, peripheral neuropathy can also be caused by shingles, a vitamin deficiency, excessive alcohol use, certain autoimmune diseases, AIDS, various inherited disorders, exposure to certain toxins, and cancer therapy drugs. If you have peripheral neuropathy, it is important to keep an eye on your foot health. A podiatrist can help you manage your peripheral neuropathy. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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 care needs.

Read more about Neuropathy
Published in Blog