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Items filtered by date: December 2020

There are a variety of injuries and issues that can affect the feet. Therefore, proper foot care is important, and those who have diabetes, arthritis, or poor blood flow should be under the care of a podiatrist. Common foot issues that podiatrists can care for include ligament sprains, broken bones, heel pain, warts, athlete’s foot, and ingrown toenails. They can prescribe medications for these foot-related issues, perform surgery, prescribe orthotics, and provide recommendations and solutions for your particular foot problem. Those who are older should be under the care of a podiatrist as well, because as the feet age, a variety of issues, such as bunions, arthritis, or foot pain, may become more prominent and can lead to falls. If you are in one of these risk groups, or believe that you have injured your foot, it is highly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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
Monday, 21 December 2020 00:00

Keys for Managing Gout

Gout is a very painful type of arthritis that can cause joints to become stiff, hot, or tender. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid, most commonly affected is the big toe. Those who eat a lot of foods that contain high purine levels, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol, are at an increased risk for developing gout. Other risk factors that may contribute to the onset of gout can include include genetics, family history, sex, or age. Gout is found to be more common in men and the risk increases with age. Because there is no cure for gout, even when no symptoms are present, it is important to manage this condition correctly. One key to managing gout is keeping a healthy weight because excess body weight can lead to more uric acid in the body. Another key to managing gout is to have a well balanced diet that cuts down on the intake of foods and alcohols that are rich in purines. Staying hydrated is important as well. If you are afflicted with gout, make sure to check with a podiatrist for help managing it as well as various treatment techniques.  

 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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
Monday, 14 December 2020 00:00

How Can I Treat Wounds on My Feet?

A cut on the skin of the feet can develop into a serious complication if it is not treated promptly. When the cut is minor, it may be treated by using surgical tape, which can be helpful in keeping it closed. Occasionally, a cut will occur if something hard or sharp becomes embedded in the skin, and an X-ray may have to be performed. It is beneficial to keep the wound and surrounding area clean, dry, and protected with a bandage. Because deep cuts may require stitches, if you notice you have cuts on your feet, it is recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward an effective treatment method.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

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Published in Blog
Wednesday, 09 December 2020 00:00

Relieving Pain Associated With Neuropathy

Patients who experience peripheral neuropathy will most likely have tingling and burning sensations. It can affect their ability to accomplish daily activities and can hinder overall quality of life. Some of the pain that is often associated with this condition may be alleviated by wearing padded socks and shoes, and both should be non-constricting. There are topical treatments that may offer some relief, and these can consist of herbal neuropathy rubs. It can be beneficial to your overall health, as well as your foot health, to include vegetables, meats, and whole grains into a healthy diet, in addition to limiting alcohol intake. If you have this type of pain in your feet, it is recommended that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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.

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Published in Blog