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Items filtered by date: May 2020

A common foot condition that can cause pain and discomfort is known as cracked heels. Many people may suffer from this ailment, and in severe cases, may experience bleeding. Cracked heels may develop due to wearing shoes that have an open back, or from standing for long periods of time throughout the day. Some people have existing medical conditions that may lead to the formation of cracked heels. These conditions can include thyroid disease, psoriasis, or certain vitamin deficiencies. Additionally, the feet bear the weight of the body, and patients who are overweight may develop cracked heels due to the excess weight. The most noticeable symptoms typically consist of visible cracks in the skin that have become dry. Some patients may also experience a loss of feeling if an infection has begun. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible, who can determine what the best treatment techniques are for relief.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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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Many women choose to wear high heels for several reasons, despite knowing they may hurt their feet. These types of shoes can be stylish, and can accentuate a particular clothing style, in addition to making the legs appear slender. It is important to purchase the right size shoes, which may help to ensure maximum comfort. The toes may benefit when there is adequate room for them to move freely, and this can be accomplished by choosing shoes that have a round toe area. The feet may need to rest after wearing high heels, and it is recommended to alternate with shoes that have a lower heel. Foot conditions that may develop from frequently wearing high heels can consist of bunions, hammertoe, corns, and blisters. If you would like additional information about how high heels can impact the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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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Monday, 11 May 2020 00:00

Diabetes and Blisters

Patients who are diabetic may be prone to developing blisters on their feet. This may be a result of the inability to feel if the skin has become damaged due to friction. Blisters are the body’s natural method of protecting raw skin by forming a protective bubble over it. This is filled with fluid that will gradually drain as new skin develops. It may develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or possibly from having elevated blood sugar levels. It is important to ensure the blister is properly covered, which can help to prevent premature drainage. Diabetic patients are suggested to be under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat blisters on the feet.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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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Monday, 04 May 2020 00:00

How Does Plantar Fasciitis Develop?

Patients who have developed the foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis, are often aware of the severe pain and discomfort this can cause. It affects the bottom of the foot, and walking or standing for extended periods of time may become difficult. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot, and it connects the heel to the calf muscles. It can become torn and inflamed as a result of an injury, or from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Some patients have found mild relief while wearing custom-made orthotics, which may provide the support that is needed to accomplish daily activities. Additionally, it may be beneficial to perform specific stretches that can strengthen the entire foot. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 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.

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