phone (727)  527-1249

phone (727)  527-1249

Items filtered by date: September 2020

Monday, 28 September 2020 00:00

Strategies That Can Help Prevent Falling

Fear of completing daily activities may follow a fall for elderly people. Falling can lead to foot injuries, including broken toe and foot bones. This can lead to limited independence, and may result in limited physical activity. Research has indicated that many falls can be prevented by implementing safety methods. These can include removing worn rugs from the living environment, improving lighting in the house, and having routine physical examinations, which can be helpful in monitoring existing medication and acquiring updated eyeglass prescriptions. It is beneficial to install grab bars in the bath and toilet areas, in addition to having railings on both sides of the steps. Frequently exercising and performing simple stretches can add strength to the body, which may help to prevent falling. Please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have about how falling can affect the feet, and about how to prevent injuries

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M from Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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 Falls Prevention
Published in Blog
Monday, 21 September 2020 00:00

What Are Corns?

A corn is a hard, thick patch of skin that develops in response to pressure or friction, usually caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. When the skin in a concentrated area on the foot is compressed, it can harden, forming a corn. Corns involve not only a hardened outer layer of skin, but also hardening of deeper tissues within the foot. Sometimes, the layers of skin and tissue can harden all the way down to the bone. There are two types of corns. Hard corns are usually located on the tops of the smaller toes, while soft corns are usually located between the toes. Both types of corns may become inflamed and cause pain, especially when they are pressed on. If you notice that you have a corn, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the proper treatments.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions 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 are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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 Understanding Corns and Calluses
Published in Blog
Monday, 14 September 2020 00:00

What Is A Common Reason for Heel Pain?

Research has indicated that the medical condition which is known as plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. It can occur as a result of being overweight, standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. There may be certain medical conditions that may contribute to heel pain, including diabetes, arthritis, and low or high arches. There are several methods for treating existing heel pain, and it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose your condition and offer treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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 Heel Pain
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 08 September 2020 00:00

How Did I Get Toenail Fungus?

The medical name for the condition that is known as toenail fungus is onychomycosis. It is a fungal infection and can affect different parts of the toenail that can include the entire nail, the cuticle, or under the nail. This type of fungus may change the appearance of the nail, which can become brittle, yellowed, and crumbly. Toenail fungus is contagious, so it is suggested that you avoid sharing shoes, socks, and towels. The fungus that infects toenails lives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. For severe infections, a chemical may be applied to the nail, which can be an effective treatment method, or surgery may be necessary to remove the nail. If you have toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you get the proper treatment.

For more information about 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toenail Fungus
Published in Blog