Items filtered by date: September 2018

The location for plantar warts to develop is on the heel of the foot. The wart will typically grow into the foot as a result of the constant pressure the feet endure by standing, walking or running for the majority of the day. They are known to be caused by the human papillomavirus, which is also referred to as HPV, and is considered to be the most common viral infection of the skin. This particular virus can enter the body through small cuts on the bottom of the foot, and it often thrives in moist and warm areas. People who frequently swim in pools or use public showers may be prone to contracting plantar warts. There are symptoms indicative of plantar warts, and these may include severe pain and discomfort while walking, standing or running, in addition to small black dots appearing in the center of the wart. If you have developed a plantar wart, please consult with a podiatrist for the best treatment techniques for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people who have experienced an ingrown toenail are aware of the pain and discomfort that is often associated with this condition. A healthy toenail will grow over the skin and will be normal in appearance. An ingrown toenail will most likely be the result of a nail that grows into the skin, often appearing red and swollen. It may typically become infected and it’s beneficial that treatment commences as quickly as possible. There are several causes of why ingrown toenails may develop, and these may include cutting the nails incorrectly, wearing socks and shoes that are too tight, or possibly from an inherited trait. The toenail and surrounding area may often be tender, and in severe cases, you may notice liquid draining from the nail bed. If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have young children, you should be aware of the different foot problems and abnormalities they may encounter throughout development. Some of these common conditions include in-toeing, flat feet, out-toeing, and tiptoe walking. In-toeing and out-toeing are conditions in which a child’s foot turns inward or outward, respectively. However, these conditions tend to correct themselves when your child approaches the ages of 8 or 9. Tiptoe walking is common in children aged 3 and under, and it involves the child walking solely on their tiptoes. Nevertheless, children’s feet tend to grow rapidly before the age of 5. Consequently, it is important that you give your child proper fitting footwear to promote healthy feet development. If you have concerns about the development of your child’s feet, you may find it helpful to speak with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If your feet or toes endure excess pressure and friction, you may develop what is known as a corn. It is typically a small and hardened area of skin that will often cause discomfort and pain while wearing shoes. General causes for this condition to occur may originate from wearing shoes that are too small, or from walking for extended periods of time. Once the corns are treated, there may be several ways to prevent this uncomfortable condition from occurring again. These may include wearing shoes and socks that fit properly and by trimming the toenails correctly and frequently. Research has shown that our feet may become larger as the aging process occurs, and it’s important to regularly measure our feet, which can aid in determining the correct shoe size. If you have corns and your daily activities are affected, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for treatment options that are right for you.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.