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Podiatrists are doctors who are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and ankles. The feet are vulnerable to a variety of issues because they have a quarter of all the bones in the body along with a variety of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Podiatrists are important because they are trained to understand the structure and movements of all these parts. Patients who notice pain in their heel or foot, or have ingrown toenails, discolored toenails, rashes, or recently sustained a foot injury should consult with a podiatrist. Additionally, podiatrists are able to help with foot ailments that are caused by conditions such as arthritis, poor blood flow, and diabetes. Podiatrists can even evaluate the way a patient walks (biomechanics) to see how it impacts other parts of the body. Ultimately, if you have any questions or concerns about your feet, don’t hesitate to visit a podiatrist.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
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.
Read more about What is a Podiatrist?Taking care of our feet will help you to stay active and mobile throughout your lifetime. One of the best paths to healthy feet is to wear good shoes that fit well, are supportive, and have plenty of room in the toe box and proper cushioning on the sole and heel. Maintaining a healthy weight is also very important. Carrying around extra weight puts undue stress on your feet and ankles can increase our chances of developing conditions like diabetes, which can further compromise the health of your feet. Good old-fashioned hygiene is another basic element in maintaining optimum foot health. Feet should be kept clean, dry and moisturized, and fresh socks should be worn every day. Toenails need to be trimmed straight across and kept around 1-2 mm (0.04” to 0.08”) long. Trimming toenails too short might allow them to grow into the skin. Also, to prevent getting a cut or fungal infection, you should avoid going barefoot in public, especially in communal shower areas and other wet spaces open to the public. A podiatrist can also offer additional advice and professional care throughout your lifetime to keep your feet healthy and functional.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
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.
Read more about Everyday Foot CareHeel Spurs are calcium deposits that form on the bottom of the heel near the arch. This area of the foot is referred to as the plantar fascia. Heel spurs can occur when the heel bone and plantar fascia are exposed to repeated stress. This type of stress can be due to over-stretching the plantar fascia, habitual tearing of the heel bone’s thin lining, and straining ligaments and muscles in the feet. The stress in this area usually also causes plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the plantar fascia). Because heel spurs are not always painful, and usually occur along with plantar fasciitis, they can often go undetected. Symptomatic heel spurs can create a sharp pain, inflammation and tenderness, and feel warm to the touch. People who are obese, older, or who wear improper footwear, are more at risk of developing heel spurs, as well as those who participate in activities such as running and jumping repeatedly, or who suffer from osteoarthritis. A podiatrist will typically use X-rays to identify and diagnose heel spurs. If you believe you may have heel spurs, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and analysis of your condition.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Read more about How to Treat Heel SpursAn ankle sprain can occur when the ligaments, which connect the bones in the ankle, are partially torn. A high ankle sprain is a sprain that occurs in the upper ligaments of the ankle that connect to the tibia and fibula. Low ankle sprains happen when the ankle gets twisted towards the inside of the leg, and they tend to be much more common than high ankle sprains. High ankle sprains usually occur during high impact athletic activities and often coincide with a broken ankle or tears to the ligaments on the inside of the ankle. Because of this, the pain from a high ankle sprain can be felt in a variety of areas. Frequent signs of a high ankle sprain include pain above the ankle (between the tibia and fibula) and intense pain when ascending or descending the stairs (or any activity that involves flexing the ankle upwards). If you believe you have sprained your ankle, schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist right away to ensure proper healing.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.
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 care needs.
Read more about Ankle SprainsPeople with diabetes are at an increased risk of neuropathy, or nerve damage. Diabetics are frequently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in the hands and feet. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the lower limbs include tingling, pins and needles, numbness, pain, or increased sensitivity in the feet. In some cases, the feet may change shape due to nerve damage. Sores and diabetic foot ulcers, which can be difficult to detect and tend to heal slowly and poorly, are also very common. If you have diabetes, it is important to be vigilant of any foot or ankle symptoms. Seeing a podiatrist regularly can help manage existing symptoms, detect and treat any new problems, and maintain the health of your feet.
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. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor 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:
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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about NeuropathyIn Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), a handheld device sends a series of acoustic pulses through the surface of the skin to an area of damaged tissue. This intense energy creates a microtrauma in the injured tissue, causing the body to respond by increasing blood circulation and metabolism. This accelerates the body’s natural healing response, helps the body to produce new cells, and reduces pain. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects. The treatments only take a couple of minutes and are usually administered once a week for 3-4 weeks or more, depending on the level of damage/pain and how long it has been present. Shockwave therapy can be very effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and more. Contact your podiatrist to see if your condition may be treated with ESWT.
Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.
Who Benefits from Shockwave?
Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.
Fast and Easy
The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.
Treatment & Recovery Time
Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.
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.
Read more about Shockwave TherapyThe Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test is a screening measure that a podiatrist can use to determine a patient’s risk of having peripheral artery disease (PAD). As many as 50% of people who have PAD are asymptomatic. This makes screenings very important for detection, diagnosis, and treatment. During an ABI test, the doctor uses a blood pressure cuff or ultrasound to take your blood pressure at the brachial artery in both upper arms and at the anterior and posterior tibial arteries in both lower legs. The doctor then takes the higher of the two brachial blood pressures and the highest of the anterior or posterior tibial artery blood pressures and compares the two numbers to form a ratio. This ratio correlates to one’s risk of having PAD. A ratio of 1.0-1.4 is considered within the normal range, while a ratio below 0.90 is considered abnormal. It is said that the lower the ratio, the more severe the PAD. For more information about vascular testing, please consult with a podiatrist.
Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Vascular Testing?
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.
How Is it Conducted?
Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.
The most common tests include:
These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.
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 care needs.
Read more about Vascular Testing in Podiatry
Neuropathy, a form of nerve damage, is known for causing a loss of feeling in the feet, and roughly half of all diabetic patients have some type of neuropathy. Because of this lack of feeling, many small problems with the feet may not be noticed and thus lead to the development of serious issues. To help avoid missing the small issues that can occur with the feet, there are some daily things that diabetic patients can do. Daily checks for cuts and wounds, regularly washing the feet, wearing shoes that fit right, and avoiding going barefoot are a few of the things that can be done to help care for the feet once they have lost some feeling. Along with regular checkups, diabetic patients should consult with a podiatrist if they notice a loss of sensation in the feet, a change in shape or color to the feet, or loss of hair on the feet.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
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.
Read more about Diabetic Foot ConditionsBunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe which have developed over time. Repeated pressure on the toe can gradually shift it out of position and tilt towards the other toes. Bunions are also referred to as Hallux abductovalgus, Hallux valgus, HAV, and HV. It is believed that genetics and wearing high heels or narrow-toed footwear can increase the risk of developing this condition. Other conditions that may also contribute to bunions forming include certain types of arthritis, flat feet, and rare genetic bone disorders. Painful bunions can be treated by a podiatrist in a variety of ways from padding and taping, to custom orthotics, night-time splints, icing and other therapies, and by switching to proper footwear. In the most severe cases, a podiatric surgeon can remove the bunion and restore the natural position and beauty of the toe.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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 care needs.
Read more about What Are Bunions?Sever’s disease is a common heel pain condition that often affects children between the ages of 9 and 13 who are particularly athletic and involved in sports like soccer, gymnastics, baseball, basketball, and football. It is a result of the bones in the calves growing faster than the Achilles tendon (which connects the calf muscle to the heel). When this happens, the tendon tightens, which can result in a sore or swollen heel. The most common sign of Sever’s disease is heel pain that develops slowly and gets worse with activity. The pain will usually subside with rest and it is not typically present during low impact sports like swimming or cycling. If your child complains of heel pain, consulting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis is suggested.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
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 injuries.
Read more about Sever's DiseaseThe ankle is designed to help move the foot in various directions as well as support the body. Many patients have ankle pain that is a result of a disease of the ankle joint, or from an injury that has occurred. A twisted ankle may be the result of unexpectedly stepping off of a curb which can affect the surrounding tendons and ligaments. Other medical conditions that can cause ankle pain include osteoporosis which may weaken the bones in the ankle leading to an increased risk of a fracture. If you have sprained or fractured your ankle, please speak with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat your ankle injuries.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
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.
Read more about Ankle SprainsWhile onychomycosis (toenail fungus) is a common condition, it can be rare among infants and children. This is because children’s nails are smaller and grow faster—making their toenails less hospitable to the fungus. However, when pediatric onychomycosis occurs, it should be dealt with swiftly and properly, as it is not good for a child to have any type of infection. Of course, prevention is always the best option, and something that should be highlighted as most children contract onychomycosis from someone in their own home. Don’t share toenail clippers, soap, towels or other personal grooming items with your child. Encourage them to keep their feet clean and dry, and to always wear clean socks and shoes, as well as flip-flops in public showers, locker rooms and around pools. If your child does develop toenail fungus, understand that what may be appropriate treatment for an adult, may not be safe for a child. If your child’s nails are thickened, brittle, crumbling, or yellowish, bring them to a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
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 care needs.
Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet HealthyConnect With Us