Blogs

Subscribe to this RSS feed

Blog

Tuesday, 04 September 2018 00:00

How Corns Can Affect Your Daily Routine

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.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Corns
Monday, 27 August 2018 00:00

How Does a Broken Toe Happen?

Many bones are located in the foot and they all work together to provide optimum balance necessary to effectively walk and run. If something heavy should fall on your toe or if you fall down, you may experience pain and discomfort due to a broken toe. You may notice the obvious symptoms, which may include bruising and swelling, or continued pain and throbbing. Research has shown the importance of having a proper diagnosis performed, which most likely will include having an X-ray taken. If a broken toe is confirmed, treatment should commence as quickly as possible. This may include taping the toe to the toe next to it, resetting the bone for more severe fractures, or undergoing surgery. Please consult with a podiatrist for advice on how to treat a broken toe.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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 to Know About a Broken Toe
Monday, 20 August 2018 00:00

How Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Can Affect Your Child

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection that is common among children under the age of five. Symptoms of this disease include mouth sores and rashes on both the hands and feet. People with hand-foot-and-mouth disease should be especially careful because the disease is highly contagious through person-to-person contact. Outbreaks for this disease, also known as coxsackievirus, commonly occur during the late summer and early fall. If you are a parent, you should be diligent about your child’s hygiene during this time of year; with summer camps ending and the school year starting, your child will come in contact with many other children who could have the disease.

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

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Monday, 13 August 2018 00:00

How Falling May be Prevented

Research has shown the importance of developing muscle strength, which may aid in the prevention of falling. Strong muscles may help to maintain balance, and this may be achieved by incorporating walking into your daily routine, and eliminating sitting for extended periods of time. Steps may be taken to improve conditions in your home, including repairing broken steps, having brighter lighting or removing rugs that are loose. There are several hazards that may exist in the bathroom as a result of wet and slippery floors. It’s beneficial to use a non slip mat in the shower or bathtub in addition to utilizing a grab bar inside and outside of the shower. It’s important to have routine check-ups with your physician to monitor the condition of your eyes and ears, and this may bring more awareness to your immediate surroundings.

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. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Falls Prevention
Monday, 06 August 2018 00:00

What Can I Do To Help My Flat Feet?

The middle part of the foot typically consists of a curved structure known as the arch. For patients who have flat feet, the arch is absent and the foot lies completely flat on the ground. In babies, the arches are not always visible and will become more apparent as the child ages. Certain people may experience pain in the feet and ankles as a result of having flat feet. Additionally, shoes may wear out faster than the average person, because of the inward rolling that may occur. The bones and muscles in the feet may become weaker as well, which may affect the overall health of the body. Research has shown there may be several causes of fallen arches, including rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, or muscle and nerve conditions such as cerebral palsy. Moderate relief may be found in wearing shoes that fit well and offer adequate support, in addition to performing mild stretching techniques that may aid in strengthening the muscles and surrounding ligaments and tendons. It’s strongly advised to consult with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with flat feet and would like additional information about treatment options.

Flatfoot

Flatfoot is a condition that occurs when the arches on the foot are flattened, which allows the soles of the feet to touch the floor. Flatfoot is a common condition and it is usually painless.

Throughout childhood, most people begin to develop arches in their feet, however, some do not. Those who do not develop arches are left with flatfoot. The pain associated with flat feet is usually at its worse when engaging in activity. Another symptom that may occur with those who have this condition is swelling along the inside of the ankle.

It is also possible to have flexible flatfoot. Flexible flatfoot occurs when the arch is visible while sitting or standing on the tiptoes, but it disappears when standing. People who have flexible flatfoot are often children and most outgrow it without any problems.

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop flatfoot. Those who have diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of flatfoot development. Other factors include aging and obesity.

Diagnosis for flat feet is usually done by a series of tests by your podiatrist. Your podiatrist will typically try an x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI on the feet. Treatment is usually not necessary for flat foot unless it causes pain. However, therapy is often used for those who experience pain in their flat feet. Some other suggested treatment options are arch supports, stretching exercises, and supportive shoes. 

Read more about Flatfoot
Monday, 30 July 2018 00:00

Mets’ Cespedes Dealing with Calcification in Heels

Yoenis Cespedes of the New York Mets recently announced that he is considering getting surgery to repair the calcification in his heels. Although he homered in the team’s win against the Yankees, he wasn’t scheduled to be in the remaining two games of the series. Cespedes claims the root of his medical problems have been a heel ailment that he has been dealing with for years. If he does opt for surgery, the recovery time is expected to be 8-10 months. However, this is considered to be a last-resort option for the outfielder. John Ricco, who is currently the assistant GM of the Mets said, “The way you treat this is with various conservative methods whether they be orthotics, stretching, anti-inflammatories and that’s kinda how he’s managed those symptoms over the past years.” If you are suffering from heel spurs, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to explore your treatment options.

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 Heel Spurs
Monday, 23 July 2018 00:00

Different Types of Ankle Pain

Research has shown that there are numerous forms of ankle pain. These can range from sprains to the painful condition known as arthritis. An ankle sprain is the most common cause of ankle pain. This typically occurs when the foot rolls and may cause the ankle to curve toward the ground. Falling is generally the reason most people sprain their ankle, and this may cause the ligaments to tear or stretch. Other types of ankle pain may include the uncomfortable condition that is referred to as gout. This is a result of an excess of uric acid that builds up in the bloodstream, causing crystals to form in the joints of the foot. Additionally, if the tendons in the ankle become inflamed or irritated, you may experience tendinitis. Another painful condition known as bursitis, occurs when small sacs filled with fluid form around the joints, which may often produce considerable discomfort. It is is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist if you are afflicted with any type of ankle pain.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 Pain
Monday, 16 July 2018 00:00

Neymar Suffers Ankle Injury

World-famous Brazilian footballer Neymar, suffered an ankle injury when he was fouled in a game against Switzerland. Neymar was fouled ten different times, which is the most fouls against a player in a World Cup game since 1998. Additionally, no Brazilian player had ten fouls against him in a game since 1996. Although Neymar suffered the injury in his third game back from foot fracture surgery, the injury is not believed to be related to his initial injury. If you are experiencing pain in your ankle, you should visit your podiatrist to explore different methods for treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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 Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Monday, 09 July 2018 00:00

What is a Foot Ulcer?

Diabetic patients may experience foot ulcers, which may be a result of poorly managed insulin levels. These type of wounds typically develop on the balls of the feet or under the big toes, and may possibly affect the foot bones. Postponing proper treatment may lead to severe infections and amputation may be a necessary option. One of the first signs that a foot ulcer may be present is unusual drainage from the wound. This may also be accompanied by swelling, redness, or an unpleasant odor emanating from the foot. The lack of healthy blood flow to the foot may cause the surrounding skin to become black, possibly causing gangrene to develop. Many diabetics have difficulty with healing as a result of elevated glucose levels. Additionally, having poor circulation may cause lack of efficient blood flow to the feet. If you think you may have a foot ulcer, it’s suggested to confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for the advice on proper treatment options.

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. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Wound Care
Monday, 02 July 2018 00:00

All About Stress Fractures

When runners develop stress fractures, they typically occur in the lower fibula and parts of the tibia. Stress fractures are a type of bone injury that occurs as a result of repetitive mechanical stress. Activities such as jumping and running can result in a stress fracture. If you are looking to treat your stress fracture, you should start by ceasing any high-impact activities and start to participate in cross-training activities. Cross-training is an exercise regimen that incorporates several modes of training to avoid overuse injuries. People who experience pain from walking with a stress fracture should look toward wearing a cast, boot, or crutches. Most athletes who suffer from stress fractures may gradually return to running within six to eight weeks. Training schedules, diet, and menstrual history are all factors that may increase your risk of developing a stress fracture.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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 Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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 Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Page 43 of 50

Connect With Us