Items filtered by date: August 2022

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot ailment that causes pain in the heel of the foot. The facia, or band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, becomes irritated and inflamed. This condition usually occurs from poor weight distribution on the foot or excessive or repetitive movement. It is common in runners and those who stand on their feet for a long time. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, age, poor arch support, being overweight, and wearing footwear that does not have proper support or structure. Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis usually feel pain upon waking up after a night’s rest. Pain can be alleviated by resting, staying off the feet, applying ice to the affected area, exercising the foot, wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with insoles, and wearing compression socks. Additional pain relievers can be employed if the above does not work. If you suffer from pain of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can evaluate the severity of the condition and offer appropriate treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Thomas E. Silver from Westwood Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Golden Valley, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is the most common fungal infection that affects the feet. It is common in older children, and it might occur in one or both feet. This fungus grows best in warm, moist areas of the skin and between the toes. Someone with this affliction will experience red, moist, scaly, and cracked skin that can be itchy and peeling between the toes. Sometimes they will find small blisters on the bottoms and sides of the feet. This might also be accompanied by an unpleasant odor and can come back repeatedly. Home treatment of athlete’s foot includes washing and drying the child’s feet daily, moisturizing them, using antifungal powders and lotions that can be purchased over-the-counter, wearing clean socks daily, wearing shoes that breathe, not sharing shoes or socks with others, rotating shoes between wearing them, and making sure to wear footwear in public spaces like community showers, gyms, or swimming pools. If the condition is not healing, an infection develops, the feet swell, there is pus or pain, consult with a podiatrist for a more effective treatment for your child’s athlete’s foot.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Thomas E. Silver of Westwood Foot Clinic. 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 office located in Golden Valley, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wounds that develop on the feet can make it difficult to complete everyday activities. A cut or scrape on the foot of a patient who does not have diabetes is easily treated with a bandage for a few days and then removed. The opposite is true with diabetic patients as it can take several weeks for a foot ulcer to heal that began as a cut. Many serious foot wounds require protection against further pressure and patients often wear an “offloading” boot that may accelerate the healing process. Wounds on the feet that do not heal promptly can be the first sign that diabetes may have developed. If the protective boot is worn, it is beneficial that the wound is managed correctly by noticing the amount of ooze and discharge that can affect the skin. Using antiseptics may be suggested as they can help to clean the wound site followed by using special dressings that can reduce the number of bacteria. If you have wounds on your feet, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you properly treat and manage the condition causing them.

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. Thomas E. Silver from Westwood Foot Clinic. 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 office located in Golden Valley, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are simple and effective ways that can help to prevent falling. When specific stretches and exercises are frequently performed the body can become stronger and a sense of balance may be increased. There are special training programs that are available which may help older people to maintain strength and improve balance. Many people enjoy practicing the Chinese martial art known as tai chi. This form of exercise can help to improve coordination by practicing slow, emphasized movements. Additionally, changes can be made in the home which may decrease the risk of falling. These can include changing the lighting to become brighter, removing frayed rugs and clutter, and promptly cleaning any spills that have happened. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit well and are comfortable as this may help to avoid unnecessary tripping. It is wise to get regular physicals and eye examinations, where existing medications and eyeglasses can be evaluated. If you would like to learn about effective fall prevention methods, please consult with a podiatrist. 

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. Thomas E. Silver from Westwood Foot Clinic. 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 office located in Golden Valley, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A common foot infection is known as athlete’s foot. Its medical term is tinea pedis, and it is caused by a fungus. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, including public shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas, and to refrain from sharing socks, shoes, and towels. Common symptoms that are associated with athlete’s foot consist of itchy feet, the soles may turn red and become dry, and the skin may crack between the toes. A proper diagnosis can include having a podiatrist examine the feet, often followed by having a sample taken of infected skin. Many times medication is prescribed that can provide mild relief for the itching and scaling. Effective prevention methods include washing and drying the feet daily, followed by wearing a clean pair of socks, and alternating the shoes that are worn. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that are made of breathable materials and to avoid wearing shoes made of vinyl. If you have questions about relief for athlete’s foot, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas E. Silver from Westwood Foot Clinic.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Golden Valley, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.