Items filtered by date: October 2020

When purchasing new shoes for your children, there are general guidelines to follow that can help to ensure a proper fit. These can include shopping for shoes with your child present and wearing the socks that they intend to wear with their new shoes. It is important for the shoes to be roomy in both length and width, and that there is adequate support and cushioning. The heel should be rigid for maximum support, and although synthetic materials may be cheaper, it is better to go with quality materials such as leather or rubber. Additionally, it is beneficial to measure your child's feet before purchasing shoes. This can be accurately accomplished when a Brannock device is used. Shoes that fit properly for kids will feel comfortable when they are new, and they should not have to be broken in. It is important to make sure that there is ample room for the toes to move freely, as this may help to prevent painful foot conditions from developing. If you would like more information about purchasing shoes that fit correctly for your children, please consult with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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 left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Falling is common among children that are learning to walk. Additionally, it can affect the older population and may be a result of slower reflexes and brittle bones. Falling can cause a broken toe, foot, or ankle injuries, making it difficult to complete daily activities. There are methods that can be implemented that may help to prevent falling. These can include improving the lighting in the home environment, installing grab bars in the shower area, and having regular physical examinations, which are helpful in monitoring existing medication. Additionally, it is beneficial to strengthen the body, which is often accomplished through performing routine stretches and aerobic activity. If you would like more information on how falling can affect the feet, 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. 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.

Diabetic patients are often aware that a common area for wounds to develop is on the feet. This may be a result of elevated glucose levels in the blood, which can cause nerve damage. The nerve damage can result in difficulty feeling cuts, bruises, and wounds on the feet. Proper wound care consists of washing the affected area, followed by applying an antibiotic ointment. The wound can be protected by covering it with a bandage, which can also help to control drainage. The healing process may possibly be accelerated by keeping weight off of the affected foot, which can be achieved by wearing an offloading boot. If you are afflicted with wounds on your feet, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the best treatments for you.

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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs due to blockages in the blood vessels that supply blood to this area. There are a variety of diagnostic tests that a doctor may use to diagnose you with PAD. Most of these tests are quick, painless, and noninvasive. The ankle-brachial index is a screening for PAD in which the doctor takes your blood pressure at your arm and at your ankle and then compares the two numbers to determine how well blood is flowing in your lower limbs. The Doppler ultrasound is an imaging test that visualizes the blood flow in the major arteries and veins and can determine where there may be a blockage. A treadmill test, in which you are asked to walk on a treadmill, can show the severity of your PAD symptoms and the level of activity that brings them on. To be tested for PAD, or to learn more about this condition, talk to a podiatrist today.

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:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

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.