Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Brachymetatarsia

Brachymetatarsia


Brachymetatarsia is a condition where there is one toe shorter than the others. It usually happens with both feet, but some patients only experience the condition in one of their feet. Whether from genetics or because of traumas experienced, there are a number of causes of brachymetatarsia. It can not only be very uncomfortable and difficult to balance properly, but also embarrassing for the patient. This is why we offer a variety of treatments for our patients suffering from it.


Surgery is the best course of action for treating brachymetatarsia permanently here at S.E.T. Footcare. There are other less invasive treatments, such as applying padding to the shoes and offering custom orthotics, but this is only a temporary fix. For a more permanent option to improve the function and appearance of our patients’ feet, we can lengthen the metatarsal that is causing the shortened toe.


Surgery options include callus distraction or a bone graft. The bone graft is done by creating a metatarsal through bones extracted from other parts of the body. This lets us create a bone graft that will elongate the toe. It is a one-stage procedure with a recovery time of around two months. The other procedure has a longer recovery time of up to four months, and is called a callus distraction. This uses a device to gradually lengthen the bone.


Visit Dr. Jeffrey Klein in Waterford, MI to schedule an appointment for your brachymetatarsia.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Custom Molded Bio Mechanical Orthotics

Custom Molded Bio Mechanical Orthotics


Various types of podiatric conditions are often treated with orthotics. At S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. they offer their patients custom molded bio mechanical orthotics. Orthotics are used in order to realign the foot and improve foot function and mechanics. They can be used to prevent or treat several types of foot problems, such as pain related to sports injuries, plantar fasciitis and heel and arch pain.


Although orthotics are available over the counter, they are not designed with your specific foot and condition in mind. Custom made orthotics are different. Custom made orthotics are a bio mechanical device, which is available by prescription from a podiatrist. After an evaluation and exam, the orthotics are custom molded for your foot for more precise care.


Every day your feet have a great deal of force or stress placed on them. Many times you don’t even think about your feet, unless problems develop. It’s common for both children and adults to develop a foot problem at some point in their lifetime. That’s where podiatric care can help. The podiatrists at S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. treat a variety of common foot conditions, such as hammertoes, bunions, heel pain and skin conditions, such as athlete’s foot.


For more information on custom molded bio mechanical orthotics or any of their other services, please call S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. at 248-681-6180.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Hammertoe

Hammertoe


A hammertoe occurs when an abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe develops. Although hammertoes can develop due to trauma to the foot, they are most often caused by wearing shoes which are too tight. A hammertoe can cause pain in the affected toe and also interfere with normal movement.


At S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. they treat a large variety of foot conditions and injuries including hammertoes. The experienced podiatrists will evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment for your situation. Treatments for hammertoe may include wearing shoe inserts or pads, which reposition the toes and relieves pressure. Trimming calluses and custom made orthotic devices are also treatment options.


Additional treatment for hammertoe may include exercises to stretch the toe muscle and splinting the affected toe. You will also be advised on the importance of wearing proper footwear. In some instances, if conservative treatment does not correct the problem, surgery may be an option.


Without treatment, a hammertoe can become worse overtime. Pain in your toes can impact your physical activity and even affect your quality of life. The doctors at S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. are experienced in all types of podiatric medicine including treating hammertoe. They will be happy to answer any questions you have and review your treatment options.


For more information on hammertoes or any other foot problem, please call S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. at 248-681-6180.


 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Broken Bones of the Foot

Broken Bones of the Foot


Think about all the stress that is placed on your feet each day. It’s easy to see why broken bones of the foot are a common injury. Broken bones of the foot can develop due to a sudden trauma or injury to the foot. Stress fractures can also occur due to repeated force placed on the foot from exercise, such as running.


Fractures commonly occur on the forefoot or the toes. The symptoms of a broken bone can vary in severity. In some instances, an injury is very painful while in other cases discomfort may be mild. Additional symptoms of a broken bone in the foot include swelling, bruising and difficulty walking.


The podiatrists at S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating various types of foot injuries including broken bones. Since injuries, such as broken foot bones, vary greatly, so do treatments. Treatment may include medication to reduce pain and swelling. Realignment of the bones may be needed in some cases, as well as immobilization.


S.E.T. FootCare, P.C is a full service podiatric medicine and surgery practice. They treat a wide variety of common podiatric conditions. They also offer pediatric and diabetic foot care.


For more information on any of their services, or in order to schedule an appointment, please call S.E.T. FootCare, P.C at 248-681-6180.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Foot Sprains

Sprains


Sprains are one of the most common foot injuries. Sprains develop when the connective tissue, which joins the bones together, becomes stretched or torn. One of the most common locations of a sprain is the ankle. It is important to understand a sprain is not the same thing as a strain. A strain affects the muscle or the tendon.


If you have sprained an ankle or toe, you may realize it right away by the pain. Additional symptoms may include swelling and bruising. The affected joint may also have limited movement.


The podiatrists at S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. are experienced at treating foot and ankle injuries, such as sprains. Sprains can be treated with compression, ice and rest. In some instances, immobilization with a brace may be recommended. The doctors at S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. will also discuss the importance of reducing your risk of future sprains. Warming up prior to exercise, wearing proper footwear and stretching can lower your risk of a sprain.


S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. treats a wide variety of podiatric conditions. In addition to sprains and running injuries, they treat conditions, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis. Foot pain is not normal, and there is no need to suffer from any type of foot problem. The knowledgeable doctors at S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. will evaluate your condition and help get you back on your feet without pain.


For more information on sprains or in order to make an appointment, please call S.E.T. FootCare, P.C. at 248-681-6180.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Diabetic Neuropathy/Numbness

Diabetic Neuropathy/Numbness


Diabetes neuropathy is the term used for nerve damage that is an unwelcome and often painful complication of diabetes. High amounts of blood glucose can cause nerve damage throughout your body, particularly in your feet. Numbness and tingling are tell-tale signs of diabetic neuropathy. It is important to always pay close attention to your body so we can help you as soon as you notice something amiss. We will help you treat diabetic neuropathy so you can avoid more serious nerve damage.


Dr. Jeffrey Klein recommends paying attention to the signs of diabetic neuropathy, which include the following:



  • Numbness in the feet, legs or toes

  • Tingling in the feet, legs or toes

  • Dizziness or faintness

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Weakness

  • Vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction

  • Urination problems

  • Diarrhea and/or constipation


The signs and symptoms of diabetes neuropathy can vary from mild to severe, so getting regular examinations from Dr. Jeffrey Klein is recommended. He can examine your feet and ask you a series of questions that help him determine if you are experiencing nerve damage. Always call our S.E.T. FootCare office if you have any problems with your feet, including numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs and feet.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic Foot Care


If you have diabetes, you have already been told by your doctor to take good care of your feet. Diabetic foot care is important because diabetes causes high glucose levels which can have a negative effect on your feet in primarily two ways.


First, uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet and legs. When your nerves are damaged, you may not be able to feel heat or cold, or worse pain. That means, if you cut your foot or have a sore on your foot, you may not immediately know it’s there. This lack of feeling is called diabetic neuropathy, and is a complication of diabetes.


Secondly, continued high blood glucose for an extended period of time can result in poor blood flow. When blood flow is poor, sores, wounds, and infections heal more slowly, if at all. If an infection doesn’t heal, it could lead to an amputation. Here at S.E.T. FootCare, Dr. Jeffrey Klein provides exemplary diabetic foot care and treatment options.


We will examine your feet and treat any conditions or problems you are experiencing. Your feet may need treatment if you have nerve damage or improper blood flow, both of which can cause infections. Aside from getting foot care treatment here in Waterford, MI, you should be self-monitoring your diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels under control, being more active, washing your feet daily, trimming your toenails, and always wearing socks and shoes. Call us today to schedule a diabetic foot care appointment so we can examine your feet for any signs of problems.