Skip the Pedicure and see a Podiatrist!

 According to Wikipedia a pedicure is performed for “cosmetic, theraputic and medical purposes.” Now, it could simply be due to the fact that therapeutic is not even spelled correctly, or it could be due to the suspicion that arises when publicly accessed literature implies beauticians can perform “medical” procedures. Either way some red flags need to be raised when it’s been suggested a beautician is qualified to perform anything more than simple nail trimming and painting.  A few things to consider before your next pedicure:

•          Salons may try to re-use tools. This is a big issue for obvious reasons. Consider asking, or looking for clues of re-use next time a technician takes to those toes with a beauty tool. Every year there are many reported cases of Staph and sometimes-even MRSA infections due to nail salons re-using non-professionally sterilized tools. Believe it or not the liquid “antiseptic” solutions salons use generally only kill low-level pathogenicity microbes, rendering this practice fairly infective in actual disease prevention.

•          Although footbaths or whirlpools may seem like wonderful foot therapy if not properly cleaned with serious antiseptics after every single use they can harbor everything from HPV to MRSA.

•         Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) should never be attempted to be remedied by a nail technician! This is an actual medical condition that should only be treated with professionally sterilized tools by a health care professional such as a Podiatrist. Not only could the nail plate and bed be further damaged by an untrained individual, but serious infections are a huge risk as well.

•          Nail technicians want to augment your cuticles but this is a big “no-no”. Cuticles were put around your nails for a reason; they prevent infection as they make a seal between your nail plate and skin from the external environment.

These are just a few reasons to skip pedicures altogether and see the Podiatrist. If you still need further convincing check out one of the following links including articles written by US News, Huffington Post and the Washington Post…

US News article - Pedicure or Pedicurse?

Washington Post article

Huffington Post--5 Dangers awaiting you at the nail salon

**This blog, and the medical information it presents is made possible by Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. He has been practicing board certified podiatry for over 20 years, and accepts new patients. Visit his website for additional information here. To schedule an appointment, or find directions to his office click here.

PADnet Helps Save Lives

Many people are not aware, but maybe the single greatest determinant of your health is the quality of your vasculature. There isn’t a single tissue in the human body that isn’t severely affected when the blood supply to it is compromised. Peripheral arterial disease is a manifestation of having chronically damaged blood vessels due to a variety of reasons such as diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol levels, over the age of 50, and the African American ethnicity. These are all etiologies that are extremely prevalent in our society. Research suggests that 12-14% of the general population in the United States is afflicted by vascular disease. What’s scary is that 70-80% of this group is asymptomatic, meaning an individual may appear to be healthy enough one day and the next lose their life by way of a heart attack. Peripheral arterial disease is an extremely life altering disease that is very underreported. Simply having a past history of smoking and/or high cholesterol predisposes an individual to peripheral arterial disease.

To truly know the quality of your vasculature more qualitative testing than simple blood panels and pressures needs to be performed. PADnet is a service offered by Dr. Michael Garvin that offers the kind of critical data that could save a patient's life. PADnet is a computerized system that only takes 15-20 minutes to be performed on a patient. It is minimally invasive and offers the patient no discomfort. PADnet is an amazing new technology that can be done in office. Avoid being part of the underreported statistic and have the health of your blood vessels assessed by a physician utilizing PADnet like Dr. Garvin; it could save your life.

To contact Dr. Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida click here.


Sources cited: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pad/treatment.html
       http://www.biomedix.com/products/padnet_plus.asp

5 Suggestions for Keeping Your Feet Healthy

Are you confident that your daily decisions aren’t negatively affecting your foot health? There are a lot of variables that we subconsciously factor into our choices of footwear and care on a daily basis-that we may not even realize are potentially detrimental. Below is a short list of suggestions that will help prevent a trip to the doctor due to your casual decisions.

• Pay close attention to your feet during routine hygiene; this includes noting the skin texture/quality, toenail color, & any irregular lumps and bumps

• If you’re aging, stay on top of keeping the skin on your plantar and dorsal feet moisturized. Dry, cracking skin is more prone to fungal, bacterial and viral infections

• Wear shoes that are well fitting and match your activity levels for each day. I.e. if you’re spending all day walking at a mall, or an amusement park choose a pair of supportive running shoes instead of something fashionable

• There’s a time and place for stilettos and flip-flops. Both can cause a flare-up of plantar fasciitis or achilles tendinitis, so if you know you’re going to have a long day save them for the short and sweet occasions exclusively

• Going barefoot seems so attractive at waterparks, the community pool, and the beach, but sometimes this can be a big mistake. Areas that are high traffic and always wet can be a breeding ground for fungi and viruses. This is the time to grab your favorite pair of podiatrist recommended flip flops and avoid cutting your foot on a shell at the beach, or picking up athlete’s foot in the locker room

**This blog and the medical information it presents is made possible by Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. He has been practicing board certified podiatry for over 20 years and accepts new patients. Visit his website for additional information here. To schedule an appointment, or find directions to his office click here.

ABCD Rules for Skin Cancer

As a follow-up to the post written on melanomas of the feet and toes-We’d now like to discuss the criteria to use when making the decision on whether or not to visit a practitioner based upon the appearance of a lesion. Dermatologists and healthcare providers of all kinds like to refer to the “ABCD(E) rule” when evaluating the appearance of a mole, freckle, or recently found lesion of the skin in regards to its malignancy potential. Here is the breakdown of the rule:

• A stands for Asymmetry. A lesion that isn’t symmetrical due to uneven division of skin cells
• Irregular Borders that seem to be ragged, or unusual looking
• Color variations that seem to be inhomogeneous & abnormal
• A large Diameter of the lesion (>6mm) -Yes, use a ruler and measure!
• Lastly, abnormal or uneven Elevations should not be present, & should cause concern!

These 5 criterion should be used in the evaluation of any, and every kind of lesion found on the skin to ensure malignancy isn’t a possibility! The feet are sometimes neglected as part of the evaluative process of the skin performed by dermatologists, so be sure to closely monitor and check all surfaces of your feet when you perform routine footcare on yourself. If you do happen to notice irregularities don’t hesitate to contact a podiatrist. Lesions that are malignant are comprised of rapidly dividing cancer cells and time is of the essence!

*Below is an image displaying 4 or the 5 criteria used to evaluate skin lesions for malignancy
**This blog and the medical information it presents is made possible by Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. He has been practicing board certified podiatry for over 20 years and accepts new patients. Visit his website for additional information here. To schedule an appointment, or find directions to his office click here.

Foot Melanomas are Deadly

Often times when people visit the beach their primary health concern (assuming they have any cares besides enjoying themselves) is applying sunblock over the major surfaces of their body-while it certainly seems logical to cover the larger surfaces first, many forget their feet altogether. In fact, we’d go as far to estimate that one would be hard-pressed to find a person who has never had a bad sunburn on the top of their feet given they’ve spent time in the sun at some point. 

What’s worse is the mortality rate seen with melanomas of the foot. According to a Medical News Today article, “half of the people who learn they have melanoma of the foot die within five years because the cancer had already spread throughout their body by the time it was diagnosed”. The same reason that people seem to forget to apply sunblock to their feet, may also be the reason why people neglect to perform routine self-examinations on their feet. What podiatrists recommend is that every time you clip your toenails, examine your entire foot, including the web spaces for anything that appears irregular or new. Visit this resource for the criteria on which characteristics prove to be synonymous with cancer. 

 

*Above is an example of a melanoma type on the plantar foot

**The information in this blog is made possible by Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Dr. Garvin has been practicing board certified podiatry for over 20 years, and accepts new patients to his state of the art private practice. For directions and contact information click here.

Podiatrists Save Diabetic Feet!

25.8 million, or 8.3% of the American population (Children & Adults) are currently suffering from Diabetes Mellitus. Awareness and prevention of diabetes mellitus is finally starting to rise in America, however, the incidence of the disease is still increasing. With that said, the role of a podiatrist in a diabetic’s overall health care cannot be understated. To quantify that; more diabetics die every year due to complications that arise from diabetically induced ulcers than prostate and breast cancer each. 


In 2010, at the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) annual scientific meeting Vicky Driver, MS, DPM introduced a study conducted by Thomson Reuters, showing that care by a podiatric physician (defined as at least one preventative, pre-ulcer visit) was associated with a nearly 29 percent lower risk of amputation and 24 percent lower risk of hospitalization.


If you’re a diabetic, and annually visiting a podiatric physician isn't part of your overall health care plan please reconsider this practice. Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida has been treating diabetic patients for over 20 years. He is a board certified podiatric physician and is accepting new patients. His goal is always to provide the most comprehensive care possible for diabetic patients as he understands the pitfalls of miscare for these patients. For information and directions to his office please click here.





Sources cited:
1.http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/New-Study-Proves-Care-by-Podiatrists-Dramatically-Decreases-Lower-Limb-Amputation.aspx

2. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/

Golfers Can Have Sore Feet Too

Often times golf isn’t thought of as a sport that puts a substantial amount of stress on the feet. Golf experts and medical clinicians alike generally will agree that back and elbow injuries are much more common in golfers. However, according to a Podiatry Today article foot injuries may be more common than we realize. Often times golfers will discredit golf as being the source of their heel or forefoot pain, however, Dr. Phillip Ward breaks down the phases of the golf swing in his article on Podiatry Today, and illustrates how substantial the feet are in a proper golf swing. Upon his review of the proper swing it’s evident how stress is evenly distributed throughout the body, and how important the feet are in serving as a functioning platform providing balance and power throughout the swing. In one study performed, researchers found that orthotics have the potential to improve a golfers balance, and actually allow them to drive the ball further.

If you are an avid golfer experiencing foot pain of any kind consider contacting one of Dr. Michael Garvin’s offices in the Port Saint Lucie, Florida area. Dr. Garvin is a golfer and understands the desire of his patients to get back to feeling healthy so they can participate in the sport they love. Even if pain isn’t overwhelming your golf game, Dr. Garvin may be able to add an advantage to your game by prescribing a pair of custom orthotics to balance out your swing and provide a more comfortable stance, and therefore swing.

   

The Importance of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy (PT) may be one of the most underrated modalities in all of medicine depending on the perspective taken. It focuses primarily on quality of life and movement. This is an aspect of medicine that has been addressed by many different professions, but never been made the mainstay of their practice like it is for a physical therapist (PT). Patients suffering from almost every disease can greatly benefit from the treatment of a PT. Unlike doctors of other sorts (Physical therapists now receive a doctoral degree), a physical therapist’s goal is more than treating a disease when it manifests. Their goal is to restore a patient's quality of life after and during their sickness. They work with their patients on a daily basis to restore function and life back to the areas that have been damaged or compromised due to disease and injury. There is a role for a PT in almost every disease prevention and management case that exists.  Dr. Michael Garvin understands and utilizes this ideal in his daily practice. Dr. Garvin as a practitioner not only wants to treat patients suffering from foot and ankle conditions, but he wants to restore quality of life and prevent further complications.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy is a diseased state of the nerves in the peripheral nervous system; as commonly seen in the extremities of patients suffering from Diabetes Mellitus types 1 and 2. Peripheral neuropathy is not always caused by diabetes, and in fact can be caused by a variety of other factors such as autoimmune disorders (Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus), chronic kidney disease, HIV infections, low levels of vitamin B12, an underactive thyroid gland, and many different pharmaceutical drug classes. Peripheral neuropathy is often associated with diabetics though due to the rapidly increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the United States. Diabetes is a blood sugar disorder that can compromise the vascular health of the body, and predominantly in the feet, eyes and kidneys. Over time if the disease is not properly treated and monitored, one of the ways it manifests is through peripheral neuropathy. Just like all tissues of the body, the nerves also need adequate blood supply. When the peripheral nerves blood supply becomes poor due to diabetes, the nerves become damage and diseased.

The signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy often start with a tingling, itching and burning sensation in the feet and legs. If left untreated peripheral neuropathy progresses and eventually will result in total loss of feeling in the areas affected. This loss of sensation in the feet and legs can cause abnormalities in an individuals gait, muscle weakness, dermatological issues, and a whole host of other serious issues. If any of these symptoms describe something you’re currently experiencing, or would like to know more about please visit Dr. Michael Garvin’s website for more information. He is a practicing Podiatrist in the Port Saint Lucie, Florida area.

 
 **This graphic illustrates the differences in vascularity of a treated diabetic foot, and a non-treated diabetic foot

Onychogryphosis

Onychogryphosis is a hypertrophic condition of the nail plate. Onychogryphosis causes the nail plate to grow exceedingly long and thick and is often referred to as “Ram’s horn nails”. Generally this condition is seen in the elderly population and is due to failure to properly trim the nail plate over time. However, onychogryphosis can also be a result of peripheral vascular disorders and/or trauma to the nail matrix or plate. Onychogryphosis can cause a great deal of discomfort and difficulties fitting into shoes and for daily activities. This is a condition that should be addressed by a Podiatrist for proper treatment of the nail, and recommendations on how to avoid onychohryphosis in the future. 

Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie Florida has been treating Onychogryphosis and many other conditions of the foot and ankle and is accepting new patients. Don’t hesitate to contact one of Dr. Garvin’s offices in the Port Saint Lucie area here. 

• PORT ST. LUCIE EAST OFFICE: 1791 SE Port Saint Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952 Phone: 772-335-7171
• ST. LUCIE WEST OFFICE: 150 SW Chamber Court, Suite 101, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986 Phone: 772-871-6020

**The picture above is an example of Onychogryphosis

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that arises due to compression of the tibial nerve. This nerve runs under the medial malleolus. The compression is due to swelling of soft tissue structures that impede upon the nerve, and crowd it. This causes the nerve to become irritated and can cause shooting pain, tingling, numbness and other symptoms anywhere from the inside of the ankle to the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot. The onset of tarsal tunnel syndrome is often insidious, but occasionally can be sudden as well. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is very fundamentally similar to carpal tunnel syndrome (occurs in the forearm/wrist) and can be caused by a variety of foot and biomechanical issues such as flat feet, ankle sprains, systemic diseases and more.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a serious condition and should not be neglected. Permanent nerve damage can take place if not properly treated in a timely manner.

If you live on or near the Treasure Coast area and are experiencing symptoms such as these, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Michael Garvin. He has treated tarsal tunnel syndrome and other podiatric conditions for years in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

*The picture above depicts the structures involved in Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Onychocryptosis (Ingrown Toenails)

Ingrown toenails are medically known as onychocryptosis, and are a common condition that may occur when the sides or corners of the nail plate dig into the surrounding skin. This will generally cause the affected skin to become red, swollen and tender. Bacterial infections will often follow ingrown toenails due to the nature of the location and certain improper behaviors such as clipping toenails with dirty clippers. Onychocryptosis can be caused by a variety of factors such as rounding the corners or edges of the toenail plate and trimming too short. Also irregular foot structure and biomechanics, excessively tight shoegear, and fungal infections may all be catalysts for onychocryptosis.

The good news is onychocryptosis is a simple condition to treat and Podiatrists like Dr. Michael Garvin are very experienced and competent in getting patients back on their feet pain free. For further information regarding ingrown toenails please visit Dr. Garvin’s website here।

**The picture above is an example of an ingrown toenail