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

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spurs)

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of soft, connective tissue that spans from the calcaneus or heel of the foot, to the ball of the foot (metatarsal heads). Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It is sometimes also referred to as Heel Spur Syndrome (HSS). There are 3 bands to the plantar fascia, or plantar aponeurosis. Most commonly the central band of the plantar aponeurosis is the culprit of pain due to it becoming inflammed. The causes of inflammation are diverse and can be due to a variety of abnormalities in gait and behavior. The most common cause in the average population is excessive pronation of the foot during walking and/or running. The plantar fascia acts to passively stabilize the arch of the foot, and also assists in propulsion during walking and running. Due to its frequency of use during daily activities (climbing stairs, walking, squatting down on the balls of your feet, etc) it is prone to becoming inflammed in some individuals. A very common complaint seen with plantar fasciitis is pain experienced after periods of inactivity, or rest (Post-static dyskinesia). It also generally continues to worsen throughout the day. 

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can make daily life difficult and painful. If this sounds like a current or past issue please visit Dr. Michael Garvin’s website for additional information.

Dr. Michael Garvin has been practicing in the Port St. Lucie Florida area for years and utilizes minimally invasive methods to treat and alleviate plantar fasciitis. Call his East or West offices in Port St. Lucie at 772-335-7171, or 772-871-6020, respectively.

 

*The image above illustrates the plantar fascia being strained during propulsion

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