In Need Of Custom Orthotics

With Fall finally here and summer winding down, the scramble to get the latest and greatest school gear is in session. Back to school shopping can present a problem to both parent and child. Whether it's choosing the latest look in clothes or a new backpack, parents should not forget about the importance of choosing the right shoes.

Finally when the perfect pair shoes are chosen, they like the style, size, and choice of materials, the important stuff can happen, getting your custom orthotics from your local podiatrist. Orthotics is a custom foot support, which you place in your shoes for your pain free style. Custom orthotics are designed specifically for you, it gives a better arch support then the regular over the counter (OTC) kind. It does this by correcting the biomechanics of your walking style, to overall help support your feet, knees and legs.

Custom orthotics are useful for people: who are overweight; obligated to be on their feet for extended periods of time; or have a previous foot or ankle issues. Even athletes use them to optimize performance and enhance comfort while either in training session or on game days. Patients with arthritis or diabetic foot conditions use them for comfort and protection. Orthotics helps prevent injury or hinder the progression of existing problems, thus allowing healing to take place. On the other hand, even if no major conditions or symptoms exist, orthotics provides protection and comfort for your feet.

If you or someone you know hasn’t had a chance to get their custom orthotics this year it is time to see your podiatrist and be evaluated and casted today. Whether it’s your first or third pair, Advanced Podiatry Group would be more than happy to schedule an appointment, with Dr. Ramin Nadjafi, DPM. We will be able assess your walking style, and design and create a perfect custom orthotic for your pain free style.

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Treatment For Bunion Symptoms

Do you ever have pain in your big toe? Have you ever experienced pain when pushing off the
ground, when walking? If so, you might be experiencing bunion pains. Bunions are one of
the most common foot problems. Bunions can come in two types, structural and biomechanical. Structural bunions can form due to the increase in the angle between your 1st and 2nd
toes naturally as you age. Biomechanical bunions can be formed based on your gait and they
way you walk over time these might develop. Structural and Biomechanical bunions both can
affect the joint causing premature arthritis. As podiatrists and parents, we all know that
it’s better to catch a problem early in its stages before it becomes worst.

Bunion symptoms can range from a foot deformity, noticing a bump on the inside of your first toe to painful shooting pain that radiates through your foot. You might notice that you need to buy wider shoes, than previously purchased. You might experience some soreness or calluses developing on the side of your first toe. Also you might notice more shoe wear on the sides of your shoes.

But have no fear there are many treatment options for bunions. There is a multitude of conservative treatments to consider such as topical creams to relieve the pain, pads to cushion the painful areas, and also bunion splits etc.

If you or someone you know is experiencing bunion pain, we welcome you to visit our office
Advanced Podiatry Group. We would be more than happy to schedule an appointment for your foot evaluation with Dr. Ramin Nadjafi, DPM.

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Identifying and Dealing with a Broken Foot

A broken foot requires immediate attention and treatment. If you suspect you have broken your foot, see Dr. Ramin Nadjafi, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor will examine your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Identifying and Dealing with a Broken Foot
When bones in the foot are bent, stretched, or crushed in an unnatural way, they can sometimes break or fracture. Doctors can often determine how the break occurred based on its severity and location.

There are many common symptoms of a broken foot to look out for. Those who experience significant trauma to the feet should check for:
-Bruising
-Pain
-Redness
-Swelling
-Blue (foot)
-Numbness
-Cold
-Misshapen
-Cuts
-Deformities

If one or more of these symptoms persist, one should have x-rays taken by a medical professional. Cold or numb feet, blueness of the skin, cuts, and deformities can be indications of a foot that is very badly broken. It’s advised to see a doctor right away if these conditions are observed.

Care for a broken foot depends on the type and severity of the injury. Often times aids likes crutches, casts, and splints will be administered. Surgery is also a possibility, although this is reserved for very bad cases. One can also apply ice and keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling. Rest is important during the recovery stage so that the break doesn’t become any more aggravated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Orlando.

We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

APG Podiatry Can Treat Fungal Nails

Many people don't realize they have a fungal nail problem and, therefore, don't seek treatment. Yet, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem and can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail's color, is often considered nothing more than a mere blemish. Left untreated, however, it can present serious problems.

Also referred to as onychomycosis, fungal nails are infections underneath the surface of the nail, which may also penetrate the nail. Fungal nail infections are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or about the nail plate, which ultimately can lead to difficulty and pain when walking or running. Symptoms may include discoloration, brittleness, loosening, thickening, or crumbling of the nail.

A group of fungi, called dermophytes, easily attack the nail and thrive on keratin, the nail's protein substance. In some cases, when these tiny organisms take hold, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown, or darker in color, and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks may frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails.

Nail bed injury may make the nail more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributory factors may be a history of Athlete's Foot or excessive perspiration.

You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions:

-Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes.
-Keep your feet clean and dry.
-Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible.
-Clip nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
-Use a quality foot powder (talcum, not cornstarch) in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
-Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active lifestyles.
-Disinfect home pedicure tools and don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection.

Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter liquid antifungal agents may not prevent a fungal infection from recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed, and the diseased nail matter and debris removed, a process called debridement.

Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.

In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required to remove the infected nail. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Diabetic Foot Care

 Diabetes is a lifelong chronic disease that is caused by high levels of sugar in the blood. It can also decrease your body's ability to fight off infections, which is especially harmful in your feet. When diabetes is not properly controlled, damage can occur to the organs and impairment of the immune system is also likely to occur.

With damage to your nervous system, you may not be able to feel your feet properly. Normal sweat secretion and oil production that lubricates the skin of the foot is impaired, which can lead to an abnormal pressure on the skin, bones, and joints of the foot during walking and other activities. This can even lead to the breakdown of the skin of the foot, which often causes sores to develop. If you have diabetes, it is important to prevent foot problems before they occur, recognize problems early, and seek the right treatment when a problem does happen.

Diabetic Complications and Your Feet

When it comes to your feet, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing foot problems and diabetic infections in the legs and feet. First of all, poorly fitting shoes are one of the biggest culprits of diabetic foot complications. If you have red spots, sore spots, blisters, corns, calluses, or consistent pain associated with wearing shoes, new proper fitted shoes must be obtained immediately. Additionally, if you have common foot abnormalities such as flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes, prescription shoes or orthotics from your podiatrist may be necessary to further protect your feet from other damage.

People who have long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes are also at risk for having damage to the nerves in their feet, which is known in the medical community as peripheral neuropathy. If you have nerve damage, you may not be able to feel your feet normally and you may also be unable to sense the position of your feet and toes while walking and balancing, which can cause even more harm to your feet.

Normal nerves allow people to sense if their shoes are too tight or if their shoes are rubbing on the feet too much. With diabetes, you may not be able to properly sense minor injuries, such as cuts, scrapes and blisters-all signs of abnormal wear, tear, and foot strain. The following can also xompromise the health of your feet:

- Poor circulation
- Trauma to the foot
- Infections
- Smoking

Diabetes can be extremely dangerous to your feet, so take precautions now. You can avoid serious problems such as losing a toe, foot, or leg by following proper prevention techniques offered by your podiatrist. Remember, prevention is the key to saving your feet and eliminating pain.

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Hammertoes Are One of the Most Common Toe Conditions

Hammertoes are one of the most common toe conditions, usually stemming from muscle imbalance in which the joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toe are bent into a contracted, claw-like position. In the early stages, hammertoes are flexible and can be corrected with simple conservative measures, but if left untreated, they can become fixed and require surgery.

The most common cause of hammertoes is causes by balance issues. Tight-fitting and high-heeled shoes often aggravate the condition, crowding your toes forward. A hammertoe can also be the result of injury in which you break or jam the toe, or from conditions like arthritis or stroke that affect nerves and muscles. In some cases, hammertoes may even be inherited.

Because of their clenched, claw-like appearance, hammertoes will generally be visibly
present. Other signs and symptoms include:

-Difficult or painful motion of a toe joint                      
-Redness or swelling at a toe joint
-Development of calluses and corns
-Open sores in severe cases

At APG Podiatry we recommend the following for preventing and treating your hammertoe:

-Wear comfortable, proper-fitting shoes that provide support and allow enough room for your
toes
-Avoid high-heeled or narrow-toed shoes
-Stretch your toe muscles to relieve pressure and pain
-Apply splints, cushions or pads to relieve pressure

Generally, a modification of footwear will reduce the symptoms associated with hammertoe. Other non-surgical treatment includes padding to shield corns and calluses and orthotic devices that are placed in the shoe to help control muscle imbalance. Dr. Nadjafi can help you determine the best treatment for your symptoms. Severe cases that don't respond to conservative measures may require surgery to restore your toe's flexibility and eliminate the pressure.

Hammertoes are progressive - they don't go away by themselves and the condition usually gets worse over time.

Once we have evaluated your hammertoe, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs.

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

What is Athlete’s Foot?

What is Athlete’s Foot?                                      
Athlete’s foot is a common skin problem caused by a fungus. Usually beginning on the skin between the toes, the fungus infection becomes scaly and itchy. Over time it may cause a break in the skin and become sore. Another term for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:                                                                                                           
- Itching
- Cracking and peeling skin between toes
- Soreness
- Blisters (occasionally)

How does it occur?
The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is everywhere in the environment. It is commonly from the floors of showers, locker rooms, and exercise facilities. The fungus likely grows on sweaty, constantly wet, or improperly dried feet (especially in shoes with poor ventilation).

How is it diagnosed?
We can usually diagnose athlete’s foot after examining your skin.

How is it treated?
The infection may clear up without treatment, but most fungal infections are treated with medicine put on the skin. If the infection is severe or widespread, we may prescribe a medication to take by mouth.

How can I help prevent athlete’s foot?
Follow these guidelines:

- Wear cotton socks when you exercise
- Change your socks every day
- Wear sandals or shoes with ventilation holes (a natural material like canvas or leather)
- Air out your shoes after wearing them
- Wear sandals when showering in a locker room
- Dry your feet well, especially between toes
- Apply an antifungal powder on affected area
- Disinfect shower and locker room floors

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Ingrown Toenails

Let us help with Ingrown Toenails! This is such a common question, and we get asked all the time the best way to handle Ingrown Toenails.

Ingrown Toenails can be extremely painful and are often caused by cutting our toenails incorrectly. There are a few people who inherited really bad toenails, but the rest are self-inflicted. Then we shove our foot into shoes that are too narrow or tight and we make them even worse!

Help is on the way! There are some simple steps you can follow to avoid ingrown toenails. First, cut your toenails straight across the top, not rounded. Second, avoid tight shoes and socks. Yes, the socks can do it! Third, and most important, stop picking at your toenails! Fourth, (and yes it sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised) please clean your toenail clippers with alcohol before you cut your nails. Self-inflicted infections are common.

If you are like many of the poor souls who are seeking help, it is time to come to our office so we can take a look. Often, a round of antibiotics and a minor procedure in the office are all that is needed to alleviate your pain. Sometimes, a more advanced procedure, called a matrixectomy, is needed to remove a deformed toenail permanently.

Do not perform bathroom surgery on your ingrown toenails! This can lead to a significant infection and even toe loss in the immunocompromised population with diabetes or vascular disease.

Contact Us for immediate help and we can help you get rid your toe pain!

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Ingrown Toenails

Let us help with Ingrown Toenails! This is such a common question, and we get asked all the time the best way to handle Ingrown Toenails.

Ingrown Toenails can be extremely painful and are often caused by cutting our toenails incorrectly. There are a few people who inherited really bad toenails, but the rest are self-inflicted. Then we shove our foot into shoes that are too narrow or tight and we make them even worse!

Help is on the way! There are some simple steps you can follow to avoid ingrown toenails. First, cut your toenails straight across the top, not rounded. Second, avoid tight shoes and socks. Yes, the socks can do it! Third, and most important, stop picking at your toenails! Fourth, (and yes it sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised) please clean your toenail clippers with alcohol before you cut your nails. Self-inflicted infections are common.

If you are like many of the poor souls who are seeking help, it is time to come to our office so we can take a look. Often, a round of antibiotics and a minor procedure in the office are all that is needed to alleviate your pain. Sometimes, a more advanced procedure, called a matrixectomy, is needed to remove a deformed toenail permanently.

Do not perform bathroom surgery on your ingrown toenails! This can lead to a significant infection and even toe loss in the immunocompromised population with diabetes or vascular disease.

Contact Us for immediate help and we can help you get rid your toe pain!

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Ankle Sprains

Do you sprain your ankles constantly? Are you nervous every time you participate in any athletic activity because, your ankles are so weak that you sprain them each and every time? Your not alone! Advanced Podiatry Group is here to help!

There are multiples causes of weak ankles. Ligamentous laxity is one of them: ligaments are the structures that are stabilizing your ankle joint. Some people were born with looser ligaments, creating instability in the ankle resulting in more frequent sprains. It can also be due to an old ankle sprain, injury or fracture where the ligaments were overstretched and healed in that position. Other causes are muscle weakness and foot position: people with a supinated foot type, meaning high arch feet with more pressure on the outside are more prone to twist their ankles. There are multiple types of ankle braces that can control and protect the ankle that can be worn during exercise or activities. Custom foot orthotics has shown great results: by controlling the foot position, they stabilize the foot and ankle and block the excessive inversion movement responsible for ankle sprains. If the instability is severe, there are ankle stabilizing surgical procedures that are available and very successful. Life is too short to limit the activities you like!

Let Advanced Podiatry Group evaluate your ankle instability!

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Plantar Fasciitis

Is Plantar Fasciitis Common?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot. It often causes intense arch and heel pain. Those who have had it know that it can be a stubborn problem that likes to linger on for months or even years. Plantar fasciitiscan affect people of all ages, foot type, and activity level.

How Do You Treat It?

Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond to aggressive conservative treatment, with surgeryrarely needed. Typical treatment includes rest from activity, immobilization in a boot, ice, anti-inflammatories, stretching, orthotics and physical therapy. Immobilization in a cast may also be an option for quicker recovery.

How Do You Get a Tear?

If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can weaken the plantar fascia to such an extent that a sudden push off force, even if a mild one, can cause a rupture or tear of the plantar fascia. Steroid injections for plantar fasciitis may also weaken the plantar fascia, if done repeatedly over too short a period of time, causing it to tear as well.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from plantar fasciits or have even had it in the past, don’t get off on the wrong foot, make an appointment with Advanced Podiatry Group today!

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Who Benefits From Custom Orthotics?

With Fall finally here and summer winding down, the scramble to get the latest and greatest school gear is in session. Back to school shopping can present a problem to both parent and child. Whether it's choosing the latest look in clothes or a new backpack, parents should not forget about the importance of choosing the right shoes.

Finally when the perfect pair shoes are chosen, they like the style, size, and choice of materials, the important stuff can happen, getting your custom orthotics from your local podiatrist. Orthotics is a custom foot support, which you place in your shoes for your pain free style. Custom orthotics are designed specifically for you, it gives a better arch support then the regular over the counter (OTC) kind. It does this by correcting the biomechanics of your walking style, to overall help support your feet, knees and legs.

Custom orthotics are useful for people: who are overweight; obligated to be on their feet for extended periods of time; or have a previous foot or ankle issues. Even athletes use them to optimize performance and enhance comfort while either in training session or on game days. Patients with arthritis or diabetic foot conditions use them for comfort and protection. Orthotics helps prevent injury or hinder the progression of existing problems, thus allowing healing to take place. On the other hand, even if no major conditions or symptoms exist, orthotics provides protection and comfort for your feet.

If you or someone you know hasn’t had a chance to get their custom orthotics this year it is time to see your podiatrist and be evaluated and casted today. Whether it’s your first or third pair, Advanced Podiatry Group would be more than happy to schedule an appointment, With Dr. Ramin Nadjafi, DPM. We will be able assess your walking style, and design and create a perfect custom orthotic for your pain free style.

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Bunions

Do you ever have pain in your big toe? Have you ever experienced pain when pushing off the
ground, when walking? If so, you might be experiencing bunion pains. Bunions are one of
the most common foot problems. Bunions can come in two types, structural and biomechanical. Structural bunions can form due to the increase in the angle between your 1st and 2nd
toes naturally as you age. Biomechanical bunions can be formed based on your gait and they
way you walk over time these might develop. Structural and Biomechanical bunions both can
affect the joint causing premature arthritis. As podiatrists and parents, we all know that
it’s better to catch a problem early in its stages before it becomes worst.

Bunion symptoms can range from a foot deformity, noticing a bump on the inside of your
first toe to painful shooting pain that radiates through your foot. You might notice that
you need to buy wider shoes, than previously purchased. You might experience some soreness
or calluses developing on the side of your first toe. Also you might notice more shoe
wear on the sides of your shoes.

But have no fear there are many treatment options for bunions. There is a multitude of
conservative treatments to consider such as topical creams to relieve the pain, pads to
cushion the painful areas, and also bunion splits etc.

If you or someone you know is experiencing bunion pain, we welcome you to visit our office
Advanced Podiatry Group. We would be more than happy to schedule an appointment
for your foot evaluation with Dr. Ramin Nadjafi, DPM.

www.apgpodiatry.com | (407) 423-9401 | plus.google.com/+AdvancedPodiatryGroupOrlando

Signs It's Time To See APG Podiatry

Perhaps you’ve twisted your ankle, worn high heels or other uncomfortable shoes, or pushed too hard during exercise. Your foot may be a bit swollen and sore for a few days as a result. That’s often easily treatable at home.

However, what if the pain has exceeded a few days? What if icing it and elevating it isn’t really helping? In that case, you may want to call a foot specialist.

Also known as a podiatrist, these trained doctors are experts in foot and ankle pain. With their diagnostic tools, they can accurately pinpoint what’s causing the pain. The sooner you schedule your visit, the sooner you can get some relief.

Not sure if you should go to a doctor or if you can take care of it yourself? Before seeing a foot specialist Orlando residents should check out these foot pain signals. If you’re experiencing one or more of these, book the appointment.


1. Bleeding Heels

In the winter, when there’s typically less moisture in the air, dry skin is normal. Your feet may be affected, too. Lotion typically treats this problem.

2. Chronic Foot Pain

At the first signs of sore feet, rest immediately, ice the area, elevate it and maybe take some over-the-counter pain relievers. In a few days to a week (sometimes two), the foot should feel better. If it doesn’t and you experience soreness that persists for months, you should definitely see a podiatrist.

Plantar warts — Warts can develop anywhere on the body, including the feet.
Hammertoes — When the bones and joints in the toes are misshapen, hammertoes occur. These can typically only be reversed by surgery if they are severe.
Flat feet — Depending on the natural arch of the foot, sore feet may be a chronic issue because “flat feet are less capable of absorbing shock, which leads to foot pain.”
Morton’s neuroma — Patients with Morton’s neuroma, a type of tumor, have reported feeling pins and needles on top of the pain.
Plantar fasciitis — The plantar fascia is located at the back of the foot near the Achilles tendon. Various factors can exacerbate the impact on this tissue, leading to the development of plantar fasciitis. This can often be treated with orthotics and medication. Surgery is only needed in rare cases.

3. Ingrown Toenails

A toenail that has grown in incorrectly can lead to infections and lots of discomfort. While it seems like a cosmetic issue, it can be a medical issue, as well.

Clipping your toenails isn’t always adequate when attempting to remove the nail. It’s better to seek professional help to make sure the condition is treated properly without damaging either your toenail or the surrounding tissue,