- Warts
- Arthritis
- Plantar FasciitisDr. Silver specializes in the treatment of acute & chronic heel pain, also known as plantar fasciitis. He is often able to help those who had failed treatment elsewhere, with a 90-95% success rate- usually without the need for surgery! If you or someone you care about is suffering from heel pain/plantar fasciitis then the following information will educate you about this condition and what Dr. Silver can do to get rid of your heel pain.
- Primary CarePlease bring your current health insurance card(s) with you as we will need a copy of it. If your insurance plan requires a referral from your primary care physician or clinic, please make sure you obtain this prior to your appointment. Ella is available to help you with any questions you may have regarding scheduling, insurance (including coverage), referrals, prior authorization, billing, non-covered services or payment plans.
- Diabetic Foot CarePeople with diabetes are always being told to take good care of their feet but it is not always clear why. What exactly is different or special about the feet of a diabetic?
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes Care
- UltrasoundTo determine the best treatment plan to alleviate your foot or ankle pain, your evaluation may include x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound and gait analysis-an evaluation of your feet, legs and upper body when standing and walking.
- MRIIf you are being referred by another clinic, being seen for a second opinion or workman’s comp. please bring prior treatment records, x-rays, MRI or lab reports to your appointment, if you have not already requested them to be sent to us prior to your visit.
- X-Rays
- Wound CareDiabetics are also more prone to developing skin sores and ulcers (open, slow or non-healing sores) on the feet, ankles or legs. These sores or skin ulcers can become difficult to heal, with some requiring months of treatment, possibly at a wound care clinic.
- BunionsA burning pain in the ball of the foot and the feeling of having a small pebble under your foot are signs that you may have Morton’s neuroma. This condition involves a thickening of the tissue across the metatarsal nerves, causing pressure and pain. It is generally felt in the space between the third and fourth toes, and may be connected to the type of shoes that are worn. High heels with pointed toes and shoes that are too tight can cause pressure on the metatarsal joints by pushing the weight onto the ball of the foot. Certain foot deformities, such as hammertoes or bunions, can cause the weight of the body to shift onto the ball of the foot. High impact sporting activities, such as tennis and running, can place increased stress in the area. Additionally, rock climbers and snow skiers may develop Morton’s neuroma, as a result of a combination of wearing tight shoes that can exert pressure on the toes. For a diagnosis and treatment options, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
- Ingrown ToenailsWestwood Foot Clinic is available to treat foot and ankle ailments such as diabetic foot care, ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, warts and painful calluses. Our practice specializes in general foot care with an emphasis on minimally invasive procedures and preventive care, serving the residents of Golden Valley and surrounding communities, including St. Louis Park, Plymouth, New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Wayzata, Minnetonka and Minneapolis.
- CornsCORRECTION OF FOOT PROBLEMS: In some cases, surgical correction of a foot problem may be required to eliminate pain or correct a problem. Some simple procedures can be performed in the office in our procedure room especially for hammered or bent toes, pressure corns, calluses or bony growths. More extensive procedures may require referral to a surgical specialist.
- UlcerThose with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
- CallusesSports-related injuries often lead to chronic pain and/or recurring problems if not treated promptly or properly. Even minor problems-such as corns, calluses, plantar warts, ingrown, deformed or fungal toenails and Athlete’s foot infections-can interfere with your athletic activities. Whether it’s a minor, chronic or acute foot or ankle problem, Dr. Silver can help. You can rest easy knowing that you will be provided with the treatment you need to get you back in the game and to help prevent future injuries. If you lead an active lifestyle, we can also provide foot care to keep you enjoying an active lifestyle without foot pain or injury. Call the Westwood Foot Clinic today for an appointment at (763) 231-2341 or request it online (same day appointments often available).
- FungusThe small vessels in the feet are the farthest away from the heart and capillary walls can become thicker or close down as a result of diabetes. As a result, the substances needed to fight infection and promote healing cannot pass out of the small vessel walls to get to where they may be needed. Therefore, diabetics are more prone to infections and can be much slower to heal from injury to the skin on the feet. Also dry, raw, cracked or itchy skin is more common in diabetics, making one more susceptible to bacterial or fungus infections and sores. Changes in toenail growth (thick, deformed and/or fungus) are common, and can lead to pain and infection. Even a small scrape, scratch or cut can become a major problem for some. Diabetic foot infections can become much more serious and difficult to treat than non-diabetics.
- Chemical Peels
- Burns
- Sports Medicine
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Back Pain
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryFor your convenience, below is the information you need about our podiatry clinic, including hours, location, appointment scheduling and insurance acceptance.
- Achilles TendonitisThe Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in your body and designed to withstand an extreme amount of stress. Sports that require a lot of running, jumping or pushing off with your feet can lead to increased stress to the Achilles tendon. As a result, it can become chronically inflamed, torn, or even rupturing completely. Chronic or acute pain where the tendon attaches to the back of your heel bone or pain in your tendon or calf muscle should be looked at as soon as possible to confirm the extent of your injury and for Dr. Silver to determine the best treatment for you. Putting off treatment for an Achilles tendon injury only puts you at risk for developing a chronic condition that may be more difficult to treat, requiring more extensive care.
- Ankle InstabilitySprains occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are stretched or strained beyond their normal range of motion. A slight twist can cause a minor sprain that often heals well with rest, icing, and immobilization. A more severe injury involving torn ligaments, bone chips, or even a fracture would require immediate medical attention and appropriate treatment to ensure the future health of your ankle. Chronic ankle instability and pain could result from delaying or not getting the appropriate treatment. Contact our office immediately for an appointment with Dr. Silver if you have injured your ankle!
- Ankle SprainYou are always at risk of an injury, whether you are a professional, amateur or recreational athlete, a weekend warrior or play sports every once in a while for fun. Foot and ankle pain, and injuries, are very common in just about any sport due to excessive stress from a particular activity, poor footwear or a traumatic injury.
- Bunions ProblemsAs an individual gets older, they may notice foot pain has increased. Sixty-plus years of walking can take a toll on the feet. To deal with foot pain, it is important to pay attention to the signals your feet may be giving you. The feet naturally flatten and widen with aging. The natural cushion of the ball of the foot also erodes over time. Muscle cramps can become more common. Some things to consider are whether your shoes are the right size and how supportive and comfortable they are. Some older people are less attuned to how their shoes fit and feel. It is important for seniors to have their feet measured periodically, especially when they purchase new shoes. Shoes that fit well will provide more comfort, help prevent falls, and allow continued mobility and independence as the individual becomes older. Wearing shoes with heels may create hammertoes, arch pain, or bunions. Things that may help your aging feet include wearing orthotic inserts and practicing good foot care. If you are over 60 and are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CareOne of the biggest fears for many diabetics is amputation from infection, poor circulation or neuropathy. Fortunately, the incidence is significantly reduced with regular, proper diabetic foot care.
- Flat Feet
- Fungus ToenailsIf you are having problems with toenail fungus then an appointment is necessary with Dr. Silver at the Westwood Foot Clinic in Golden Valley, MN to determine the ideal treatment to get your toenails looking and feeling healthy again.
- HammertoesDIABETIC SHOES AND INSERTS: If you have any foot deformity such as a bunion or hammertoe, poor circulation or loss of sensation with a callus or prior sores, ulcers or amputation, you may qualify to receive 1 pair of diabetic shoes and 3 pair of cushioned diabetic shoe inserts per year. At the Westwood Foot Clinic we are suppliers of approved diabetic shoes and inserts with a wide selection of styles and types, including dressy and athletic shoes as well as difficult to fit, deformed or swollen feet. We have seen a significant decrease in foot problems with patients who are wearing properly fitting shoes.
- Heel Spurs
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Foot InfectionsIf you or someone you care about has diabetes, then it is important to have a thorough evaluation by Dr. Silver, who can help with any existing foot problems as well as providing preventative foot care. By taking advantage of the many services available at the Westwood Foot Clinic, you can maintain healthy feet and hopefully prevent foot infections, ulcers or amputations. Remember, you only have one pair of feet and they need to last a lifetime. Contact the Westwood Foot Clinic in Golden Valley, MN for an evaluation of your feet by Dr. Silver. The doctor and his staff can help determine what you need to keep your feet healthy.
- Ingrown ToenailsIf you have ever experienced an ingrown toenail, then you know that it can become so painful that it’s difficult to wear certain shoes and can limit your activities. Even pressure from bed sheets can keep you up at night! Many have tried trimming out the ingrown border only to make it worse. If not taken care of properly, an ingrown toenail can become infected–requiring oral or intravenous antibiotics!
- Foot NeuromaMorton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
- Toenail Problems
- Foot OrthoticsTreatment options include: change of shoes, prescription or non-prescription foot orthotics, special creams or medications, cortisone injections, gel pads/cushions or surgical procedures to permanently correct a painful problem.
- Plantar FasciitisOne of the most common athletic injuries is plantar fasciitis. It may start out as a simple strain to the tissue that attaches to the bottom of your heel but can become a chronic, severe painful condition. It may be most painful on your first steps in the morning or after resting and can prevent you from running or participating in any sports. Unfortunately plantar fasciitis often doesn’t go away with rest and left untreated it often becomes more painful and a chronic condition. Fortunately, Dr. Silver specializes in the treatment of painful plantar fasciitis. He can eliminate your heel pain and help to keep it from coming back. He often has helped those who didn’t get relief from other doctors or health professionals they had seen previously. There is no need to suffer with this problem any longer when Dr. Silver can help you!
- Podiatric DeformitiesMorton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.