December 2023

Ankle fractures, involving breaks in the bones forming the ankle joint, vary in location and severity. A lateral malleolus fracture occurs in the fibula, which is the smaller leg bone, and is the most frequent type of ankle fracture. Medial malleolus fractures affect the tibia's inner side, while a posterior malleolus fracture involves the back of the tibia. Bimalleolar fractures involve both the medial and lateral malleoli, and trimalleolar fractures include the posterior malleolus as well. Pilon fractures are severe, affecting the bottom of the tibia and potentially damaging the ankle joint's surface. Stress fractures, resulting from repetitive stress rather than a single injury, are minor cracks in the bone. Each type of ankle fracture varies in treatment and recovery, with severity ranging from simple breaks that may heal with rest and immobilization to complex fractures requiring surgical intervention. If you have fractured your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the type and severity of the break, and provide appropriate treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is a common issue that can have various causes, often related to mechanical factors. The location of the pain can provide clues for diagnosis. Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent condition, leads to medial plantar heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after rest. Other causes of plantar heel pain include calcaneal stress fractures, nerve entrapment, heel pad syndrome, neuromas, and plantar warts. Posterior heel pain is often due to Achilles tendinopathy, while pain at the tendon's insertion point is related to other tendinopathies. Haglund deformity, a protrusion of the calcaneus, can cause pain between the calcaneus and Achilles tendon. In children, Sever’s disease, a calcaneal apophysitis, may be the cause. Medial midfoot heel pain, especially with weight-bearing, might be linked to tarsal tunnel syndrome, caused by nerve compression. Sinus tarsi syndrome leads to lateral midfoot heel pain. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis of the problem so that the proper treatment can be provided.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails can be a persistent source of discomfort, often caused by improper toenail care or wearing ill-fitting shoes. When conservative measures fail, surgical intervention becomes a viable solution to address the root cause and provide lasting relief. The primary goal of ingrown toenail surgery is to eliminate infection and pain. Before considering surgery, it is beneficial to implement conservative measures. These can include cutting toenails straight across and avoiding leaving sharp edges, and opting for shoes that accommodate the natural position of the toes. In some cases, a podiatrist may be able to manually address the issue by pushing the skin away from the ingrown toenail or carefully trimming the offending toenail section. Surgical procedures for ingrown toenails include nail avulsion, involving the complete removal of the toenail and wedge excision. This procedure removes the section of the toenail growing into the skin, along with the adjacent tissue. Another surgical remedy is nail-bed ablation, partial or complete toenail removal. This is followed by the application of a chemical to the tissue where the toenail originates. Electrocautery methods may also be employed. If you experience ingrown toenails on a regular basis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and suggested treatment options. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects up to 70 percent of the population. Despite its name, athlete’s foot is not limited to athletes. It can affect anyone exposed to various fungi that thrive in warm and moist environments, such as gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers. Exposure is also possible at nail salons and through contact with contaminated socks, towels and clothing. Direct person-to-person transmission is also possible. Walking barefoot in areas frequented by someone with athlete's foot is a common mode of transmission. Warmth combined with moisture is a popular breeding ground for fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Several factors increase the risk of developing this annoying condition. Walking barefoot in wet, dark areas and wearing footwear made of material that does not breathe create an ideal environment for fungal growth. Excessive sweating or exposure to external moisture increases the risk. Wearing the same shoes and socks for extended periods can damage the skin and leave you open to infection. Individuals with diabetes are predisposed, and having eczema may contribute. Athlete's foot appears to affect more men than women. Pedicures performed in contaminated environments also can contribute to the spread of the disease. If you have been infected with athlete’s foot that has become problematic, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and advanced treatment measures. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center .  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.