September 2021

When Should I Visit a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in the treatment of foot conditions. There are many issues with the feet that can develop that a podiatrist should address. For example, if you have a wound or sore that won’t heal, a podiatrist should examine it, especially if you have diabetes. Any joint pain, pain with elevated legs, pain that increases with activity, or severe pain that lasts more than a day, can be from a variety of issues. Numbness, tingling or a burning can indicate neuropathy. Any discolorations in the feet or toes should be looked at as well because of the possibility of an infection. Lastly, if you are starting to run more often, a podiatrist can help identify potential problems and give advice to avoid them. If you have any other questions about issues regarding your feet, don’t hesitate to ask your podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

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What Is This Rash on My Feet?

A rash on the feet can be indicative of a variety of medical conditions. One of the most common reasons for a foot rash is a fungal infection called athlete’s foot. The rash characteristic of athlete’s foot is usually scaly, flakey, itchy, and red, and it may also sting or burn. Irritant contact dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction that can affect the feet. A contact dermatitis rash features dry, cracked, scaly - but not itchy - skin in a localized area. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by a more severe allergic reaction and often presents as small, pink or red skin bumps, spots, or blisters that are very itchy. Other conditions that can lead to a foot rash include hand foot and mouth disease, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, an insect bite, and medical conditions like chicken pox, shingles, and Lyme disease. If you have a rash on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

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.

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Why Pain in Your Heel May Be Worse in the Morning

There are different conditions that cause stiffness or pain in your heel that gets worse in the morning. Pain from conditions such as plantar fasciitis—where the long band of tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed—can be worse in the morning because blood supply to the feet is reduced while you sleep. Similarly, an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone with the calf muscles (Achilles tendinitis) can also be more painful upon waking. This can also be caused by poor circulation, or the fact that calf muscles are shortened while at rest and may become painful when they are stretched as you take your first steps. Unlike plantar fasciitis, however, heel pain from Achilles tendinitis typically does not subside after moving around and warming up the heel. If you have any pain in your heel, seek the care of a podiatrist to determine its cause and the best course of treatment.

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.

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It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Visiting a Podiatrist for Pain on the Top of the Foot

Because the foot supports the body and is made up of a complex network of bones, ligaments and tendons, foot pain can be debilitating and needs medical care. Different conditions can lead to issues in different locations on the foot. Common issues that cause pain on the top of the foot include extensor tendonitis, a Lisfranc injury, a midtarsal joint sprain, a navicular stress fracture, or a Morton’s neuroma. While these injuries are all different and complex, there are a few indications that a podiatrist should examine your condition. These indications include severe pain and swelling, an inability to complete normal daily tasks or to put weight on the foot, a change in sensation of the foot (such as numbness), and pain and weakness in the area that lasts more than two weeks.    

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

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