July 2022

Heel and Toe Spurs May Require Surgery

There are several different types of foot surgery that have to be performed for permanent relief. A bone spur is a growth on the back of the heel that can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The Achilles tendon is often affected by a bone spur, and may have to be repaired following removal of the bone spur. A cast is generally worn for several weeks, and this is helpful as the healing process occurs. The removal of a toe spur can be a reason to have foot surgery. This is a bony growth that develops on the toe, and the surgery is done by making a small cut in the skin surrounding the toe spur. A tool that is referred to as a power rasp is inserted into the small incision, and used to file the spur in addition to smoothing the skin. The majority of patients wear a surgical shoe for several weeks following the surgery. This is helpful in providing stability and protecting the affected toe. If you have developed spurs on your foot, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively perform the foot surgery that is needed.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Read more about Foot and Ankle Surgery

Tips for Managing Arthritis in the Feet

If you suffer from arthritis, you should know that you might be at an especially high risk of experiencing complications in your feet. For example, you may experience swelling and redness in the joints of your feet or you may even have severe pain when moving your feet. There are several things you can do by yourself at home to help manage the effects of arthritis and your feet. First, to treat swelling, you might consider applying an ice pack to the affected area of the feet. You might apply the ice for ten minutes, always being sure to use a towel to separate the pack from making direct contact with the skin. If your arthritis is making you experience plantar fasciitis in your feet, you might also consider rolling your feet over a water bottle. To do this, get a cold water bottle and roll the bottom of each foot back and forth over the bottle while sitting down. If you have arthritis, it is important to contact a podiatrist who can help you manage your condition. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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Different Shoes for Various Styles of Running

There are several reasons why people choose to run. These include losing weight, training for a marathon, or jogging for pure enjoyment. There are different types of shoes for various styles of running, and it is beneficial to choose the type of shoe that fits comfortably, while enhancing the type of running that is desired. There are many factors that can determine what kind of shoes are purchased. These consist of weight, what type of surfaces are run on, and foot structure. Research has shown foot conditions may be avoided when properly fitting running shoes are worn. These include plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and general aches and pains in the foot and arch area. When the right shoes are worn, they are typically comfortable, and feel like they are part of the foot. Many people who enjoy running prefer to shop at a specialty store where they can get advice in matching their foot type to the appropriate shoe. There are different shoes that target a forefoot or heel striker, and it is important to know what type of running is done. If you would like additional information about how to purchase the correct running shoe, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Signs of Possible Stress Fractures

Stress fractures of the feet are particularly tricky to recognize. They are hairline cracks in the bones, frequently the long metatarsal bones in the midfoot and the calcaneus bone in the heel. They are considered repetitive injuries and that means the more you repeat an activity, the worse they become. But it can take a while before you even notice the problem. Signs that may help to identify a stress fracture include a deep ache in the foot, a dull pain midway into the activity that fades when you rest, and a pain that just doesn’t go away. Other hints are pain that occurs even when you are not active, pain that worsens at night, and pain that begins about a week after increasing your activity level. Treatment for stress fractures may take weeks or even months. As soon as you recognize that something is wrong, it is a good idea to stop the activity causing the pain and make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

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