October 2023

Ankle arthritis, characterized by the progressive degeneration of the ankle joint, can cause significant pain and hinder one's ability to move comfortably. When conservative treatments such as medication and bracing prove insufficient, surgery for ankle arthritis may become a viable option. There are several surgical procedures available to address ankle arthritis, each tailored to the individual's specific condition and needs. One common procedure is ankle arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique that allows the surgeon to examine and treat the joint with small incisions. Ankle fusion, or arthrodesis, involves the removal of damaged joint surfaces and the fusion of the tibia and talus bones to create a stable but immobile joint, effectively eliminating pain. Ankle replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is another option, where the damaged joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant, preserving joint motion and relieving pain. The choice of surgery depends on factors like the extent of joint damage, the patient's age, and overall health. While each surgery comes with its own set of considerations and potential risks, these options offer hope for improved ankle function and long-term pain relief for individuals battling ankle arthritis. If you have ankle arthritis and are contemplating surgery as a treatment option, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the best type of surgery for you.

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.

Children's feet are remarkable in their growth and development, undergoing significant changes from birth to adolescence. During infancy, a baby's feet are mostly cartilage, gradually ossifying into bones. It is fascinating to note that a child will typically grow approximately 17 shoe sizes by the age of two. As they start walking, the arches of their feet begin to form and develop, providing stability and support. Children often have a naturally wider forefoot and a flat arch due to the accumulation of fatty tissue, which eventually diminishes with age and activity. Wearing proper footwear when the time is right is important for healthy foot development, allowing room for growth and adequate support. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can ensure any potential foot issues are addressed early. If you would like additional information about the stages of development in children’s feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

High heels are often celebrated for their fashionable appearance, but it is essential to recognize their potential negative effects on foot health. These stylish shoes can lead to a range of foot problems. First, they alter the natural position of the foot, forcing it into an unnatural shape that puts excessive pressure on the toes and the ball of the foot. This can lead to pain and discomfort and may contribute to conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. Additionally, high heels can affect balance, increasing the risk of ankle sprains or fractures. Prolonged wear of high heels can lead to Achilles tendon shortening, causing pain and reduced flexibility. While high heels may enhance your outfit, it is vital to prioritize your foot health. Opting for comfortable, supportive footwear when possible and limiting high-heel use can help mitigate these negative effects on your feet. If you are interested in gathering more information about the negative effects high heels can have on your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads 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.

Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, can typically be recognized by a variety of telltale symptoms. It often starts with intense itching and burning sensations between the toes or on the soles of the feet. As the infection progresses, the affected skin may become red, cracked, and blistered. In severe cases, it can cause the infected skin to peel or become excessively dry. Recognizing these symptoms is important for timely intervention. Treatment generally involves antifungal creams, powders, or sprays that target the fungus responsible for the infection. Maintaining good foot hygiene, keeping the feet dry, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas can aid in both treatment and prevention. Understanding and addressing athlete's foot promptly can bring relief and restore foot health. If you have developed a stubborn case athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can prescribe advanced medication and offer permanent treatment solutions.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Overpronation is a common foot condition that can have a significant effect on your feet as well as your overall health. This malady occurs when the arches of the feet collapse excessively inward while walking or running. While some degree of pronation is normal, overpronation can lead to various issues. One of the most noticeable effects of overpronation is pain and discomfort. The excessive rolling of the foot can cause strain on the arches, leading to arch and heel pain. It can also contribute to problems in other body parts, such as shin splints, knee pain, and lower back pain as the misalignment in the feet affects the lower body's alignment. Over time, untreated overpronation can lead to more serious issues, including bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. It also may be connected to development of hammertoes and Morton’s neuroma. Fortunately, podiatrists can provide solutions like custom orthotics and exercises to help alleviate the effects of overpronation and prevent further complications. If you suspect you may have overpronation issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait evaluation and discussion on whether custom orthotics may be needed to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.