January 2024

Foot pain can be attributed to several causes that often affect individuals irrespective of age or lifestyle. Plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, can lead to stabbing pain upon standing. Another common offender is bunions, the bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toe, causing discomfort and altering foot structure. Arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition, can afflict the feet, resulting in persistent pain and reduced mobility. Strained or overworked muscles, often a consequence of prolonged standing or intense physical activity, can contribute to general foot soreness. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, such as tight shoes or high heels, can also be a frequent source of pain. Understanding these common triggers for foot discomfort is essential for effective prevention and management. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment methods.

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.

Neuropathy, a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, can result in various symptoms, and often has a pronounced impact on the feet. Individuals experiencing neuropathy may encounter sensations of tingling, burning, or numbness in their lower extremities. These discomforting sensations can progress to sharp, stabbing pain, hindering mobility and diminishing overall quality of life. Loss of coordination and balance may also occur, elevating the risk of falls and injuries. Changes in skin texture and temperature, coupled with muscle weakness, are additional indicators of neuropathy. As the condition advances, individuals may develop foot deformities. Seeking medical attention when these signs arise is imperative to identify the underlying causes, which may include diabetes, infections, or autoimmune disorders. If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose this condition and offer treatment methods. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those 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.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Talipes equinovarus, commonly known as clubfoot, is a congenital foot condition characterized by abnormal positioning of the foot and ankle. In this disorder, the foot turns inward and downward, creating a distinctive appearance where the sole faces inward and the heel points upward. The precise cause of talipes equinovarus remains unclear, though a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to contribute. Early diagnosis is vital for effective management, often involving a series of manipulative techniques, casting, and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Left untreated, talipes equinovarus can lead to gait abnormalities and hinder normal physical development. Though the condition poses challenges, advancements in medical interventions provide hope for improved outcomes. If your child has been born with this foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you seek the expert advice of a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment methods.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

Red feet in the elderly can be a symptom with a myriad of potential causes. One primary contributor is reduced circulation, a common age-related issue that compromises blood flow to the extremities. Chronic venous insufficiency, where weakened veins struggle to return blood to the heart, may result in redness in the feet due to pooling blood. In some cases, medications or medical conditions affecting blood vessels can contribute to this discoloration. Additionally, inflammatory conditions like arthritis or infections might manifest as redness in the feet. Diabetic complications, particularly peripheral artery disease, may also lead to diminished blood supply and red discoloration. A podiatrist needs to conduct a thorough assessment to accurately diagnose and address the root causes of red feet in the elderly. If you or someone you know has this foot condition, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment options.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Flat feet, medically known as pes planus, refers to a condition where the arches of the feet are significantly flattened, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This deviation from the typical arch structure can result from various factors. Weak arch development during childhood, often due to genetics, is a common cause of flat feet. Additionally, injuries or inflammation in the tendons and ligaments that support the arch can contribute to this condition. Arthritis and certain neurological conditions may also affect the arches, leading to the collapse of the foot's natural curve. Pregnancy and obesity can exert extra stress on the feet, potentially causing the arches to flatten over time. Understanding the definition and causes of flat feet is important for individuals experiencing discomfort or seeking preventive measures. If you have flat feet, and have difficulty in completing daily activities, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.