Items filtered by date: May 2022

Anyone with diabetes is vulnerable to foot problems as a result of high blood sugar levels, which can damage the nerves in the legs and feet. The resulting numbness makes it more difficult to detect sores or cuts and to notice if shoes are too tight. It becomes harder to feel pain, temperature, and pressure, putting your feet in danger of infection. To avoid serious complications, such as foot ulcers, gangrene, or even amputation, a daily foot care plan is imperative for diabetics. First, check your feet daily for cuts, sores, or changes in color. Next, wash and carefully dry your feet before applying moisturizing cream to ward off dry or cracked skin. Avoid putting lotion between the toes. Protecting your feet is also essential. Wear shoes that fit properly, and avoid walking barefoot. Stop smoking, as it can further the damage to your blood vessels and can increase the risk of foot ulcers. Finally, anyone with diabetes is wise to have regular checkups with a podiatrist to monitor their foot health and stay ahead of problems.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

While autism is a neurological condition some neurodivergent children, particularly those who are autistic, may have problems with their legs and feet to a greater degree than their neurotypical peers. Autistic children may have low muscle tone or hypotonia which occurs when limbs are floppy and hard to move. Given that autistic children react to external stimuli with sensitivity, their feet may be sensitive to the shoes they wear too. Children with this condition can be uncomfortable with any type of movement including walking, running, and even standing. Some children grow out of this while others do not. Such issues increase autism symptoms and can make the child unhappy or irritable. Specialized footwear, specific exercises, and orthotic inserts might help improve children’s movement. It is suggested that autistic children have regular visits with a podiatrist to check for foot discomfort and help to manage their symptoms.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

During the propulsion (toe off) stage of walking, toes bear the weight of the body as your heels rise. During this process, the toes are supported by the long, fibrous plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of the foot that connects the toes with the heel. The plantar fascia also absorbs weight and support the toes and arch when running, jumping, and dancing. Repeated stress due to overuse, obesity, improper footwear, structural anomalies in the feet, and other factors can cause the plantar fascia to become irritated, torn, and inflamed. This is a painful condition known as plantar fasciitis. The pain felt with plantar fasciitis is typically at its worst in the morning when you first wake up and begin to take your first steps. Because it is the most common form of heel pain, podiatrists see plantar fasciitis patients regularly and have a variety of options to treat it. If you are having heel pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam to get properly diagnosed and treated. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM  from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Most people who enjoy hiking are familiar with blisters. They are considered to be a common injury and typically develop on the feet as a result of excess friction. Friction is often caused from wearing socks or shoes that do not fit correctly. At first, the skin will become red and irritated and then a small bubble that is filled with liquid will form. This is actually the body’s natural method for protecting raw skin. The blister will gradually drain when new skin will form underneath it. Many people find blisters to be painful, and may find mild relief when it is covered with a protective pad. Effective prevention methods can include wearing shoes and socks that fit properly, and many hikers wear a liner sock under their regular socks. It is important that the blister does not drain before it is time as this may help to prevent a painful infection. As tempting as it may be to some, do not pop it. If you have developed a blister and it has become infected, or more knowledge is needed for proper healing, please consult a podiatrist.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

A bunion is easy to identify. It is defined as a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe and the skin may appear to be red. A bunion can develop as a result of genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Some patients find it helpful to wear a cushion on top of the bunion as this may help to relieve some of the discomfort. Many times, larger shoes need to be purchased that can accommodate the bunion and surgery may be considered for permanent removal. There are several types of bunion surgeries that can be performed. A bunionectomy is performed to remove the bony growth, in addition to realigning the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Having an osteotomy performed involves cutting the toe bone which may help to straighten the joints. When bones are fused, it is known as an arthrodesis. Additionally, an arthroplasty is done by removing the damaged joint, which is necessary in allowing scar tissue to form. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly advised that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can provide the correct treatment method for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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