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Items filtered by date: December 2021
Tuesday, 09 July 2024 00:00
Diabetes and Foot Wound Healing
Diabetes significantly impacts wound healing, particularly in the feet, due to high blood sugar levels that impair circulation and immune response. Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly, leading to various complications. In diabetics, poor blood circulation reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential for healing, while neuropathy, or nerve damage, diminishes the sensation, making it harder to notice injuries. As a result, even minor foot wounds can progress to serious ulcers or infections if left untreated. Foot wounds in diabetic patients often occur due to friction, pressure, or minor trauma, exacerbated by poorly fitting shoes or neglect. To prevent and treat these wounds, maintain proper foot hygiene, inspect feet daily for injuries, and manage blood sugar levels rigorously. Wearing well-fitted shoes and avoiding walking barefoot can also help prevent injuries. If you have diabetes and have persistent wounds or complications, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist. These healthcare providers specialize in diabetic foot care, providing tailored treatment and preventing severe outcomes.
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.
Tuesday, 02 July 2024 00:00
Morton's Neuroma
Morton's Neuroma, also called Intermetatarsal Neuroma or Plantar Neuroma, is a condition that affects the nerves of the feet, usually the area between the third and fourth toe. Neuroma refers to a benign growth that can occur in different parts of the body. Morton's Neuroma strictly affects the feet. This condition causes the tissue around the nerves that lead to the toes becoming thick, causing pain in the ball of the foot.
This condition can be caused by injury, pressure or irritation. Normally no lump will be felt, but instead burning pain in the ball of the foot will be experienced. Numbness and tingling may also occur. With the onset of this condition, a person may feel pain when tight or narrow shoes are worn. As the condition worsens, the pain may persist for days, or even weeks.
Persistent foot pain should always be a concern. The foot should be examined by a podiatrist if pain persists longer than a few days with no relief from changing shoes. The earlier the foot is examined and treated, the less chance there will be for surgical treatment.
There are some factors that can play a role in the development of Morton's Neuroma. These include wearing ill-fitting shoes that cause pressure to the toes, such as high heels. Also, high impact exercise may contribute to the cause of this condition. Morton’s Neuroma may also develop if the foot sustains an injury. Another cause includes walking abnormally due to bunions or flat feet. This causes excessive pressure and irritates the tissue. At times, people are affected for no determinable reason.
Podiatrists can alleviate the effects of this condition using a treatment plan to help decrease the pain and heal the foot tissue. Depending upon the severity of the Morton's Neuroma, the treatment plan can vary. For cases that are mild to moderate, treatments may include applying padding to the arch to relieve pressure from the nerve and reduce compression while walking. Ice packs can also help reduce swelling. The podiatrist may also create a custom orthotic device to support the foot and reduce compression and pressure on the affected nerve. The doctor will probably advise against partaking in activities that cause constant pressure on the affected area. They may provide wider shoes to ease the pressure from the toes. If these treatments do not relieve the symptoms of this condition, the doctor may use injection therapy.
Surgical treatment may be recommended by the podiatrist if all other treatments fail to provide relief. Normally, the podiatric surgeon will decide on either a surgical procedure that involves removal of the affected nerve or will choose surgery to release the nerve. After examination, the surgeon will decide on the best approach to treat the problem.
Recovery varies according to the type of surgical procedure. The patient will also be instructed on the best shoe wear to prevent the return of this condition, along with changes to workout routines, if this was a cause. Preventative measures are important in ensuring the condition does not return.
Tuesday, 02 July 2024 00:00
Nerve Pain in the Foot
Experiencing nerve pain in your foot can impact your daily activities and overall quality of life. One common cause of such pain is Morton's neuroma, a condition where a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes swollen or thickened. This often results from wearing shoes that squeeze the toes together for extended periods, such as high-heeled, tight, or narrow footwear. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma can include a sharp, burning pain in the foot that intensifies with walking and a sensation of a small lump in the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and may require imaging tests like ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI scans to confirm. Switching to shoes that allow ample room for the toes and reducing activities that exacerbate the pain may provide relief. If these measures are insufficient, special pads or devices to spread the toes, steroid injections, or in severe cases, surgery, may be recommended to alleviate symptoms. Persistent nerve pain should not be ignored, as early intervention can prevent further complications. If you are experiencing such pain, consulting a podiatrist is suggested for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
- Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
- Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
- Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
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.
Tuesday, 25 June 2024 00:00
How to Treat Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that cause bone protrusions on the heel bone. Heel spurs are usually associated with plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fasciitis in the foot becomes inflamed. Typically, heel spurs don’t cause any symptoms. However, they can produce chronic or intermittent heel pain. Those who have had the condition often describe the irritation as a stabbing pain.
There are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop heel spurs. People who have abnormal walking gaits, run and jog on hard surfaces, are obese, or wear poorly fitting shoes are more likely to develop heel spurs.
Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid developing heel spurs. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles. Another preventative technique is to choose running shoes if you plan on running, and walking shoes if you plan on walking. Shoes are made for different activities and it is important to research a shoe before you purchase a pair.
The pain associated with heel spurs often decreases the more you walk. However, a recurrence of pain after an extended period of rest or walking is likely to occur with this condition. Those with severe heel spur pain may opt to go the surgical route for treatment. However, more than 90% of those with the condition get better without surgical treatment. If you have a heel spur and want to know if surgery is right for you, you should go to your podiatrist and he or she will be able to conduct a pre-surgical test or exam to determine if you are an optimal candidate for surgery.
Tuesday, 25 June 2024 00:00
Types and Symptoms of Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone, with the two main types being plantar and dorsal heel spurs. Plantar heel spurs form on the bottom of the heel and are often associated with plantar fasciitis, causing pain and inflammation where the plantar fascia connects to the heel bone. Dorsal heel spurs develop at the back of the heel, typically where the Achilles tendon attaches, leading to discomfort and swelling in the area. Common symptoms of heel spurs include sharp pain while standing up in the morning, tenderness, and difficulty walking or running. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays to confirm the presence of the bony growths. Heel spurs can be painful. If you have developed one, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can offer you correct relief and treatment options.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024 00:00
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a skin disease caused by a fungal infection. The infection typically occurs between the toes, and the feet are most subject to this disease because shoes best create the warm, dark, and moist environment in which fungus thrives. Other areas that create a similar environment, such as swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms; can also promote fungi growth.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot include dry skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blistering. Sometimes, blisters can evolve into the cracks or breaks in the skin. The exposed tissue can then create pain, swelling, and discharge. The spread of infection can cause itching and burning as well.
While athlete’s foot commonly occurs between the toes, it may also spread to the toenails or soles of the feet. Other parts of the body, such as the groin or underarms, can also become infected if they are touched after the original area of infection is scratched. Aside from physical contact, athlete’s foot can also spread through the contamination of footwear, clothing or bedsheets.
Proper foot hygiene is essential in preventing athlete’s foot. You can prevent the fungus from spreading by frequently washing your feet using soap and water, thoroughly drying the feet between the toes, changing shoes and socks every day to reduce moisture, and ensuring that bathroom and shower floors are disinfected. Other tips include using shower shoes, avoiding walking barefoot in public environments, wearing light and airy shoes, and wearing socks that keep the feet dry.
While treatment for athlete’s foot can involve topical or oral antifungal drugs, mild cases of the infection can be treated by dusting foot powder in shoes and socks. Any treatment used can be supplemented by frequently bathing the feet and drying the toes. If proper foot hygiene and self-care do not ease your case of athlete’s foot, contact your podiatrist. He will determine if the underlying cause of your condition is truly a fungus. If that is the case, a comprehensive treatment plan may be suggested with the inclusion of prescription antifungal medications.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024 00:00
Athlete’s Foot Relief and Prevention Tips
Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, typically occurring between the toes. There are three main types of athlete’s foot, which are interdigital, moccasin, and vesicular. Interdigital athlete's foot typically occurs between the toes and is characterized by itching, scaling, and sometimes maceration of the skin. Moccasin athlete's foot affects the soles and sides of the feet, presenting as dry, thickened, and scaly skin that can sometimes crack. Vesicular athlete's foot features fluid-filled blisters, often appearing on the instep, and can cause intense itching and discomfort. The infection is caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools. Risk factors include wearing tight, non-breathable footwear, sweating heavily, and walking barefoot in damp communal areas. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling, and cracked skin, often accompanied by redness and blisters. Athlete's foot is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Treatment involves antifungal medications, available as creams, sprays, or oral prescriptions, depending on the severity. If you have athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively treat the infection, which often includes prescribed medication.
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 Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor 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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024 00:00
Why High Heels Are Not Ideal for Healthy Feet
It is no secret that high heels are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Although beauty is pain, you should not sacrifice the health of your feet for a stylish heel. Wearing high heels can potentially cause many different foot conditions that may be avoided by wearing proper footwear.
The structure of high heels forces weight of your body to get shifted forward toward the ball of the foot. The higher the heel you wear, the more weight and pressure get shifted forward. The pressure that your toes may experience from wearing heels may lead to hammer toes, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Extra weight and pressure resulting from wearing heels may cause stress fractures. Furthermore, heels may cause pinched nerves which may result in Morton’s neuroma.
High heels are even more dangerous for people who are clumsy. Falling or tripping while wearing heels can cause an ankle sprain or twist.
What many people don’t know is that heels can also cause back and knee problems. In order for your body to stay balanced on heels, your spine has to sway unnaturally, which adds stress to your spine muscles. This may cause you to experience a sore lower back.
If you decide to wear high heels regardless of the risks associated with them, there are ways you can minimize their harmful effects. One way to reduce injury is to massage and stretch your legs at the end of the day. Stretching can prevent the Achilles tendons and calf muscles from becoming too tight. If you are simply looking for more height, wedges and platforms provide a better surface area to distribute the body weight across compared to thinner heels.
If you experience pain from wearing high heels, it is important to see a podiatrist before any of your symptoms become worse.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024 00:00
Wearing High Heels to Work
Wearing high heels to work every day can have a significant effect on the feet and the rest of the body. High heels shift body weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and leading to conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and metatarsalgia. The unnatural angle of the foot can cause calf muscle tightening and Achilles tendon shortening, resulting in discomfort and pain. Over time, high heels can alter posture, leading to lower back, hip, and knee pain due to misalignment of the spine and joints. Wearing high heels may seem glamorous, but it can also cause pain, blisters, and calluses. To mitigate these effects, choose heels with lower heights, opt for wedges or platforms for better weight distribution, and use cushioned insoles. It can also help to regularly stretch the calves and feet, and alternating with more supportive footwear. If you enjoy wearing heels to work and you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice and care.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.
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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sunday, 09 June 2024 00:00
Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
