Connect With Us
Blog
Items filtered by date: December 2021
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.
Tuesday, 04 June 2024 00:00
Heel Pain
Have you ever gotten up from a chair or out of bed in the morning, and upon taking that first step, feel like your heel has stepped on a tack? Many people experience a feeling of sharp pain which radiates into their arch from their heel and which does not allow them to put their heel on the floor. Sometimes they need to sit back down, stand only on their toes and use the wall for balance. If you can take a few steps, it seems to go away and lessen, allowing you to then resume your activity. Later, throughout your day and after a period of rest, it can happen again. If this sounds familiar you may be suffering from your first attack of heel pain.
Heel pain is a debilitating condition that affects day to day activities. Running and walking both causes stress on the heel because the heel is the part of the foot that hits the ground first. This means that the heel is taking on your entire weight. Diagnosis and treatments for heel pain can be easily found through your podiatrist.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of these tissues, resulting in heel pain. People who do not wear proper fitting shoes are often at risk of developing problems such as plantar fasciitis. Unnecessary stress from ill-fitting shoes, weight change, excessive running, and wearing non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces are all causes of plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Similar to plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause heel pain due to stress fractures and muscle tearing. A lack of flexibility of the ankle and heel is an indicator of Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to plantar fasciitis and cause even more pain on your heel.
Heel Spur
A third cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, leading to a separation of the ligament from the heel bone entirely. This results in a pointed fragment of bone on the ball of the foot, known as a heel spur.
Tuesday, 04 June 2024 00:00
How to Manage Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain is a frequent concern, often associated with conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that occurs when the thick band of tissue under your foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. This commonly results from daily activities like running, standing for long periods, or wearing improper shoes. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can help treat plantar fasciitis and relieve pain in multiple ways. Podiatrists may recommend specific stretching exercises to release tightness in the plantar fascia or they may customize orthotic inserts to support the foot. In some cases, they may suggest anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections aiming to reduce pain and inflammation. With proper guidance from a podiatrist, heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis can become more controlled. If you are suffering with heel pain or conditions such as plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to find a treatment best fit for your specific condition.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please 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, 28 May 2024 00:00
Geriatrics and Podiatry
Bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough and brittle nails are some of the common problems that can occur as people age. The effect that these problems has on foot health should be of particular concern in comprehensive geriatric care.
Feet that are diseased or injured have a negative effect on overall health and safety. Painful feet limit a person’s willingness and ability to stay active. Poor foot health can also cause gait change, which can lead to falls and accidents. Even though recovery time from health problems naturally slows as we age, many foot problems can be avoided altogether with regular prophylactic care.
Feet should be thoroughly washed in warm water daily. Care must be taken to dry the feet well, making sure to dry between and under the toes. Any left-over moisture can cause problems like foot fungus. After cleaning feet carefully check for problems such as cracked skin, bruises, swelling, cuts, corns, or other irregularities.
Examine toenails for ingrown, jagged, or split nails. Long toenails should be cut straight across. Never cut toenails at an angle or down the side as this may lead to ingrown nails.
Cracked and dry feet should be treated once or twice a day with a non-greasy moisturizer. Rub the moisturizer into the skin and allow it to dry before putting on socks and shoes. Sweaty feet can be dusted with a small amount of talcum powder. Avoid putting talcum directly into shoes as this may make feet slip within the shoe and cause a serious fall.
Wear clean dry socks each day. Not only do clean socks feel better on the feet, but socks worn for longer periods may harbor disease and odor-causing bacteria. Socks should not be tight around the top as they can leave marks on the leg. Socks that are too small can bring about bruising caused by pressure against the toes.
Wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes. If possible, consult a professional footwear specialist when purchasing shoes. Do not walk around barefoot as this exposes the feet to possible injury and bacteria.
Good foot health allows a more active lifestyle, which improves blood flow. Good circulation aids in recovery from injury or illness. It is also important for maintaining overall health.
Serious health problems can manifest themselves as symptoms in the feet. The elderly should seek professional help from a podiatrist if experiencing foot problems like tingling, numbness, pain, infection, or a sore that does not heal. Taking care of these problems right away can prevent the development of severe cases.
Tuesday, 28 May 2024 00:00
Foot Problems in Seniors
As people age, maintaining foot health becomes vital, but yet often overlooked. Older adults commonly face several foot problems that can significantly impair their mobility and quality of life. These issues can include arthritis, which leads to joint pain and deformity, diabetes-related complications like neuropathy, which increases the risk of foot ulcers, and circulatory problems that slow healing and increase infection risks. Other common concerns are plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and fungal infections, which become more prevalent with age due to changes in skin elasticity and foot structure. Preserving foot health is essential for seniors as it supports mobility, balance, and overall independence. Prevention plays a key role and involves proper foot hygiene, well-fitting, supportive footwear, and regular foot checks to identify problems early. Given the complexities of foot care in older age, if you are a senior, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can provide tailored advice and treatment, helping to maintain foot health and enhance quality of life.
If you need your feet checked, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
