Items filtered by date: July 2023

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a foot condition that can be painful. The tibial nerve is found inside the tarsal tunnel, and an injury can cause this nerve to become compressed. It may also occur from having an abnormal foot structure, such as flat feet or a bone spur. The tibial nerve is located in the ankle and allows movement and feeling in various parts of the foot. The tarsal tunnel lies in the back of the inside of the ankle, and when this nerve is irritated in this narrow tunnel, tarsal tunnel syndrome can develop. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this foot condition can consist of a tingling or numbing sensation on the sole of the foot, and the toes may be difficult to move. Treatment generally begins with resting the foot and eliminating any activities that can cause discomfort. Some patients choose to wear orthotics, which may help reduce some of the symptoms. If the pain is severe and daily activities are difficult to accomplish, surgery may be an option to enlarge the tarsal tunnel. If you have this syndrome, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment that is best for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail can be a potentially dangerous foot condition if medical attention is not promptly received. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. It is a generally painful ailment, and severely ingrown toenails may bleed and become infected. This condition can be divided into three stages of development. The first stage causes mild inflammation, and it is often uncomfortable. A granuloma may form in the second stage, which can become more painful, and produce pus. This granuloma can grow over the nail in the third stage, and the entire toe may become inflamed. The most common cause of developing an ingrown toenail is improper foot care. This can range from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly to trimming the toenails in a curved fashion instead of straight across. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you seek counsel from a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can perform minor surgery for permanent relief.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Cracked heels, which are a common foot condition, are usually non-threatening but can become potentially serious. It is best to try to prevent cracked heels from developing in the first place. It is a good idea to examine your heels and if they begin to feel dry, apply moisturizer regularly. Also, if you gain weight, the pressure on the heels increases and calluses may form. Extra weight, quite common among pregnant women, expands the heel skin while walking and standing and can cause cracks to widen. Wearing sling-back shoes, sandals, or flip flops also may cause the heels to dry out. Dried and cracked heels also can be a problem for those with diabetes, which can diminish the moisture supply to the feet. If the cracked skin on the heels does not improve with daily foot care precautions, they may deepen into fissures or begin to bleed. This opening of the skin can invite bacterial or fungal infections. An antiseptic lotion may help to keep the area clean. If cracked heels become an ongoing problem, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine the area, and determine the best course of treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

When most children begin to walk, their toes point straight ahead. In some cases, as a child begins to walk, their toes point inward. This is termed intoeing, or pigeon-toed, and in most cases goes away on its own. The causes of intoeing are a bit murky, but family history may be involved. Another cause is a twisting of the tibia bone while in the womb, but this often straightens itself out within the first year. A twisting of the femur bone in the thigh is another possible cause of intoeing in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years. This also corrects itself in time, but in severe cases may require surgery. A third cause of intoeing is a curving inward of the foot, which often takes place before birth. This too usually straightens out as the child grows older, but a brace or cast may be used to help straighten out the foot. If your child demonstrates intoeing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can take X-rays and examine the child’s feet to determine the best course of action.

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

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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.