A common area for diabetics to experience problems is their feet. We should all be aware of the vital role our feet play in life as they hold us up when we are standing or walking. It is particularly important for diabetics to maintain the health of their feet as diabetes often comes with peripheral neuropathy which can cause numbness and tingling in the feet and pain. Some sensations that those without diabetes feel are not felt by diabetics. Beyond maintaining blood/sugar levels, if you are diabetic, some things you can do for your feet include checking your feet daily to make sure you do not have sores, cuts, bruises, or any reddened or swollen areas, wash feet daily with soap and water, dry them well, apply moisturizer, and keep your toenails trimmed by cutting them straight across. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist regularly to have your feet examined and to obtain additional tips for you to protect your feet from diabetic side effects.

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.

Athletes are all too familiar with blisters on the feet. They can be uncomfortable and may compromise the quality of performing their chosen sport. An existing blister needs to be managed properly and this may prevent infection, bleeding, or significant pain from developing. A blister on the foot generally develops from excess friction that can come from wearing shoes or socks that do not fit correctly. The first sign a blister is forming is called the hot spot, and this suggests the skin is tender and can appear red. As the blister forms, the skin can separate and the area can fill with liquid. This is the body’s natural response to protecting the damaged skin as the healing process takes place. The blister will gradually drain once the new skin has formed. There are specific types of athletes that are susceptible to developing blisters. These can include runners, gymnasts, and baseball players. If you would like to learn about how to properly care for blisters on the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. 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 develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Toenail fungus is a very common affliction that is caused by an infection of an organism such as fungi and molds. Typically, these infections are most likely found in warm, moist environments where such organisms thrive. If an individual has a fungal infection, they might notice discoloration on the affected toenail. One critical way in which a person can prevent a toenail fungus from developing is by consistently wearing clean socks and shoes. If you fail to alternate your shoes and socks on a daily basis, sweat and yeasts or fungi can accumulate on the fabric. This makes suffering from a toenail fungus more likely. You might choose to wash your shoes in the washing machine to ensure that they are clean. Including baking soda or vinegar in the wash might be helpful in eliminating harmful organisms. However, ensure that the shoes are completely dry before wearing them again. In the same vein, it can also be important to be diligent about cleaning and completely drying your own feet on a regular basis to ensure that any harmful organisms are not growing on the foot itself. If you are worried about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist for more information.  

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

Foot and ankle injuries are sometimes an unavoidable part of a dancer’s life, and particularly so for ballet dancers. Overuse injuries are more common in ballet than traumatic injuries, as they can be attributed to repetitive movements and extraordinary stress on bones and soft tissue structures. Achilles tendinopathy is one example of this type of injury. This is often the result of excessive stress on the Achilles tendon due to exaggerated positions such as demi-plié, demie point, and en pointe. Flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy is an overuse injury that can occur from repeated pushing off from the big toe. The pirouettes ballet dancers perform put an incredible amount of pressure on the forefoot, which can cause a nerve disorder called Morton’s neuroma. Landing after jumps and rolling the foot down from demie point places repeated tension on the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the foot. This can cause the tissue to become inflamed or torn (plantar fasciitis). A podiatrist has immeasurable experience in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions of all kinds, and should be consulted for any such injury a dancer or athlete may incur.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

There are many different reasons why people can feel heel pain. It can be a result of having Achilles tendonitis, a heel spur, or plantar fasciitis. These are the most common causes, and there are various ways the heel bone can be negatively affected. Heel pain can consist of a stabbing, burning pain, or it may be a chronic dull ache. It may be worse upon waking up in the morning, and walking can be difficult. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Its function is to connect the heels to the toes, in addition to providing stability to the arch. People who enjoy running or who frequently participate in jumping activities may develop this condition, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. A heel spur is defined as a bony growth that forms on the back of the heel bone, and it can come from extra bone tissue that can be caused by plantar fasciitis. The Achilles tendon is located in the calf, and it connects the heel to the calf muscles. This tendon can become torn or ruptured from an injury, and cause heel pain. If you are experiencing heel pain for any reason, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer you correct treatment options. 

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.