Luckily, we are highly skilled in treating a variety of conditions and issues. Whether you have slight discomfort or severe pain, we can provide you with care that allows you to live the lifestyle you want!
These are just some of the conditions, treatments, and services you will find at our podiatric office. Just ask us if you have any questions!
- Ingrown Toenails
- Bunions
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoes
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Warts
- Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
- Ankle Instability
- Flat Feet
- Athlete’s Foot
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Neuromas
- Geriatric Foot Care
- Ankle Sprains
- Toenail Fungus
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Foot Fractures
- Gout
- Ankle Pain
- Pediatric Foot Conditions
- Arthritis
- Ankle Arthroscopic Surgery
- Ankle Instability
- Geriatric Foot Care
- Sesamoiditis
- Tailor’s Bunions
- Ankle Impringement
- Hallux Limitus/Rigidus
- Plantar Plate Repair
- Surfer’s Nodules
- Tendon Repairs (Foot and Ankle)
- Turf Toe
Ingrown Toenails
We have all made the painful mistake of trimming our nails too short at some point in our lives. Sometimes, this can really affect our foot health by causing ingrown toenails.
This happens when the nail grows downward into the skin instead of straight out, usually causing an infection. Ingrown toenails are most common on the sides of the big toe. It can also be caused by shoe pressure, injury, fungal infections, poor foot structure, etc.
Warm water soaks several times a day, properly fitted shoes and socks, and trimming nails in a straight line (rather than rounded) are ways to treat and prevent painful ingrown toenails. If there is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. They can develop from an inherited structural defect, excess stress on your foot, or can result from an existing medical condition.
For the most part, bunions require no medical treatment. However, if you are experiencing one or more of the following, a podiatrist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Corns
Corns tend to be smaller than calluses and are the hard center is surrounded by irritated skin. While corns can be found on the bottom of the foot where pressure is usually applied, it is more common that you find corns on the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. When pressure is applied, corns can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Calluses
Calluses, on the other hand, don’t usually cause pain. They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a deformity where one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes begin to bend outside of their normal alignment. Pressure can begin to weigh heavy on the toes as you wear shoes which is where pain and other symptoms develop.
Hammertoes typically begin with small symptoms and deformities and continue to worsen with time. In its beginning stages, hammertoes are often impressionable which means they can be controlled using minimal treatment. It is important to know the signs of hammertoes to get them evaluated early. If left untreated, hammertoes can become more firm and difficult to manipulate, requiring surgery.
Diabetic Foot Care
Daily preventative care can help you decrease your risk of developing these other serious conditions like ulcers and infections. Inspecting your feet at the end of the day to look for any abnormalities, maintaining proper hygiene, keeping your feet warm in cold weather, encouraging blood flow in the feet, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle can discourage other conditions from developing.
Warts
Plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus and cause tiny cuts and breaks on the bottom of your feet.
While most plantar warts are not a major health concern, it is advised you see a doctor to have the warts examined and removed. Some symptoms include small, rough lesions on the base of the foot, calluses in one spot, and tenderness when walking or standing for long periods of time.
Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
Heel spurs occur in at least 50% of people who have plantar fasciitis. Past treatments for heel spurs, a bony growth that begins on the front of your heel bone and points toward the arch of your foot, included surgery to remove the growth. Nowadays, surgery is rarely a treatment option and more plans for physical therapy, ice, and pain medications are used to treat heel spurs.
Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability is usually caused by repeated ankle sprains and is described as the gradual giving way of the outside of the ankle. Some symptoms of ankle instability include constant inflammation or swelling, tenderness, and instability in the ankle. After a sprained ankle, the ligaments become stretched and torn. Proper rehabilitation is required to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and rehabilitate the tissues within the ankle that affect your balance. In addition, physical therapy, medications, and bracing can help treat chronic ankle instability. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains, or possibly surgery.
Flat Feet
Flat foot is a condition where the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened which causes the sole of the foot to touch the floor when standing upright. It is likely for flat feet to be caused by the arches not fully developing during childhood and is considered a very common and painless condition. On the other hand, flat feet can occur after an injury or from the normal aging process.
While it is common not to experience any pain or symptoms of flat feet, some people do tend to sense pain in the heel or arch area. Physical activity can irritate the area and inflame the foot along the inside of the ankle. This can be caused by the tendon that is supporting the arch being stretched as it is depreciating.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a specific type of fungal infection that typically begins between the toes. A common cause of athlete’s foot is sweaty feet that are confined to tight shoes for a long period of time. Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete’s foot is contagious and should be carefully monitored and treated. Athlete’s foot can easily be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection is likely to recur. Prescription medications also are available.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendinitis is caused by overuse of the band of tissues that connects the lower region of your calf muscle to your heel bone, also known as your Achilles tendon. Those at a higher risk for Achilles tendinitis are runners engaging in intense training or middle-aged people who participate in sports on occasion.
Neuromas
A neuroma can occur in many areas of the body when nerve tissue thickens. Morton’s neuroma is the most typical neuroma that occurs in the foot and it occurs between the third and fourth toes. Also known as an intermetatarsal neuroma, the name describes its location in the ball of the foot.
Compression and irritation typically cause the nerve tissue to thicken. This pressure creates inflammation of the nerve, ultimately causing untreatable damage to the nerves in the foot.
Geriatric Foot Care
As we age, foot problems are almost inevitable and completely normal. However, there are important steps to take to make sure you stay on your feet.
Health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory issues may cause problems that present themselves in the feet. It is very important to monitor your foot health and seek medical attention whenever you notice a problem. Below are some daily tips and tricks to keep your feet healthy.
Ankle Sprains
A sprained ankle occurs when you twist your ankle in an abnormal way causing the ligaments holding your ankle bones together to stretch or tear. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Although you may just need proper rest and pain medications to heal, it is important to have the sprain looked at by a professional to determine the severity and proper treatment.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections in the toe or fingernails can appear as thickened, discolored, or disfigured. While it may seem like the condition is just an aesthetic concern, fungal infections can lead to worsened symptoms and pain. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, and the normal aging process are all causes associated with fungal infections. It is more likely for senior citizens and adults to develop a fungal infection as opposed to children.
Peripheral Neuropathy
As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Once damage to nerves occurs, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are gradual and worsen with time. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to aid in the prevention of damage to those specific nerves.
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Foot Fractures
Since nearly one-fourth of the bones in our body are in our feet, fractures of the foot are common and rarely debilitating. There are two types of fractures. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and middle of the foot, usually as a result of a physical activity gone awry. These fractures are only on the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone. These injuries are usually caused by trauma to the foot.
Depending on the fracture and placement, different treatments will be discussed. Foot fractures typically heal on their own, although more serious cases may require surgery.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your foot is fractured so treatment can begin right away.
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Gout
Often we associate arthritis with older patients who have lived an active lifestyle. Gout, on the other hand, can affect anyone. Gout is a common form of arthritis that is known for its sudden attacks of pain and joint tenderness. Joints that are affected by gout are often hot to the touch, swollen, and very tender. While symptoms are not chronic, it is essential to take preventative measures to manage gout as its side effects can be debilitating and intolerable.
- Stay hydrated. By drinking plenty of fluids and limiting sugary drinks, you can help prevent future gout attacks.
- Maintain a healthy weight as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Some types of alcohol are more likely to increase the likelihood of a gout attack.
- Consider adding low-fat dairy products to your diet. These foods are proven to help protect against gout and are excellent sources of protein.
Ankle Pain
The foot and ankle are highly specialized structures that absorb the weight of the body and enable us to move. Experts estimate that the force and pressure on your feet when walking can be up to two times your body weight. This pressure can increase with more vigorous movements such as running and jumping. With so much pressure on your feet and ankles, they undergo a lot of wear and tear throughout your life and are highly susceptible to injury and trauma.
The foot and ankle are a complex system of bones, ligaments, muscles, and joints that provide the structure and stability we need to move freely. If any of these components become compromised or weakened due to injury, overuse, degenerative conditions, or sprains, it can significantly impact your foot’s ability to move and function properly.
Pediatric Foot Conditions
Pediatric foot conditions often go unnoticed and are often misdiagnosed. Most doctors dismiss any pediatric foot issues as being a part of normal structural development that children will eventually outgrow. However, foot problems are often prevalent in children due to their high levels of physical activity. Children are resilient, meaning that any potential foot issues may be overlooked.
Initial treatment options for pediatric foot pain, deformities, or injuries include minimally invasive techniques, activity modification, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. If these conservative treatment options aren’t helping your child, surgery may be required.
During your child’s appointment, we will conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the problem, while educating both you and your child on future preventative measures. Our goal is for your child to grow up with happy, healthy, and perfectly functioning feet.
Arthritis
Arthritis, or joint pain or joint disease, is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children are suffering from some type of arthritis. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to perform normal day-to-day activities, and has the potential to cause permanent joint damage.
To determine whether or not you may be suffering from arthritis or to determine the severity, your medical professional will perform blood tests and conduct an imaging scan (ie: x-ray, CAT scan or MRI). Eating healthy, staying active, and understanding your type of arthritis and treatment options is crucial to decreasing your discomfort and paving the way for an enjoyable, happy life.
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Ankle Arthroscopic Surgery
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive ankle surgery that uses a fiber-optic camera to guide your surgeon in treating various ankle conditions.
If you struggle with arthritis in your ankle, an injury, infection, ankle fracture, ankle instability, or need ankle fusion surgery, an ankle arthroscopy may be recommended. Your doctor may also recommend an ankle arthroscopy to examine and repair tendons and ligaments of the ankle.
Compared to traditional ankle surgery procedures, an ankle arthroscopy can have a significantly shorter recovery time, less scarring, and faster healing.
Surgery
Before your procedure, your ankle will be marked, and anesthesia administered. The area will then be cleaned thoroughly. Sometimes a device is used to hold your ankle joint into a certain position that makes it easier to operate within.
Once your surgery is complete, sutures are placed to close the wounds and your ankle is dressed. A boot or splint may be used to help protect your ankle during recovery.
Recovery
Depending on the reason for your procedure, it may be some time before you can bear weight on your ankle, please follow your doctor’s recommendations.
It is important to keep your ankle and leg elevated during recovery. Sutures are removed in the week following surgery. Physical therapy may be encouraged to help restore range of motion and strength to your ankle.
Most patients can return to work after 2 weeks, however, it may take several weeks before you can resume high-impact activities. Your recovery time will depend on your condition and medical history.
For more information on ankle arthroscopy or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today at (760) 230-2233.
Ankle Instability
Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is twisted or forced in a way that stretches or tears one or more ligaments. The severity of the injury depends on if the ligaments are stretched, partially torn, or fully torn.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, bruising, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Prompt medical attention is highly recommended. If left untreated, or if treated incorrectly, ankle sprains can heal incorrectly, which can lead to chronic problems.
Nonsurgical treatment includes R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended in order to repair a torn ligament.
Chronic lateral ankle pain occurs most commonly from an improperly healed sprained ankle or other injuries.
Treatments include over the counter or prescription medication, physical therapy to build muscle strength, steroid medications, ankle braces, and immobilization (in the case of fracture).
It is always important to seek the advice of a health care professional in cases like this. Continuous usage of an improperly healed body part can cause a tremendous amount of pain and problems.
Osteochondritis is a condition where loose bone or cartilage gets caught between joints or bones, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and in severe cases, immobility. The loose piece(s) are typically a result of a twisting-type injury of the ankle.
Treatments for mild cases involves immobilization of the foot and ankle. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the loose bone or cartilage.
For more information on ankle instability or to request an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (760) 230-2233!
Geriatric Foot Care
As we age, foot problems are almost inevitable and completely normal. However, there are important steps to take to make sure you stay on your feet.
Health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory issues may cause problems that present themselves in the feet. It is very important to monitor your foot health and seek medical attention whenever you notice a problem. Below are some daily tips and tricks to keep your feet healthy.
- Checking your feet regularly is a great way to start monitoring your foot health. Pay attention to any cuts, sores, discoloration, bruising, or anything that looks concerning. Have a family member help check the spots you cannot see.
- Getting the blood moving in your feet is important for your circulation. Make sure to stretch, walk, stick your feet up in the air for a couple minutes when you lie down, or take a warm foot bath. This will keep your feet oxygenated, healthy, and happy.
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time, especially with crossed legs.
- Comfortable shoes that keep your feet aligned are a must.
- Avoid cold temperatures, as it can slow down or even stop the circulation in your feet.
- Smoking decreases blood supply and increases swelling, as well as other circulatory problems.
We will be happy to assess your specific needs and help you develop a personalized plan and routine for healthy feet. For more information on geriatric foot care or to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (760) 230-2233!
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Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a form of tendonitis and causes pain to occur at the ball of your foot, near the big toe joint. This condition is caused by inflamed, injured, or irritated tendons attached to two small sesamoid bones near the big toe joint.
The most common symptom of sesamoiditis is pain around the great toe and ball of the foot, this can occur gradually if due to inflammation and overuse. If a fracture occurs, the pain will be immediate.
Other symptoms may include bruising, redness, and swelling. It may also be difficult to put weight on the toe, bend or straighten the toe, or walk comfortably.
Treatment will depend on the patient’s condition and symptoms, but fortunately, most cases can be treated with conservative approaches. Treatment focuses on alleviating pressure off the tendons to allow them to heal properly, this is accomplished through padding, strapping, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a form of orthotics to help prevent you from putting weight on your foot. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the sesamoid bone.
In mild cases, sesamoiditis heals within a few days after conservation treatment but recovery will vary depending on the severity of the condition and type of treatment.
For more information on sesamoiditis and our treatment options or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at (760) 230-2233.
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Tailor’s Bunions
Tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a bump that forms along the side of the 5th metatarsal bone, the bone at the bottom of your little toe. Though not as common as bunions, which occur on the inside of the foot along the big toe, tailor bunions are similar in causes and symptoms.
The most common cause of a tailor’s bunion is direct pressure to the metatarsal bone. This pressure can stem from improper footwear that is too narrow or tight or may be due to an abnormal shape or position of the metatarsal bone. Patients may also inherit a misalignment within the bone structure of their feet that makes them prone to developing a tailor’s bunion. Other causes may include loose ligaments within the foot, tight calf muscles, or feet that lean outward.
Tailor’s bunions progress gradually and generally start with a small bump over the side of the 5th metatarsal bone or near the base of your pinkie toe. If left untreated, this bump will increase in size over time due to inflammation and cause great pain.
Treatment for a tailor’s bunion begins with non-surgical options such as using over-the-counter medication, orthotic pads, and cushions, as well as shoe modifications to avoid placing pressure on the bunion. If pain persists, injection therapy may be used to help manage more painful symptoms and reduce swelling. It is important to note that nonsurgical treatment options will not remove the bump but can significantly reduce and even eliminate the painful symptoms.
If your condition is severe and does not respond well to conservative treatment options, surgery may be considered. Surgical procedures designed to treat a tailor’s bunion include shaving the bump down or repositioning the fifth metatarsal bone into an ideal position and securing it with screws or plates.
The length of your recovery will vary depending on the procedure performed. Generally, patients can expect a few months of keeping weight off the foot and using a walker, crutch, or boot to help protect the foot as it heals. Physical therapy may also be needed to help strengthen your foot muscles.
For more information on tailor’s bunions or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today at (760) 230-2233.