Blog | Alabama Podiatry | Foot & Ankle Care

Curled Toe Nails? All About Pincer Nails and Ingrown Toenails

Tue, 02 May 2023 02:39:00 GMT

If you notice that your toenails have a curled appearance or that the lateral edges seem to slope inward toward one another as the free edge grows, you may have what's known as a pincer nail. Learn more about this condition and why you might be at risk for ingrown toenails if you have it.

What Causes Pincer Toenails?

Pincer toenails are a nail deformity that causes over-curvature in the nail. There can be numerous causes of pincer toenails, such as:

A fungal disease, like Onychomycosis
Certain medications, like beta-blockers
A tumor or cyst near the nail bed
Autoimmune diseases, like lupus or psoriasis
A family history of pincer nails (although no specific genes have been identified)

You'll want to visit a podiatrist to find the root cause of your pincer toenails. If it is caused by something like onychomycosis, then the podiatrist can prescribe an antifungal medication.

What Do You Do If Pincer Nails Don't Go Away?

If you have an autoimmune disease or a family history of pincer nails, it may be harder to get rid of this condition. Pincer nails aren't inherently bad, and if they keep occurring, then the goal may just be to manage the condition.

For instance, you can reduce the development of pincer nails by avoiding tight socks and tight shoes, like high heels. If your pincer nails are caused by certain medications, you may want to talk with your doctor about alternative options with fewer side effects.

The main concern of recurring pincer nails is the development of ingrown toenails. So if you have pincer nails, then you should keep an eye out for ingrown toenails.

What Are Ingrown Toenails?

When the edges of your nails pierce the surrounding skin and keep growing, this is known as an ingrown toenail. This is a very common condition in big toenails. If you have an ingrown toenail, you may have a

A foot odor
Drainage or pus around the toe
Pain, redness, or swelling
Excess skin tissue around the injured area

Because pincer toenails curl and taper inward, it's even easier for toenails to grow into the skin. Ingrown toenails can start out as a mild irritation, but they can become more painful because trapped bacteria and debris can cause infections. If you have diabetes or circulation issues, then ingrown toenails can turn into dangerous infections.

How Can You Avoid Ingrown Toenails With Pincer Nails?

If you have pincer nails, you may be tempted to trim the free end very short. However, this can increase the risk of ingrown toenails, so it's a good idea to let the free end grow out a little bit. Your podiatrist can then fit you with a special orthotic to slowly straighten your nail plates. Once the nail plate is straightened, it will be less likely to develop into an ingrown toenail.

When you do need to trim your toenails, don't clip them at a sharp right angle. Trimming your nails this way will make it easier for the nail to pierce and grow into the skin.

If you play sports or exercise a lot, bring an extra pair of socks so that you don’t work out in damp socks. Moist environments can be a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, like Staphylococcus, which can cause infections in ingrown toenails.

Lastly, if you have severe, recurring pincer nails, your podiatrist may opt for a surgery to completely remove the nail matrix or root. During these surgeries, the podiatrist will use a local anesthetic to numb your foot. Then they may use a chemical or a laser to remove the toenail.

Contact Upperline Health California for more information on treatment and prevention options for pincer toenails and ingrown toenails. Find a clinic near you

Southern California, Meet Your New Podiatrists!

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:47:25 GMT

Upperline has three new clinics in Santa Ana, Corona, and Los Alamitos

Southern Californians in Orange County have three new Upperline Clinics to choose for their podiatry needs. Santa Ana, Corona, and Los Alamitos are open and taking new patients – you can even get same-day treatment!

Santa Ana Podiatrist

At Upperline Podiatry Santa Ana , patients will be treated by Dr. Dana Lin, a Southern California native who speaks five languages and has a background in biomechanics, ankle arthroscopy, and sports medicine. She is excited to be practicing in Santa Ana. With the ability to offer same day appointments, she’s able to help patients get the care they need when they need it, without the long wait times.

Corona Podiatrist

In Corona , patients will get to meet Dr. Josh Hendricks. Dr. Hendricks became interested in podiatry after playing sports in high school and college, and is an amazing surgeon, specializing in total ankle replacement, traumatic foot and ankle injuries, and limb salvage.

Los Alamitos Podiatrist

Upperline Los Alamitos is led by Dr. Rahul Abraham, an Orange County native who got his start in podiatry by working with UCLA’s Happy Feet program. Dr. Abraham is very passionate about helping his community, and says of working for Upperline, “One thing that sets Upperline apart is that I am able to consult with our entire team of doctors across the country to ensure that patients get the best care.”

Medicare patients at each Upperline clinic also have the opportunity to join Upperline Plus to get personalized, comprehensive care that goes beyond podiatry. With Upperline Plus, you get a care navigator, who serves as your personal assistant to help you coordinate your doctor visits and other healthcare needs, all from the comfort of your own home.

New Podiatry Clinic Open in Corona, California

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:25:47 GMT

We are excited to announce the launch of our new podiatry clinic in Corona, California! Learn more about our Corona podiatry clinic and schedule an appointment. Corona Podiatry Clinic

Address:

308 W. 6th St., Suite 205

Corona, CA 92882

Phone:

(951) 904-3501

From Dr. Josh Hendricks, podiatrist in Corona, CA:

"I'm passionate about keeping people on their feet and moving so that they can enjoy their life. I am honored to have the opportunity to launch this clinic to deliver Upperline's world-class care to even more patients."

New Podiatry Clinic Open in Los Alamitos, California

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:25:13 GMT

We are excited to announce the launch of our new podiatry clinic in Los Alamitos, California! Learn more about our Los Alamitos podiatry clinic and schedule an appointment. Los Alamitos Podiatry Clinic

Address

3771 Katella Ave., Suite 108

Los Alamitos, CA 90720

Phone:

562-508-4103

About Los Alamitos

Upperline Foot and Ankle is a new podiatry clinic located in Los Alamitos, California. We offer extensive treatment for a broad range of foot and ankle ailments. Our team of highly skilled and knowledgeable podiatrists employs state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis and ankle sprains. Whether you are dealing with a chronic ailment or have recently sustained an injury, our podiatry team in Los Alamitos is dedicated to assisting you in recovering swiftly and regaining your mobility efficiently.

Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:44:31 GMT

Did you know that one in four people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer ? If you’re one of the millions of Americans living with diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of diabetic foot ulcers so you can get treatment before it becomes a bigger problem. This blog post will give you an overview of what diabetic foot ulcers are, early warning signs, and some tips on preventing them.

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot of a person with diabetes. About 60% of diabetics will develop neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves. (Dreyer, 2022). When neuropathy occurs in the feet, it can lead to decreased sensation. This means that a person with neuropathy may not feel pain or notice a wound on their foot until it becomes infected. If the infection becomes severe enough, then amputation may be necessary. Diabetic foot ulcers are the most common reason for hospitalization among patients with diabetes (Dreyer, 2022).

What causes diabetic foot ulcers?

Elevated blood sugar levels - If your blood sugar levels are consistently high, the smaller vasculature (arteries and veins) will become damaged, which may lead to foot ulcers.
Poor foot care - Ignoring early warning signs, wearing tight shoes, and inadequate foot care can increase your chances of developing a foot ulcer.
Poor blood flow - If blood can’t reach an area in your foot, then injured tissue will not receive the oxygen, nutrients, or healing factors needed to heal the wound.
Neuropathy - If you can’t feel when you’ve been injured, then a tiny blister or callous can quickly become a large wound that can become infected.

How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

The best way to prevent diabetic foot ulcers is to keep your blood sugar under control by adhering to a healthy diet, taking all of your medications as prescribed, and engaging in regular exercise. Visit your healthcare provider regularly so they can check your feet for any early signs of infection or injury.

Here are some other tips for preventing diabetic foot ulcers:

Wash your feet every day with warm water and mild soap. Be sure to dry your feet well, especially between the toes.
Inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror if necessary.
After a shower, when your nails are soft, trim your nails straight across and file down rough edges with an emery board or nail file.
Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet from injury.
Avoid prolonged sitting, standing, or crossing your legs.

What are the early warning signs of diabetic foot ulcers?

During your daily foot care, look for early warning signs that you may develop a foot ulcer. The area may be red, tender, or even swollen. Sometimes, foot ulcers start as blisters or callouses. If you see this or any other problems with your feet, make an appointment with a podiatrist (a foot and ankle specialist) for further evaluation.

How are Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treated?

The most important thing you can do if you have diabetes is to control your blood sugar levels. This will help prevent diabetic foot ulcers from developing in the first place. If you already have a foot ulcer, your doctor will clean the wound, instruct you on keeping it clean and dry, and prescribe medication to help prevent infection. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove dead tissue or amputate it.

What should you do if you think you have a diabetic foot ulcer?

If you have any area on your foot that is red, swollen, painful, or developing an open wound, make an appointment with a podiatrist for further evaluation. Diabetic foot ulcers are serious complications of diabetes that can lead to hospitalization and lower limb amputation. However, they are preventable if you have good blood sugar control and see your healthcare provider regularly. You should also inspect your feet daily and take care of any minor problems immediately before they become serious. These tips can help prevent diabetic foot ulcers and keep your feet healthy!

References

Advancing Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery. (n.d.). Diabetic Wound Care | Foot Health | Patients | APMA .
American Podiatric Medical Association. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.apma.org/diabeticwoundcare
Dreyer, M. A. (2022, August 8). Diabetic Foot Ulcer - StatPearls . NCBI. Retrieved November 7, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537328/

10 Ways to Control Diabetic Foot Issues

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 14:40:48 GMT

If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is important. Diabetes can cause many foot issue s, including amputation. This blog post will discuss ten tips for keeping your feet healthy and free from diabetic foot issues. Following these simple steps can help you avoid serious health problems down the road. So let’s get started!

Why is foot care so important for people with diabetes?

Diabetes can damage the nerves in your legs and feet, resulting in numbness, pain, unsteady gait, and weakness. If you develop neuropathy, it will make it harder for you to feel pain when you have injured your feet. This can lead to untreated cuts and bruises getting infected. If the infection becomes bad enough, your bones can become infected (osteomyelitis), or the tissue that contains the infection can die (gangrene). If the damage is irreversible, your healthcare provider may recommend removing the affected limb, which is called amputation.

So, how can people with diabetes take care of their feet?

Tip #1

Check your blood sugar levels

Use your glucometer to monitor your blood sugar levels. Keep a log of your numbers so you can understand how your medication, food choices, and activity level affect your sugar. If you keep your blood sugar levels within the target range (as specified by your healthcare provider), you can reduce your risk of developing diabetic foot issues.

Tips #2

Eat a heart-healthy diet

Diabetic foot care starts with what you eat! The American Heart Association recommends that you include a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins, like fish, in your daily diet.

Tip # 3

Take your prescribed medications

Be sure to take all medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your medication regime is determined after thoroughly reviewing your symptoms, risks, and labwork. If you have questions about your medications, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before stopping them.

Tip # 4

If you smoke, stop

Smoking increases the risk of vascular problems, especially in your legs and feet, which can lead to diabetic foot issues. If you need help to quit, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, who can help you get treatment.

Tip #5

Wash your feet every day

Diabetic foot care continues in the shower! Be sure to wash your feet every day with warm soapy water. Afterward, dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Next, apply a moisturizer to reduce the risk of your skin getting dry and crack.

Tip #6

Check your feet every day

Diabetes can cause nerve damage that makes it hard for you to feel pain from an injury, so be sure to check every inch of your feet closely, and use a mirror if needed.

Tip #7

Make an appointment with a doctor if your feet get injured

If you discover that you have a cut, don’t ignore it and assume it will just go away. People with diabetes often have reduced blood flow. Your blood is rich in healing properties, like platelets. In diabetics, the damaged area doesn’t get enough blood flow, so the cut or bruise won’t heal as fast. It’s important to involve your healthcare provider so they can take care of your cut with a wound care treatment plan.

Tip #8

Wear comfortable socks and shoes

It’s important to wear comfortable socks and shoes so you won’t develop any callouses or blisters that can turn into something much worse. Avoid open-toe, open-heel shoes which may increase your chances of getting cut or bruised.

You may even consider asking your healthcare provider for a prescription for diabetic socks and footwear.

Diabetic socks can help you prevent foot issues because they can improve blood flow to your feet, keep your feet dry, keep fungal infections off your feet, and provide cushion to reduce the chances of developing blisters.
Diabetic footwear are specially designed shoes , or shoe inserts , intended to reduce the risk of skin breakdown or developing foot sores.

Tip #9

Keep your appointments

Diabetes Check-Up

Every 3 to 4 months, your healthcare provider will ask you to come in for your diabetes follow-up. During your visit, they will review your blood sugar log and recommend bloodwork, including an a1c test. The a1c test shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over the past few months. This will help your healthcare provider adjust your diet and medications, which will help reduce the chances of developing diabetic foot issues.

Eye Check-Up

Diabetes can damage your eyes’ blood vessels, so you should schedule and keep your annual eye exams. During your exam, the eye specialist will place drops in your eyes to widen, or dilate, your pupils. Dilating your pupils helps your doctor to see inside your eyes more easily and inspect for damage caused by your diabetes.

Tip #10

Make an appointment with a Podiatrist

Foot Check-Up

Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists that can help you care for your feet and address any diabetic foot issues that may arise. They perform a wide range of services, including foot exams, trimming your toenails, treating cuts or bruises, removing callouses, perform venous and arterial screenings, and even prescribe wound care for a slow-healing sore.

Foot care is extremely important for people with diabetes as they are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers and other complications. If you have diabetes, taking extra precautions is important to keep your feet healthy and free of infection. We hope the tips in this blog post will help you do just that. Remember, if you have any concerns about your feet or are experiencing symptoms of a foot problem, always contact your podiatrist. We are here to help ensure that all our patients maintain healthy and happy feet.

References

Dansinger, M. (2021, May 18). Proper Diabetes Foot and Toenail Care and Checking for Problems . WebMD. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/caring-feet
Pendsey, S. P. (n.d.). Understanding diabetic foot - PMC . NCBI. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2878694/

High School Sports Injuries: Prevention and Treatment Tips from a Podiatrist

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:17:13 GMT

High school sports injuries are inevitable. Kids play at an extremely high level and push themselves to the limit at every practice and match. Even though injuries are a daily occurrence, taking precautions can reduce common injuries like ankle sprains and fractures.

Podiatrists work with kids and adults to prevent and treat feet and ankle injuries, which are among the most common high school sports injuries. This article will provide tips and tricks to help keep your high schooler's feet and ankles safe.

High School Sports Injury Statistics

According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association , high school athletes suffer nearly two million injuries each year. Of those injuries, 35% are to the ankle and foot.

The most common high school sports injuries are:

Ankle sprains
Achilles tendonitis
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splints
Stress fractures

While some high school sports injuries are unavoidable, many can be prevented with the proper precautions. As a parent or coach, it's important to be aware of the risk factors and warning signs associated with high school sports injuries.

Risk Factors for High School Sports Injuries

There are several risk factors that can contribute to high school sports injuries. Some of the most common include:

Poor conditioning: Athletes who are not in shape are more likely to pull a muscle or suffer an overuse injury. Injuries are common at the onset of the season when kids are starting training camp or Summer practice.
Poor technique: Improper form can put unnecessary stress on joints and muscles, leading to injuries. Like poor conditioning, the start of the season often yields injuries because kids are learning or re-learning different techniques.
Lack of warm-up: Cold muscles are more likely to be injured. A proper warm-up will help loosen the muscles and prepare them for activity.
Wearing improper shoes: Shoes that don't fit properly or provide adequate support can lead to foot, ankle, and knee injuries. Kids are excited to show off their new shoes or cleats, but choosing the right shoes with proper support is vital to your child's safety.

Warning Signs of High School Sports Injuries

There are several warning signs that a high school athlete may be injured. If you notice any of the following, it's important to seek medical attention:

Joint pain that persists after activity
Swelling or bruising around a joint
Limping or abnormal gait
Sharp pain with activity
Weakness or instability in a joint

Prevention and Treatment Tips for Foot and Ankle Injuries from a Podiatrist

Podiatrists are experts in the prevention and treatment of foot and ankle injuries. Here are some tips to help prevent high school sports injuries:

Wear proper shoes: Make sure your high school athlete is wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support. This is especially important for high-impact sports like basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer.
Do a proper warm-up: A proper warm-up will help loosen the muscles and prepare them for activity. It's important to do a full-body warm-up that includes dynamic stretching and light cardio.
Cross train: Incorporating other activities into your high school athlete's training will help reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Swimming, biking, and yoga are all great options.
Listen to your body: If you're feeling pain, it's important to rest and ice the area. Continuing to play through the pain can lead to a more serious injury.

If your high school athlete does suffer an injury, a podiatrist can provide the treatment they need to get back on the field. Treatment will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury but may include:

Ice and rest: This is often the first line of treatment for high school sports injuries. Applying ice to the area for 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles around the injured area and improve the range of motion.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a foot or ankle injury. This is usually only recommended for severe injuries that haven't responded to other treatment methods.

A high school sports injury can be a frustrating and painful experience. With a proper prevention and treatment plan, your high school athlete can get back on the field to do what they love.

If you have any concerns about high school sports injuries, or if your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain due to an injury, please don't hesitate to contact one of our podiatrists trained in sports injuries .

Skin Cancer of the Feet: Symptoms, Causes, and Podiatry Treatments

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:30:16 GMT

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed yearly in the United States. Skin cancer can grow anywhere on the body, but is widespread on the feet. Feet get a lot of sun exposure and are often not protected with sunscreen or clothing.

What are the Top Symptoms of Skin Cancer of the Feet?

Skin cancer on the feet can take many forms, and it is vital to be aware of the symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible.

The most common symptom of skin cancer of the feet is a growth or lesion on the skin. This growth may be:

A new growth that wasn’t there before
A change in an existing mole
A sore that doesn’t heal
Change in the color or texture of the skin

Other symptoms of skin cancer can include:

itching
bleeding
crusting
Scaling

You must see a podiatrist for further evaluation if you have any of these symptoms.

What Causes Skin Cancer of the Feet?

Skin cancer develops when there is damage to the DNA of skin cells. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds causes this DNA damage. The more exposure to UV radiation, the greater the risk for skin cancer.

People who are most at risk for skin cancer of the feet are those who have:

A history of sunburns
Excessive sun exposure
A family history of skin cancer
Fair skin that burns easily

Unprotected sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all types of skin cancer, including skin cancer of the feet.

Podiatry Treatments for Skin Cancer of the Feet

If your podiatrist diagnoses you with skin cancer on your feet, the doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Treatment options will depend on the type, size, and location of the skin cancer.

The most common treatments for skin cancer of the feet are:

Excisional surgery : The skin cancer is cut out along with a margin of healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery : Mohs surgery is a type of surgery that removes skin cancer one layer at a time. Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to see how deep the skin cancer goes and helps to preserve healthy tissue.
Topical chemotherapy : A cream or ointment applied to the skin to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy : High-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells.

These are just a few treatment options for skin cancer on the feet. Your podiatrist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.

How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer of the Feet?

The best way to prevent skin cancer on the feet is to reduce your exposure to UV radiation.

Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
Wear protective clothing , such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants when you are outside.
Seek shade outdoors , especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps . Avoiding tanning beds is easy with our knowledge of the harsh effects of tanning beds.

If you have any concerns about skin cancer on your feet , make an appointment to see a podiatrist. Early detection is critical in the successful treatment of skin cancer.

How can a podiatrist help ease bunion pain?

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:07:19 GMT

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from bunion pain , you know just how debilitating it can be. Bunion pain can make walking, working, or even sleeping difficult. Fortunately, there is help. A podiatrist can provide treatments to help ease your bunion pain. This blog post will discuss the different treatments a podiatrist can offer and how they can help improve your quality of life.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony lump that can form on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions are usually caused by wearing tight, narrow shoes. Over time, this forces your big toe to bend toward your second toe, which can cause the bunion to form. Arthritis and other conditions that affect the bones in your feet can lead to bunions. Bunions can be painful and make it difficult to wear certain types of shoes. If you have a bunion, you may be able to treat it with over-the-counter medication or home remedies. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the bunion.

What Causes Bunions?

Genetics, poorly fitting shoes, and arthritis are common causes of bunions. People with bunions often experience pain when walking or wearing shoes, as well as inflammation and redness around the bunion. In severe cases, bunions can make it difficult to walk or even stand. Bunions can worsen over time and lead to further foot problems if left untreated. If you think you might have a bunion, see a podiatrist for treatment options.

What are Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Bunions?

When most people think of bunions, they think of surgery. However, surgery is not the only treatment option for this common foot deformity. Several non-surgical treatments can help relieve pain and improve the appearance of bunions.

Toe pads and cushions - One standard non-surgical treatment is pads or cushions. These can help reduce pressure on the bunion and prevent it from rubbing against shoes.
Toe spacers and separators - Another non-surgical treatment option is toe spacers or separators. These devices help realign the toe and take pressure off the bunion joint.
Orthotics - Orthotics are another standard non-surgical treatment for bunions. These devices can be custom-made or over-the-counter, and they help to support the foot and relieve pain.
Medication - Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce swelling and pain. For more severe bunions, prescription-strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be necessary. Corticosteroid injections can also reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical therapy - Physical therapists can design stretching and strengthening exercises specifically for bunions. They may also recommend using ultrasound or other treatments to reduce inflammation.

If you have a bunion, talk to your podiatrist about your treatment options.

Orthotics for Bunions

Orthotics for bunions are specialized devices that provide support and relief from pain for those who suffer from this condition. Orthotics help support, align, prevent, or correct deformities and improve movable body parts' function. Orthotics for bunions can help to realign the joint and reduce pain. In some cases, they can also help prevent the deformity's progression. Orthotics for bunions are usually made from silicone or soft materials worn over the sock or directly on the skin. You can purchase them over the counter or custom-made by a podiatrist.

Shoes for Bunions

Fortunately, many companies now offer shoes and footwear designed explicitly for bunions. These products often have extra room in the toe area to accommodate the bunion. They may also feature special padding or support to help relieve discomfort. In addition, many of these shoes are stylish and attractive, so you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. If you're looking for shoes to help ease the pain of your bunions, check out the latest offerings from these specialty companies.

What are the top DIY Bunion Treatments?

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition, but some DIY treatments are effective.

Epsom salt - Soaking the foot in Epsom salt can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Ice Packs - Apply ice packs to help numb the area and speed up healing.
Exercise - Try exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles around the big toe to realign the joint and prevent further deformities.
Maintain a healthy weight - One of the best ways to reduce the risk of bunions is to maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight puts extra pressure on the feet, which can contribute to the development of bunions.
Rest and relax - One of the most effective treatments is to rest and relax. Rest can help reduce swelling and inflammation and give you some much-needed relief from pain. When you put your feet up and take a break from standing and walking, you give your feet a chance to recover from the stress of daily activity.

With some simple at-home treatments, it is possible to manage mild bunions and improve symptoms.

Ditch the High Heels to Reduce Bunion Pain

High heels put extra pressure on the toes, which can eventually lead to bunions. So if you want to avoid bunions, you should stop wearing high heels regularly. This may not be easy, as high heels are often considered essential for various occasions. But it's important to remember that bunions can be extremely painful, so it's probably not worth sacrificing for your health. Next time you're getting ready for a night out, consider leaving the high heels at home. Your feet will thank you in the long run.

What are Surgical Options for Bunions?

Fortunately, there are several surgical treatment options available for bunions. The most common procedure involves cutting out the bunion and realigning the toe. Sometimes, podiatric surgeons may use pins or screws to hold the toe in place while it heals. Other procedures involve breaking and resetting the bone or fusing the joints. While surgery is not always necessary, it may be recommended for severe cases or if non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief.

How Do You Prevent Bunions?

There are some things you can do to prevent bunions from forming:

Wear shoes that fit well and don't put pressure on your toes.
Avoid high heels or other shoes with narrow toe boxes.
Use pads or other devices to keep your toes in alignment.

If you have a family history of bunions, you may be more likely to develop them. But following these preventive measures can help reduce your risk.

Schedule an Appointment with a Podiatrist for Bunion Treatment

What does a podiatry visit for bunion treatment entail?

If you have a bunion, you may be wondering what to expect during your first visit to the podiatrist.

The podiatrist will take a medical history and perform a physical examination during the initial consultation. They will also assess any other foot problems you may have. X-rays help determine the bunion's severity and rule out other conditions. Once a diagnosis has been made, the podiatrist will develop a treatment plan. This may include conservative measures such as orthotics, padding, and shoe modifications.

The first step in treating bunions is to make an appointment with a podiatrist. During your visit, they will assess your condition and develop a treatment plan to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.

Contact a local podiatrist to learn more about bunion treatment.

What is a Podiatrist? | Guide to Podiatry and Foot and Ankle Care

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 17:57:20 GMT

A Podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating problems with the feet and ankles. Podiatrists can treat various conditions, from bunions and hammertoe to plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. In addition to providing medical care, Podiatrists also play an essential role in preventing foot and ankle injuries. For example, they can advise on choosing the right shoes and how to care for your feet properly. Whether you are experiencing pain or want to maintain healthy feet, visiting the podiatrist can help you take care of your most important asset: your feet.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower leg disorders. Podiatrists work with patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. They often treat disease or overuse injuries, such as bunions, heel pain, and Achilles tendonitis. In addition to providing medical care, podiatrists may also perform surgery to correct problems with the bones and soft tissues of the foot and ankle.

Podiatrists play an essential role in keeping people mobile and active. By diagnosing and treating conditions that can cause pain and disability, they help patients stay on their feet and avoid potential complications. With their knowledge of the structure and function of the foot and ankle, podiatrists are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for all kinds of foot and lower leg problems.

Is a Podiatrist a Doctor?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. A podiatrist attends a four-year podiatric medical school and completes a residency program. After completing their education and training, podiatrists receive a license from the state where they will be practicing. However, they are not medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). MDs and DOs are licensed to practice all branches of medicine, while podiatrists are licensed to practice podiatric medicine.

Podiatrist Education and Training

Podiatry education and training are essential for podiatrists to treat foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions effectively. Podiatric medical schools offer accredited podiatric medical programs that lead to the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. After completing a podiatric medical program and passing board examinations, podiatrists must complete a residency program in podiatric surgery. Podiatric residencies typically last three years and include training in general surgery, orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, dermatology, radiology, primary podiatric medicine, and podiatric surgery. In addition, podiatrists must obtain a state license to practice podiatry. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Generally, they require the successful completion of exams and a criminal background check. Podiatrists who want to specialize in a particular practice area may also choose to complete a fellowship program. Fellowship programs typically last one to two years and provide advanced surgical techniques, research methods, and clinical care training.

What are the Top Podiatry Schools in the US?

There are nine schools in which to study podiatric medicine in the US.

What Conditions Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Visiting the podiatrist can be a valuable step in maintaining your overall health. A podiatrist is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists train to recognize the early signs of serious problems, such as diabetes and arthritis, and to provide prompt treatment that can help prevent further damage. Podiatrists treat common conditions, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, Achilles tendonitis, and Morton's neuroma. In addition to providing medical treatment, podiatrists also advise patients on how to protect their feet from further injury and how to maintain healthy feet through proper hygiene and shoe selection.

What Injuries Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists treat common injuries, including fractures, sprains, strains, and bruises. A podiatrist can treat a wide range of foot and ankle injuries, including:

Achilles tendon rupture
Ankle fractures
Arthritis
Bunions
Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
Ingrown toenails
Neuromas
Warts

Surgery may be necessary to correct some injuries. Patients may require surgery to fix foot and ankle problems in some cases. A podiatrist can also prescribe medication or other treatment options, such as orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts).

Do Podiatrists Perform Surgery?

Podiatrists train to perform surgery. Many podiatrists specialize in surgical treatments for problems affecting the feet and ankles. Patients often need surgery to correct problems with the bones, ligaments, or tendons in the foot or ankle. For example, a podiatrist may need to repair a fracture, correct a deformity, or remove a tumor. Podiatrists also perform surgery to treat conditions like bunions, hammertoe, and ingrown toenails. Your podiatrist will carefully evaluate your condition and determine if surgery is your best treatment option.

Some standard podiatric surgical procedures include:

Bunionectomy
Hammertoe correction
Arthroscopic surgery
Tendon repair
Fusion surgery

What Kind of Patients Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists treat patients of all ages and backgrounds who are experiencing problems with their feet, ankles, or lower legs, including children, adults, and seniors.

What are the Top Reasons to See a Podiatrist?

There are many reasons to see a podiatrist. Here are the top three.

Prevention - First, podiatrists can help you prevent foot and ankle injuries. They can do this by ensuring that your shoes fit properly and by providing you with custom orthotics to support your feet. They can also help you recover from an injury by creating a rehabilitation plan that will help you strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion.
Treatment - Second, podiatrists can help you treat conditions that affect your feet and ankles, such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. They can prescribe medication to relieve pain and inflammation and perform surgeries to correct some problems.
Education - Third, podiatrists can provide you with guidance on how to take care of your feet. Regular foot care is critical if you have diabetes or another condition that puts you at risk for foot problems. Podiatrists can teach you how to care for your feet properly and avoid injuries.

What Should You Expect at a Podiatry Appointment?

At your first podiatry appointment, the doctor will likely ask about your medical history and any problems you're experiencing with your feet. They will also conduct a physical examination of your feet, looking for any signs of infection, deformity, or other problems. In some cases, X-rays or other imaging tests may be necessary to get a better look at your feet. The doctor may also ask you to walk so that they can assess your gait (the way you walk). The doctor will develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs based on all of this information.

In some cases, this may involve simple lifestyle changes, such as wearing different shoes or taking over-the-counter pain medication. More aggressive treatment, such as surgery, may be necessary in other cases. Regardless of the specific course of treatment, the goal is to improve the health and function of your feet.

Does Insurance Cover Podiatry Visits?

The answer to this question varies depending on the individual insurance plan. Some insurance plans do cover podiatry visits, while others do not. Contact your insurance company directly to determine if your insurance plan covers podiatry visits. Most insurance companies are happy to provide this information to their customers. If your insurance company does not cover podiatry visits, there are still ways to get the care you need. Often, podiatrists offer discounts to patients who pay out-of-pocket for their services. Some podiatrists offer sliding scale fees based on a patient's income. Podiatrists want their patients to be able to get the care they need, so they are usually willing to work with patients to find a way to make it happen. No matter your situation, there is likely a way for you to see a podiatrist and get the care you need.

Should I Visit a Podiatrist Every Year?

The simple answer is that you should visit a podiatrist every year for a check-up, but there are exceptions to this rule. If you have diabetes, you should see a podiatrist at least four times per year so that they can monitor your feet and look for signs of nerve damage or poor circulation. If you have any other foot conditions, such as bunions or hammertoes, you should also visit a podiatrist regularly. Even if you don't have any foot problems, it's still a good idea to visit a podiatrist once per year for a general check-up. You can catch any issues early and get treatment before they become serious.

Do I Need a Referral to See a Podiatrist?

You may have heard that you need a referral from your doctor to see a specialist, but this isn't always the case. In most states, you can see a podiatrist without a referral. However, there are some exceptions. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or another managed care plan, you may need a referral. Check with your insurance company to be sure. Even if you don't need a referral, it's always a good idea to let your doctor know when you're seeing another type of healthcare provider. This way, your doctor can coordinate your care and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Schedule an Appointment With a Trained Podiatrist

Do you have foot pain? Do your heels hurt when you wake up in the morning? Do you have diabetes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider visiting a podiatrist for a foot and ankle consultation. You don't have to live with foot pain. Get quality and professional care from a trained foot and ankle specialist.

Guide to Arthritis Treatment for Feet and Ankles

Fri, 27 May 2022 17:31:34 GMT

Arthritis can be a debilitating disease that affects many body parts, including the feet and ankles. If you are struggling with arthritis in your feet or ankles, you may be looking for information on arthritis treatment . This blog post will provide a guide to arthritis treatment for feet and ankles. We will discuss the different types of arthritis treatment available and the benefits and risks of each type. We hope this blog post will help you find relief from your arthritis symptoms.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, including the feet and ankles. There are many different types of arthritis, but the three most common types associated with the feet and ankles are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Types

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joints.

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid is in the body. Gout can cause crystals to form in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and redness.

What Causes Arthritis of the Feet and Ankles?

Many different factors can contribute to arthritis of the feet and ankles. Age is a significant risk factor, as arthritis is more common in older adults. Other risk factors include genetics, previous joint injury, and obesity.

What Causes Arthritis to Flare Up?

Many things can trigger arthritis flares, including weather changes, stress, and infection. Overuse of the joints or not getting enough rest can lead to arthritis flares.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. However, common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joints. These symptoms can make it difficult to walk or even stand for long periods.

What are the Treatment Options for Arthritis of the Feet and Ankles?

There are many different treatment options available for arthritis of the feet and ankles. The best treatment option for you will depend on the type of arthritis, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health.

Standard treatment options include:

Pain relief medications: over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Steroid injections: these injections can help to reduce inflammation in the joints.
Physical therapy: physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve the range of motion of the affected joints.
Surgery: in some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged joints.

Benefits of pain relief medications for arthritis

There are many different benefits of pain relief medications for arthritis. Pain relief medications can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. They can also help to improve the range of motion and increase mobility. In some cases, pain relief medications can also help prevent further damage to the joints.

Risks of pain relief medications for arthritis

There are also some risks associated with pain relief medications for arthritis. These medications can cause side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness. In some cases, they can also interact with other medications. It’s essential to speak with your podiatrist about the potential risks and benefits of pain relief medications.

Benefits of steroid injections for arthritis

Steroid injections can be an effective treatment for arthritis. They can help reduce inflammation in the joints and improve the range of motion. In some cases, they can also help prevent further damage to the joints.

Risks of steroid injections for arthritis

There are some risks associated with steroid injections for arthritis. These risks include pain at the injection site, infection, and tissue damage. In some cases, the steroids can also leak into the surrounding tissues and cause side effects such as weight gain, acne, and mood swings. It’s important to speak with your podiatrist about the potential risks of steroid injections.

Benefits of physical therapy for arthritis

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for arthritis. It can help to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve the range of motion. Physical therapy can also help to increase mobility and reduce pain. In some cases, it can also help prevent further damage to the joints.

Risks of physical therapy for arthritis

When done correctly, physical therapy has few risks, but if done incorrectly, strain or further injury to the affected joints can occur. It’s important to speak with your podiatrist about the potential dangers of physical therapy before starting any new treatment.

Benefits of surgery for arthritis

Surgery can be an effective treatment for arthritis. It can help to repair damaged joints or remove bone spurs. Surgery can also help to improve the range of motion and increase mobility. In some cases, it can also help prevent further damage to the joints.

Risks of surgery for arthritis

There are some risks associated with surgery for arthritis. These risks include infection, bleeding, and blood clots. In some cases, the surgery can also cause nerve damage. It’s important to speak with your podiatrist about the potential risks and benefits of surgery before starting any new treatment program or surgical intervention.

How to Manage Foot and Ankle Pain Caused by Arthritis

There are many different ways to manage foot and ankle pain caused by arthritis. Some common management strategies include:

Rest: take a break from activities that aggravate your symptoms.
Ice: apply ice to the affected joints for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
Compression: wear compression socks or wrap the affected joints in an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
Elevation: keep the affected joints elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.
Exercise: low-impact exercises can help to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve range of motion.
Wear supportive shoes: wear shoes that provide support and cushioning to the joints.

Is There a Cure for Arthritis of the Feet and Ankles?

There is no cure for arthritis of the feet and ankles.

Contact a Podiatrist for Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you are struggling with arthritis of the foot or ankle, it is important to talk to your podiatrist about the best treatment options. There are many different treatments available, and the best choice for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. With the proper treatment, you can find relief from your arthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life!

Contact a podiatrist today for relief from chronic pain associated with arthritis.

Visit a Podiatrist for these Top 5 Foot and Ankle Symptoms

Fri, 20 May 2022 13:09:33 GMT

Are you currently experiencing a foot and ankle problem? Some foot-related conditions and diseases exhibit specific symptoms, putting you on notice. While your symptoms may be related to something minor, they could also signify that a significant foot or ankle problem is becoming worse.

If you happen to experience any new, unusual, or painful symptoms in your feet and ankles, understanding the potential causes and the potential treatments available will help get you started on your journey back to foot and ankle health.

According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, the best way to prevent ankle injuries is to maintain good strength, muscle balance, and flexibility.

Importance of Foot and Ankle Health

The foot and ankle involve an intricate and interconnected network of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that all work together. This network provides your body with the stability it needs to function properly. The last thing you want to experience is a foot or ankle injury, like sprains and strains, as injuries can potentially make it so your feet and ankles provide you with less stability and support.

Poor foot and ankle health can even get in the way of your ability to perform your everyday responsibilities. Understanding some of the more common symptoms associated with foot and ankle problems helps to ensure your feet and ankles are always in good health. If you happen to experience one or more of the below symptoms, making an appointment with an experienced podiatrist is your next step.

Top Foot And Ankle Symptoms

Foot and ankle injuries are common, especially among those who participate in sports and high-impact exercises. Foot and ankle injuries tend to be more common when playing football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

See below to learn about the top symptoms people experience in their feet and ankles when something is wrong. If you're experiencing one or more of the below symptoms, know that these are warning signs that require you to see a podiatrist as a precautionary measure.

1. Swelling In The Feet And Ankles

Potential Causes: Pregnancy, Injury, Infections, Blood Clots, Edema, Damaged Valves, Poor-Fitting Shoes, Hot Weather

Potential Treatments: Exercising More Often, Increasing Fluids, Leg Elevation, Losing Weight, Taking Medications, Avoid Alcohol, Surgery, Making Healthy Lifestyle Changes, Proper-Fitting Shoes

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Diabetes, Heart Disease, Liver Disease, Kidney Disease

2. Heel Pain

Potential Causes: Vitamin Deficiency, Obesity, Poor-Fitting Shoes, Heel Spurs, Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)

Possible Treatments: Rest, Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medications, Night Splints, Heel Lifts, Proper-Fitting Shoes, Performing Special Exercises

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinitis, Bursitis, Achilles Tendon Rupture, Bone Tumor, Paget's Disease of Bone, Diabetes

3. Pain Of The Big Toe And Toenail

Potential Causes: Injury, Overstrains, Ingrown Toenail, Fungal Infection, Bunions, Poor-Fitting Shoes

Possible Treatments: Heat, Ice Therapy, Epson Salt Soak, Prescription, and Over-The-Counter Medications, Surgery, Proper-Fitting Shoes, Performing Special Exercises

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Diabetes, Gout (a painful type of arthritis), Morton’s Toe, Turf Toe

4. Loss Of Feeling, Numbness, Or Tingling In The Feet And Toes

Potential Causes: Injury, Infection, Poor-Fitting Shoes (Compression), Peripheral Neuropathy, Nerve Damage, Chronic Alcohol Abuse

Possible Treatments: Rest, Massage, Supportive Devices, Proper-Fitting Shoes, Antidepressants, Corticosteroids, Healthy Diet, Alcohol Avoidance

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Peripheral Artery Disease, Fibromyalgia, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Sciatica

5. Pain And Stiffness In The Feet, Ankles, Or Toes

Potential Causes: Poor-Fitting Shoes, Soft-Tissue Injuries, Overuse, Inflammation, Wear And Tear In Joint Cartilage

Possible Treatments: Rest, Performing Special Exercises, Proper-Fitting Shoes, Prescription, and Over-The-Counter Medications, Surgery

Associated Diseases, Conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Post-Traumatic Arthritis, Peripheral Neuropathy

The Bottom Line on Foot and Ankle Health

When you understand the potential causes of a foot or ankle injury, you can take the preventive measures necessary that can help you avoid being diagnosed with future podiatry problems. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. It’s always easier to treat foot and ankle issues early.

As foot and ankle issues can range from the very simple to the relatively complex, anytime you’re experiencing symptoms in these areas, you should schedule an appointment with a professional podiatrist for a full evaluation.

How Nutrition Can Affect Your Feet

Mon, 09 May 2022 17:34:52 GMT

How do you keep your feet healthy? Making sure you’re getting proper nutrition is one of the easiest ways to take care of your feet. Inspecting, cleansing, moisturizing, keeping them dry, and wearing the right shoes are top ways to ensure your feet are healthy as well. You can learn how to make the right food choices to support your feet.

Practice Good Nutrition for Healthy Feet

Just like the rest of your body, your feet also flourish when receiving certain nutrients. When you choose to eat foods that support healthy feet, you’re doing what’s necessary to keep your overall foot health. Many foot-related issues can be prevented by simply consuming the proper nutrients. By integrating suitable nutrients into your everyday diet, you’re taking the proactive measures necessary to prevent yourself from being diagnosed with any number of foot problems, conditions, or diseases.

Nutrition and Foot Care Strategy

Creating a foot care strategy requires you to follow an everyday foot care routine. It also means figuring out which foods can support your good foot health. Your food choices directly impact the overall health of your feet. Your feet need certain types of nutrients to function correctly, as well as prevent injury or disease. For example, calcium supports strong bones. If you consume the right amount of calcium, you’re less likely to experience foot-related problems like osteoporosis or heel spurs.

As inflammation is the underlying cause of many foot-related problems, you must make sure you choose the best foods known to support good foot health. Common foot conditions caused by or made worse by inflammation include plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.

What are the Best Healthy Foods for Foot Health?

How can good nutrition affect foot health? Keeping solid bones, ligaments, joints, and muscles in your feet is always a goal. If you’re ready to eat for the health of your feet, you need to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients. As you’ll want to stay within your calorie intake for the day, consider choosing nutrient-dense foods.

Protein – Protein helps rebuild the body. Lean meats, cottage cheese, and tofu are all great sources of healthy proteins.
Vegetables – Vegetables are necessary for keeping muscles strong and helping repair muscle tissue. Raw vegetables offer the most nutrients, i.e., broccoli, and bell peppers.
Fruits – Include antioxidants and are high in fiber. Oranges, apples, bananas, and strawberries are some of the more nutritious fruits.
Vitamin A – Supports a healthy immune system. Carrots, sweet potato, cantaloupe, and winter squash make great vitamin A foods.
Vitamin B – Supports good nerve health, a nutrient that’s especially important if you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes. Tuna, eggs, and salmon are excellent sources of vitamin B.
Vitamin C – Helps keep inflammation at bay. Oranges, tomatoes, and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D – Essential for strong bones and helps in improving overall muscle functioning. Salmon (nutrient-dense), mushrooms, sardines (nutrient-dense), and tuna are all great sources for consuming vitamin D.
Calcium – Supports strong bones. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy green vegetables are excellent sources of calcium.
Omega-3 – Assists in reducing inflammation. Salmon (nutrient-dense), walnuts, eggs, and olive oil are all high in omega-3s and help combat inflammation within the joints.
Spices – Anti-inflammatory spices include turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger.
Antioxidants – Assists in reducing inflammation and fighting off diseases. Pecans, blueberries (nutrient-dense), and dark chocolate are top antioxidant food choices.

Foods that Affect Foot Health Negatively

How can bad nutrition affect foot health negatively? Inflammation is the underlying cause of many foot-related problems, including tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. Many foods include harmful ingredients that can cause inflammation, making it necessary for you to avoid consuming these ingredients to experience good foot health. Purine-rich foods can cause gout attacks, making it a good idea to specifically avoid organ meals, fried foods high in fat, and alcohol.

It can be difficult for many to avoid eating sweets, so consider modifying a favorite treat that doesn’t include refined sugar. Healthier sugar replacement options include honey and maple syrup.

Refined Sugar
HFCS
White Flour
Trans Fats
Omega-6 Fats, Vegetable Oils
Red Meat, Processed Meat
Sodium
Alcohol

Conclusion

Part of protecting the wellness of your feet is consuming the nutrients that are known to support healthy feet. Getting the nutrition your feet need to function starts with a balanced diet properly. Consuming nutrients that help prevent you from experiencing foot problems and assist in the healing process is easy to do and well worth the time spent.

Ways To Keep Your Feet Healthy And Safe During Exercise

Mon, 02 May 2022 19:36:03 GMT

Keeping your feet healthy and safe when exercising helps support your good foot health. Whenever you're engaged in any form of exercise you must learn how to take care o f your feet, and it doesn't matter whether you're working out in a gym, participating in your favorite sport, or going on long leisurely walks. Protecting your feet when engaging in any form of exercise helps prevent you from suffering any foot-related problems, which becomes even more important as you age.

Keeping Your Feet Healthy When Exercising

If you’ve made a commitment to exercise more this year, understand there are benefits as well as potential issues and/or risks you should know about when it comes to your foot health. Benefits include gaining strength, mobility, and flexibility in your feet. Potential issues and/or risks include experiencing foot problems due to wearing poor footwear and not taking breaks when performing high-intensity workouts.

Keep Your Feet Safe During Exercise

Just like yo u warm up your body before exercising, you should also warm up your feet. As there are many different types of foot stretches you can perform, choose three to start with and then rotate. Simply pick your favorite stretch exercises and/or the ones that you feel will best benefit your feet and ankles.

Wear The Right Shoes

Knowing whether you have a flat foot or a high arch helps you choose the right type of exercise shoe, and wearing the right shoes is one of the best ways to keep your feet safe while you're exercising.

Clean And Dry Feet

Keep your feet clean and dry when exercising as you want to avoid getting a bacterial virus or a fungus, which is quite common in public exercise areas, like gyms. Be sure to wear flip-flops after exercising when in the locker room or taking a public shower.

Ways To Protect Your Feet When Working Out

The two main ways you can protect your feet when working out? Wear the appropriate shoes and take regular breaks in between high-performance exercises.

Wear Appropriate Shoes For The Type Of Exercise You Are Performing

Wearing the right shoes is one of the best ways you can keep your feet both healthy and safe when exercising. The best shoes for exercising are those that support the optimal movement, making proper support and comfort key. If you participate in a certain type of exercise a minimum of twice a week, then you should consider getting shoes designed specifically for that exercise activity. Be sure to measure your feet every few years or so. As we age our feet tend to get wider, making it so you may need to wear a different size.

Rest Between High Impact Exercises

Avoid excessive impact forces on your feet by taking a break after engaging in a high-impact workout. You can take a break by completely resting or by participating in a low-impact exercise, like yoga. You can also participate in cross-training, which varies your exercising activities so you can avoid repetitive or excessive impact to your feet.

How To Recognize Signs Of A Foot Or Ankle Injury

All types of exercise involve your feet and ankles, so you should avoid the potential for strains and always be aware of wear and tear injuries. You don’t want to worsen a potential injury or overstrain your muscles while exercising, which both can lead to your experiencing inflammation in your feet and/or ankles.

Never, ever ignore any type of ache or pain you feel you feel in your feet or ankles. Protecting your ankles when exercising is especially important if you’ve had a previous ankle injury. Additional signs of a foot or ankle injury include:

Pain
Tenderness
Swelling
Bruising
Limited Range Of Motion
Instability
A Popping Sound
Difficulty Walking

Bottom Line

Participating in regular exercise is important to your overall health. To avoid experiencing a foot or ankle injury you must keep your feet healthy and safe during exercise. Following the above guidelines will assist in keeping your feet healthy and safe, no matter what exercise option you choose to participate in. If you happen to experience any signs of a foot or ankle injury during or after exercising, be sure to make an appointment with a podiatrist for potential treatment.

Making regular visits with a podiatrist helps to ensure your feet are always in good health!

Make Foot Health A Priority In 2022

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:33:21 GMT

Making healthier food choices, exercising more, and getting a better night’s rest are three top health-related aspirations. But what about foot health? While not intentional, most people take their good foot health for granted and don’t even think about the health of their feet until a problem arises. This is why one of your health goals for 2022 should include making your foot health a priority.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, approximately 20% of the US population has at least one foot problem annually.

Be Proactive

There are many reasons why someone would experience a foot problem. Poor fitting shoes and living with health problems, like diabetes and obesity, are two of the more common reasons. As good foot health is necessary for you to live an active life, don’t wait until something happens to one or both of your feet before you start paying attention. Instead, take some proactive steps that are known to support good foot health.

Prevention is key and doesn’t require a lot of your time, making it ideal for you to learn what you can do to prevent foot problems from forming in the first place.

Making Foot Health A Priority In 2022

The last thing you want to happen is to experience a foot problem that prevents you from performing your everyday activities. Just imagine how difficult this would be! You have the power to prevent, or at the very least minimize, your chances of experiencing any type of foot health problem.

What can you specifically do to make your foot health a priority in 2022?

Create A Simple Daily Foot Care Regime

Thoroughly inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, etc. The more you get to know your feet, the easier it’ll be to know when there's a problem. Moisturize your feet every day. After showering, be sure to thoroughly dry your feet and then add a deep moisturizer. When cutting your toenails, cut them straight across and don't cut them too short.

Exercise

Walking is a simple exercise, and one of the more beneficial for good foot health. Walking helps keep your foot muscles in shape, as well as keeps the blood circulating through your feet, of which both support healthy feet. Performing some gentle stretching exercises for both your feet and ankles also keep muscles strong and helps prevent injury. Any form of exercise helps keep you at a healthy weight, and that’s important as excess weight places a lot of pressure on your feet and can lead to your experiencing a variety of foot problems.

Schedule Regular Pedicures

Getting pedicures regularly is an easy way for you to provide your feet with the basic care they need to stay healthy. Professional pedicures deep clean your feet, removing the bacteria that can cause nail disease and foot odor.

Get Foot Massages

A foot massage feels great and offers many foot health benefits! Three of the more benefits include improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and transporting oxygen throughout the whole body,

Avoid Wearing ‘Bad’ Shoes

Avoid wearing high heels and flip-flops often. High heels shift your body weight forward, making it so most of your weight is being absorbed by the front part of your feet. This can potentially lead to your experiencing hammertoes, calluses, and bunions. Flip-flops don't offer the arch support and heel cushioning your feet need. This can potentially lead to your experiencing an overuse in your tendons and muscles not only in your feet but also in your hips and back.

Get New Shoes

Once your shoes begin to wear and lose support, you should replace them. A good rule of thumb is to replace your shoes every 500 miles or so to avoid experiencing any foot and/or heel pain.

Keep Your Feet Safe

Always wear shoes in public places to avoid getting an infection, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, plantar warts, etc.

Eat Healthily

What you choose to eat affects your entire body, including your feet! Foods that specifically support healthy feet include almonds, berries, salmon, and leafy green vegetables. Foods to avoid include sugar, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates.

Visit A Podiatrist For A Check-Up

Visiting a podiatrist regularly is important, especially if you're already experiencing any type of foot issue.

Conclusion

Be sure to add healthy feet to your list of priorities this year! Paying attention to the health of your feet is the best way for you to avoid experiencing any foot problems. Don't take your feet for granted and instead follow the above foot health recommendations that support the overall health of your feet.

What Causes Pain on the Top of the Foot?

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 20:59:52 GMT

Are you currently experiencing pain on the top of your foot? While most people tend to experience pain in their heels, the ball of a foot, and/or the inner side of their ankle, some experience pain on the top of their feet. Learning about some of the causes of top foot pain, as well as what treatment options are available, is your next step when living with pain on the top of one or both of your feet.

According to Hopkins Medicine, foot pain can be debilitating to an active lifestyle.

What Causes Pain on the Top of the Foot?

There are many different issues that may cause you to experience pain on the top of your foot. Feet include an intricate structure of bones, tendons, and muscles. Whether it's outside or inside forces that cause the foot pain you're currently experiencing, your goal is to figure out what's causing your pain so you can properly address it.

While top foot pain is often the result of simple overuse, it can also stem from dropping something directly on the foot or even by being diagnosed with certain diseases. Some people experience top foot pain and have no idea how it happened.

See the below top reasons for why someone would experience any level of top foot pain.

Overuse aka Extensor Tendonitis . Overuse is the #1 reason for experiencing pain on the top of one’s foot. Running, jumping, and kicking are 3 of the more common overuse activities that directly affect the extensor tendons, which are located on the top of the foot. Once these tendons become torn or inflamed they can easily lead to one experiencing a great deal of top foot pain.

Bone Spurs . A bone spur diagnosis is a common reason for experiencing pain on the top of one's foot. Bone spurs tend to form where bones rub together. If the spurs happen to form near the toe area they can cause severe top foot pain. Top foot pain caused by bone spurs ranges from mild to severe and requires professional treatment to correct and manage the pain.

Stress Fractures . Stress fractures that occur in the metatarsal bones often lead to top food pain as these bones are located on the top of the foot. Most people experience stress fractures when they overdo it when participating in repetitive activities. A navicular stress fracture is one of the more common types of stress fractures that can cause the top of the foot to be quite painful. Swelling is a secondary symptom.

Nerve Pressure . Morton’s Syndrome is an example of a foot condition that can put so much pressure on a nerve that it causes pain on the top of one's foot. Dorsal Compression Syndrome is another type of condition that causes nerve pressure between the bones, leading to one experiencing pain on the top of one or both of their feet.

Chronic Diseases . Being diagnosed with certain health issues, like diabetes and arthritis, can cause one to experience pain on the top of their feet. Specifically, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Raynaud’s disease, and Graves’ disease are all directly related to top foot pain.

Ill-Fitting Footwear. Wearing poorly fitting shoes that don't properly support your feet can potentially lead to your experiencing long-term foot pain. Wearing tight-fitting shoes can also lead to a diagnosis of extensor tendonitis and thus should always be avoided.

How Can a Podiatrist Help with Pain on the Top of the Foot?

When it comes to how a podiatrist will treat top of the foot pain, it depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain. Those who aren't sure why they're experiencing top foot pain can expect a podiatrist to ask them some questions in order to help determine the initial reason for their top foot pain.

The list below includes the treatment options podiatrists use to treat pain located at the top of one’s foot.

Treatment Options :

Foot mobilization therapy
Ice. heat therapy
Massage therapy
Resting, limiting activities
Laser treatment
Ultrasound treatment
Shockwave treatment
Dry needling
Strapping and paddling
Stretching and/or strengthening exercises
Footwear advice aka custom orthotics
Temporary walking boot
Prescribing pain relief medication
Surgery as a last resort

Need a Foot Specialist?

It’s important for you to know the reason for your experiencing top foot pain, as this information allows you to put preventive measures in place. If you don't know the cause of your foot pain and/or have already tried to address the pain without success, contacting a podiatrist for professional assistance is necessary. Never underestimate the importance of your feet as they carry you wherever you need to go!

What Are The Benefits Of Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy?

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 15:23:18 GMT

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that impacts the toenails. Fungal toenail infections are fairly common, with those who have it experiencing mild to severe symptoms. Once a patient is diagnosed with a case of toenail fungus they’ll need to undergo treatment as this hard-to-treat infection won’t heal on its own. If left untreated, any symptoms experienced will only continue to worsen. Laser toenail fungus therapy is a top treatment option.

What Are Other Treatment Options For Toenail Fungus?

Common treatment options for toenail fungus include taking oral medications, applying topical antifungal medications, or a combination of both. Medications prescribed be a podiatrist offer a higher rate of success. Patients who don't respond to prescription medicines may need to undergo laser toenail fungus therapy to effectively treat the toenail fungus.

What Is Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy?

What is the process of laser toenail fungus removal? Today's laser technologies allow a podiatrist to perform a laser procedure to address ongoing toenail fungus problems. This treatment therapy offers patients suffering from constant fungal infection-related toenail problems the chance to finally be fungal-free. How does it work? Toenail fungus therapy works by using the laser’s beam to create heat, in turn killing the organisms that are causing the toenail to be infected.

Toenail fungus often thrives at the base of a nail. Laser therapy penetrates both the toenail and the soft tissue. This not only immediately kills the hard-to-target fungus, it also promotes new and healthy nail growth. When it comes to how long it takes for laser toenail fungus therapy to work, most patients can expect to fully heal within 6 to 9 months.

Benefits of Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy

Patients who decide to undergo laser therapy to treat toenail fungus often do so after learning about the many benefits that come with choosing this common laser procedure. Once a patient’s treatment session is over they can expect their toenail(s) to begin growing healthy nail tissue within a matter of weeks.

Heat Kills The Fungus . The main benefit that comes with undergoing laser treatment is that lasers completely destroy the fungus. The heat generated from the laser immediately eliminates the fungus, making this an extremely efficient treatment option for healing fungus in a patient’s toenails.

Little Discomfort . The process of performing laser toenail fungus removal is one that causes very little, if any discomfort to the patient. Patients who do experience any level of discomfort often does so within the first 48 hours after undergoing the laser procedure. Laser therapy doesn't require patients to take anesthesia.

Simple Procedure . Laser treatments take between 5 and 15 minutes to perform, depending on the patient’s overall severity. Many patients only require one treatment to experience successful results. Patients who need more than one treatment must wait 30 days between treatments.

Fast Results . How long does it take for laser toenail fungus therapy to work? Laser therapy for treating toenail fungus is a fast treatment option. This means patients who undergo laser treatment will begin to experience immediate relief. Patients receive fast results due to the laser's ability to immediately kill the fungus.

No Side Effects . Are there any side effects to laser toenail fungus therapy? Patients will experience no negative side effects when choosing to treat their toenail fungus problems utilizing the latest in laser toenail fungus therapy technology. This makes this a completely safe medical procedure to address and treat ongoing and/or severe toenail fungus problems.

Quick Recovery Time. Patients can expect to recover from undergoing laser therapy within 2 weeks. Patients have the ability to recover quickly as using a laser to treat toenail fungus reduces the amount of swelling and helps to minimize the formation of scar tissue.

Who Is Eligible Or Recommended For Laser Toenail Therapy?

In other words, are there any patients who are not recommended for laser nail fungus removal? Patients not approved to undergo laser nail fungus removal include pregnant or nursing women, those who have pigmented lesions or ingrown toenails, or anyone diagnosed with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, or arterial insufficiency.

Good To Know

Many people struggle to get rid of their toenail fungus problem once and for all. Fungus removal is often difficult to treat because the fungus can get into the layers of a toenail, even growing underneath the nail. Toenail fungus not only can get in the way of one’s ability to perform their everyday duties, it can potentially spread to other parts of the body.

If you're currently experiencing ongoing toenail fungus problems, making an appointment with a podiatrist to learn whether you should undergo laser toenail therapy is your next step.

Sports Medicine and Podiatry

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 19:23:42 GMT

What is Sports Medicine?

At Upperline Foot and Ankle, we believe that sports medicine isn't just for elite athletes, but for anyone having issues with their feet and ankles. If you have an injury that's keeping you from doing what you enjoy, podiatric sports medicine is for you. Don't miss out on your favorite winter activities due to foot or ankle pain.

H. Austin Hewlett, DPM, FACFAS - Podiatrist at Upperline Foot and Ankle.

Elevator Podiatrist - Corns and Calluses - Dr. Mike King

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:19:46 GMT

Michael King, DPM, FACFAS, FASPS, Chief Medical Officer at Upperline Health , discusses the difference in corns and calluses on the feet, how to prevent corns and calluses, different treatment options, the effectiveness of OTC treatments, and when to see a podiatrist for corns and calluses.

The Trouble with Heels

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 15:47:21 GMT

High heels have been a mainstay in fashionable footwear for as long as time itself. Although not typically recommended by podiatrists, high heels are here to stay, especially as more and more people enter the workplace after a period of staying home.

What are the Potential Foot and Ankle Issues Caused by Wearing High Heels?

Every podiatrist understands the potential for foot and ankle problems that are created when wearing high heels. Bunions, hammertoes, metatarsalgia, corns, calluses, neuromas, ankle sprains and ingrown toenails are all conditions that are directly caused by or, at the very least, made worse by tight-fitting, high heeled shoes.

It’s important that we inform patients who purchase high heels of the potential risks and offer insight into how to make these otherwise ill-fitting shoes safer for them to wear.

Foot Size Discrepancies

Feet often change size, even going up a full size as we age, give birth, or experience health issues. Patients often comment on a specific brand of shoe fitting better than another, when in truth, foot sizing isn’t regulated. And most patients haven’t had their feet properly sized since they were young. It’s important to note that a proper shoe fitting every few years from a professional is essential to purchasing proper footwear.

Proper Measurement

The Brannock Foot-Measuring Device was patented in 1927 and is still the standard for foot measuring. Heel-to-ball measurement is the preferred reference for purchasing heels. A properly-fitting heel has full arch support, eliminating the need to rest most of one’s weight on just one join in the ball of the foot.

Why Heels Are Troubling

Heel slippage occurs when the shoe has more volume than the foot. Consequently, the foot slides forward and the heel repeatedly slips out.

This may result in hammertoes due to the toes gripping as an attempt to stop the slide. Bunions and neuromas are common issues with frequent high heel use. Plantar fasciitis and stress fractures are also common in patients who wear high heels on a consistent basis.

The Solution

While there isn’t a recommended way to wear high heels, there are a few solutions that may help alleviate issues.

Patients should seek out a larger toe box and lower heel. This helps with stability of the arch and lessens the imbalance of weight distribution. Also, patients should consider only wearing high heels for part of their day and avoid pointy toe styles, preferring platform and kitten heels (keeping in mind platform heels often lead to ankle injuries. Yikes!)

As high heels will inevitably continue to be a part of our culture, making a few small changes can assure that patients maintain proper foot and ankle health.

If there is a change to your overall foot health, or if you are in immediate pain due to inflammation or swelling, call your local Upperline Health podiatrist immediately.

Don’t Fear Bunion Surgery

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 14:25:57 GMT

There’s nothing spooky about bunion treatment…

Is your life limited by pain from a bunion; a bump protruding from behind your big toe?

Has it stopped you from enjoying the changing seasons with a nice walk or bike ride due to shoe pain?

Bunions, most commonly found in women, can be embarrassing as well as extremely painful. It occurs when bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out.

Bunion Treatment

The good news is It CAN be fixed! If you take action now, you could be ready to parade your favorite footwear in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Bunions, or hallux valg us in medical terms, are one of the most common successful surgeries your podiatric physician can fix for you. Your Upperline Health team offers the most state-of-the-art approaches to bunion correction; performed by board certified foot and ankle su rgeons. We can get you back on your feet and back to the activities you love relatively quickly.

Fearful of bunion surgery? No one should look forward to surgery, but one can look forward to returning to a comfortable active lifestyle. Let our doctors explain to you the options available and how we can get you back to your favorite shoes, activities and enjoy the holiday seasons again.

Do You Have Peripheral Artery Disease?

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 18:05:20 GMT

If you're currently experiencing any type of leg problems, you may have Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Arterial problems lead to poor circulation, which in turn can cause you to experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms in one or more of your limbs. These symptoms can be minor, causing you minimal discomfort. These symptoms can also be major, causing the everyday pain that can get in the way of your ability to live a healthy and happy life.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, PAD affects 8 to 12 million Americans, with one in every five people over the age of 70 having the disease.

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory condition that causes a reduction in blood flow due to the narrowing of arteries. This reduction in blood flow often leads to one experiencing some level of pain in their legs when walking aka claudication. While less common, it can also cause pain in one's arms when performing certain tasks, like writing. More often than not the pain goes away after stopping the activity and/or resting for 5 to 10 minutes.

When someone is diagnosed with PAD it’s likely caused by their having too many fatty deposits in their arteries aka atherosclerosis. Over time it’s these deposits that make one's arteries more narrow, directly causing a lesser amount of blood to flow through. While atherosclerosis is often associated with problems of the heart, it can also affect all of the arteries in the body. When it affects arteries that supply blood to the arms and/or legs it causes peripheral arterial disease.

Common Symptoms

PAD symptoms tend to vary widely when it comes to how this disease can affect someone. For example, some people will experience no symptoms, some will experience mild to moderate symptoms, and others will experience severe symptoms. Understand that as the disease progresses symptoms will only worsen. These symptoms can eventually get in the way of one's ability to perform their everyday activities, leading to a decline in quality of life.

Pain, cramping in legs when walking
Pain, aching in arms when using arms to perform activities
Leg numbness
Leg weakness
Painful cramping
Sores that won't heal
A change in leg or arm color
Hair loss
Shiny leg skin
Slow growing toenails
Weak pulse in the legs and/or feet
Erectile dysfunction

List of Risk Factors

Should you be screened for PAD? If you're currently experiencing one or more of the symptoms above making an appointment for a professional evaluation as soon as possible lets you know whether or not you're living with this common arterial disease.

Smoking
Being diagnosed with diabetes
Being diagnosed with high blood pressure
Being diagnosed with high cholesterol
Being diagnosed with high levels of homocysteine
Having a body mass index (BMI) over 30
A family history of PAD, heart disease, or stroke
Being of a certain age – 50 for those who have high-risk factors; risks increase after 65 due to aging

Smokers and those living with diabetes are most at risk of being diagnosed with peripheral artery disease as these 2 risk factors greatly reduce blood flow.

Treatment Options

Treatment options are in place to help manage symptoms experienced, as well as to help stop the progression of the disease. Common medical treatment options include taking prescribed medications and/or undergoing certain surgical procedures.

Those diagnosed are first encouraged to make any positive life changes that support an overall healthy body, i.e. stop smoking, exercise regularly, eat a nutritious diet, avoid taking certain cold medications.

List Of Common Medical Treatment Options:

Supervised exercise program
Cholesterol-lowering medications
High blood pressure medications
Blood sugar control medications
Blood clot prevention medications
Symptom relief medications
Angioplasty
Bypass surgery
Thrombolytic therapy

Who Can Treat PAD?

A podiatrist can both diagnose and treat peripheral artery disease. Podiatrists perform a simple test aka ankle-brachial index (ABI) to determine whether or not someone is living with this disease. If a diagnosis is indeed made, then a podiatrist will offer their professional next step advice based on the extent of the disease.

Conclusion

If you happen to be experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's best to make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether or not you're currently living with peripheral artery disease. It’s important to understand whether or not your symptoms are a normal part of aging or something more serious that needs to be addressed and treated by a medical professional. Contact your local Upperline Health clinic for more information.

September is PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease) Month

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 17:32:06 GMT

Peripheral artery disease occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, causing circulatory problems.

Who is at risk of peripheral arterial disease?

Although not often discussed, PAD is relatively common, affecting more than 6.5 million people over the age of 40 and more than 10 million people in the U.S. It is more common in people who are 65 or older, but can occur at nearly any age.

Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, kidney failure and obesity increase your risk for PAD. Leg pain does not always indicate PAD, but older patients, especially those who are at risk, should always visit their podiatric physician. A simple, noninvasive leg blood pressure exam or ultrasound can diagnose peripheral arterial disease and determine its severity.

PAD increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, so it is vital that it is diagnosed as soon as possible. Outlook depends on a range of factors, but following the lifestyle advice above improves outlook significantly. Some cases of PAD can be managed by lifestyle changes and medication alone.

Peripheral artery disease signs and symptoms include:

Cramp like pain in one or both of your hips, thighs or calf muscles after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs
Leg numbness or weakness
Feet or legs may feel cold (one or both)
Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal
A change in the color of your legs
Hair loss or slow hair growth on legs
Slower growth of your toenails
Shiny patches of skin on your legs
Erectile dysfunction in men
Pain when using your arms, such as aching and cramping when doing everyday and repetitive activities

If you experience any of these symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, your podiatric physician is ready and able to help you diagnose and correct this problem quickly.

Top Home Remedies to Treat Toenail Fungus

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 18:10:15 GMT

While fungal toenail infections tend to be fairly common in all ages, older adults are more frequently diagnosed. Toenail fungus occurs when fungi are allowed to enter small cracks in the toenails or the surrounding skin. Walking barefoot in high-risk environments, like gyms, pools, and salons is the most common reason for being diagnosed with a toenail fungus infection.

There are certain situations in which you’re more likely to get toenail fungus, such as when you have a toenail injury, athlete's foot, diabetes, a weak immune system, and/or blood circulation problems.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

Common symptoms include toenail discoloration, an increase in toenail thickness, loose toenails, and a weak toenail that starts to fall apart.

Top Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

There are many home remedies available nowadays for getting rid of toenail fungus, which means you have many choices. When it comes to which ones you should try, it's really a matter of experimenting to see which home remedies may or may not work for you.

So what are some top home remedies for toenail fungus people use to address their fungal infection ? See below for some of the more popular home remedies for treating toenail fungus.

Oils . Some oils contain antifungal, anti-bacterial, and/or antiseptic qualities. Tea tree oil, oregano oil, and peppermint oil are popular oils that include one or more of the above qualities. All you have to do is dab some of the oil directly on the toenail 2 or 3 times a day using a clean cotton swab. Note: Some oil combinations can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, making it necessary to check for any potentially bad oil combinations.
Garlic . Garlic includes strong antifungal properties, making this a top home remedy for treating particular strains of toenail fungus. Chopping up a clove of garlic and applying it directly to the infected nail for 20 to 30 minutes once a day for up to a week can help. Since garlic can create chemical burns on those with sensitive skin, pay close attention when using this home remedy for the first time.
Snakeroot Extract . Snakeroot is a traditional treatment option commonly known for treating toenail fungus in Mexico. The extract is known for its antifungal properties and is directly applied to the infected area. Applications only need to be performed 2 to 3 times per week in order to experience positive results. Since treatment only works for about 3 months, additional extract treatments are often necessary.
Baking Soda . Baking soda works by removing excess moisture from your feet, a common cause of toenail fungus. While this home remedy has been shown to reduce fungal growth, it doesn’t completely get rid of the fungus. Simply make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the infected toenail for about 15 minutes. Rinse and repeat 3 to 4 times a day.
Mentholated Topical Ointment . The active medications contained in mentholated ointments include properties that have shown to be proactive in toenail fungus treatment, i.e. menthol, camphor. Applying the topical ointment to the toenail and infected area once a day is all that's needed to experience an improvement, which tends to take several weeks.

Home Treatments for Toenail Fungus Don't Always Work

How long does it take to know if your home treatment remedy option has worked? It depends on the remedy and the severity of the fungal problem. While it usually takes 2 to 3 months for a toenail fungus infection to go away, it can take up to a year to completely heal. Most people will try at least 1 of the above home antifungal treatments before choosing to seek foot care from a professional.

How a Podiatrist Can Help with Toenail Fungus

How does a podiatrist treat toenail fungus? If you've tried one or more of the above home remedies to treat your case of toenail fungus and haven't experienced any relief, then it's time to make an appointment with a podiatrist. Professional treatment depends on the type of fungus you have, as well as the severity of the infection.

Top Podiatry Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus:

Oral antifungal medications
Topical creams
Debridement to remove parts of the infected toenail
Surgical treatment or removal of the toenail

Bottom Line

When should you see a podiatrist for toenail fungus? The sooner you seek out professional treatment, the faster your fungus can be treated. Contact Upperline Foot and Ankle today for fast, effective toenail fungus treatment.

Athlete’s Foot: How to Avoid It and How to Get Rid of It

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:48:53 GMT

Ready to learn about athlete’s foot so you can do your best to avoid being diagnosed with this fungal skin infection? If you happen to be one of the unlucky people who already has a case of athlete’s foot, then learning how to get rid of it is your next step.

Summertime is the time of year when athlete’s foot is likely to be more prevalent due to its ability to thrive in warm and humid environments.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , athlete’s foot is an infection of the skin and feet that can be caused by a variety of different fungi. While some people will never be diagnosed with this fungal infection, some will be diagnosed occasionally, and others will experience chronic athlete's foot, meaning it goes away and then reappears frequently.

Common signs include deep breaks or slits on the feet, which tend to be more prominent between the toes. Red itchy skin caused by small blisters will begin to appear over time as the infection continues to progress. Know that an infection can turn severe, potentially spreading to and affecting the soles of the feet. Pus and/or a foul odor is often found in advanced cases.

How to Avoid Athlete’s Foot

Can athlete’s foot go away on its own? No, it can’t. This makes it more important than ever to do whatever it takes to avoid getting this fungal infection in the first place. Know that any location where foot traffic and moisture are brought together greatly increases your chances of being diagnosed.

Other factors that increase your chances include being male, wearing tight shoes often, feet that are often wet or damp, and walking barefoot in places that are well known for harboring this common fungus.

Since protecting your feet is the best way for you to avoid contamination, wearing flip-flops or shower shoes in places anywhere the fungus can live is necessary. Also, washing your feet with a quality soap once or twice a day helps prevent the fungus from forming.

See below for a list of some of the more common places you can potentially get athlete’s foot.

The Pool . The moist conditions found in pools and pool areas make for a perfect place for this fungus to thrive. The majority of pool-goers are barefoot and the fact that they're walking around in a moist public place makes it essential for everyone to protect their feet when going to a public pool.

The Gym . A gym’s locker room, shower, and bathroom are 3 gym locations that are more prone to harboring the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Using sanitary wipes to wipe down multi-touch surface areas helps to minimize your chances of infection.

The Beauty Salon . Giving a pedicure using dirty tubs or instruments that aren't properly cleaned can lead to a diagnosis of athlete’s foot. Pre-screening a salon is your best defense when it comes to avoiding a diagnosis.

At Home . Unknowingly bringing athlete's foot home can lead to other household members getting the infection, making it a good idea to clean all bathroom surfaces often. The infection can spread when sharing towels and even spread to other parts of the body when sleeping due to contaminated bed sheets.

How to Get Rid of Athlete’s Foot

Already have a case of athlete’s foot and want to know how to get rid of it? If you unfortunately already have athlete’s foot then your focus is now on how to get rid of it asap. If your first instinct is to use an over-the-counter solution, know these generic options don’t always work. Although, they're more likely to work if you have a mild case of athlete’s foot vs. a moderate or severe case.

Popular over-the-counter treatment options include creams, sprays, and powders specifically made to combat this common fungal infection. If you choose to use one of these self-help methods be sure to carefully follow the included instructions. Treatments that include the following medications tend to work best - clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, naftifine, oxiconazole, sulconazole, terbinafine, and terconazole.

Visit a Podiatrist for Athlete’s Foot Treatment

Got athlete’s foot? When over-the-counter methods don’t work it’s time for you to seek professional podiatry assistance. Our team of podiatrists has the experience necessary to properly treat your case of athlete’s foot, whether it's minor, moderate, or severe. If it takes longer than 2 weeks for your case of athlete’s foot to clear up, then it's definitely time for you to seek the help of a professional podiatrist.

Contact a local Upperline Foot and Ankle clinic today for athlete’s foot treatment.

How do I know if I have a stress fracture in my foot?

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:26:09 GMT

What is a Stress Fracture of the Foot?

Stress fractures are a common foot injury that can be painful and quite a nuisance to heal. Stress fractures occur when bone is subjected to long-term, low-grade stress and strain that slowly causes internal damage to its interior.

What Causes Stress Fractures in the Foot?

These stressors can be commonplace activities like stepping off of platforms at work or long-term use of pedals. Even positioning the foot on a cross bar under a desk can put strain on the metatarsal. Poorly supportive shoes can magnify the risk of bone injury, and some people are even at greater risk for a stress fracture because of issues with the quality of their bones.

What Are the Symptoms of a Foot Stress Fracture?

Stress fractures can have multiple symptoms, ranging from a dull ache in the middle of the foot to a sharp pain while standing and walking. Stress fractures can occur in many places along the metatarsal length, and can sometimes occur in several bones at once.

Treatment for Stress Fractures in the Foot

The treatment of metatarsal stress fractures is a little trickier than treating a regular fracture. In most instances, surgery is neither necessary nor helpful. Immobilization in either a walking boot, or less commonly a cast, is needed to reduce stress to the bone and allow it time to heal. A stiff soled shoe can be used for support in a small number of mild cases for relief. Most metatarsal stress fractures take anywhere from one to three months to heal, and sometimes take longer. The bone simply needs time to mend, although in some cases an electronic bone stimulator can be used in cases that refuse to heal.

How Long Does It Take a Foot Stress Fracture to Heal?

The amount of time one must wait can be frustrating for people trying to get active again. It can be even more frustrating for athletes trying to get back to their sports. Fortunately, these stress fractures do eventually heal, and stay healed for the most part.

If you have chronic pain in your foot and suspect a stress fracture, contact a local Upperline Foot and Ankle clinic today. We have top podiatric professionals ready to treat your stress fracture so that you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Avoid Walking Barefoot This Summer: A Warning for those with Diabetic Neuropathy

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 20:10:04 GMT

Think it's safe to walk on that smooth asphalt or hot sand in bare feet? Think again!

As the temperatures begin to finally increase over most of the United States, we would like to remind diabetics (and those with poor sensation in their feet that are not diabetic) that hot asphalt or concrete and bare feet spell disaster.

Diabetic Neuropathy Causes Sensory Loss in the Feet

Diabetic neuropathy /nerve disease can play havoc with how one senses temperature. This sensory loss extends to the feet and even the hands, and makes it difficult to accurately judge the proper temperature of such things as bath water as well as the ground.

The intense summer sun can quickly heat hard surfaces like stone, concrete, asphalt, and even sand. A simple walk across a parking lot to the beach or pool without adequate foot protection can spell disaster in the form of blistering burns across the bottom of a diabetic’s foot. Even worse is the fact that these burns may not be felt at all, and the burnt and damaged tissue can quickly become infected and in some cases gangrenous. Foot amputations can arise from thermal burns on the feet in diabetics.

Avoid Thermal Burns to Diabetic Feet

Luckily this can be avoided. If you are diabetic or have poor foot sensation, think before you race across that hot parking lot barefoot to the pool or beach. Even in the sand, you should feel its sun exposed temperature with your forearm or have a friend feel the sand before taking off your sandals, as this too can be a source of skin burning.

If you have suffered from a burn and you are diabetic, contact a trained podiatrist today. Don’t risk infection or other complications. Get your burn treated today. If you suspect you may have sensory loss due to neuropathy, schedule an appointment with an Upperline foot and ankle specialist and learn how we can help keep you safe.

Stay safe and enjoy your summer!

What Sports Injuries Can a Podiatrist Treat?

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 18:11:26 GMT

Knowing what types of sports-related injuries a podiatrist can treat is a great idea, as you never know when you or a loved one will suffer a sports-related injury. While some podiatrists will choose a subspecialty, like podiatric sports medicine, know that a general podiatrist can also diagnose and treat any sports-related injuries that have to do with the feet, ankles, or related structures of the leg.

Common Sports Injuries

The seven most common sports-related injuries are ankle sprains, shin splints, groin pulls, hamstring strains, ACL knee tears, patellofemoral syndrome (knee injury), and tennis elbow. Since podiatrists treat any type of injury related to the feet, ankle, and/or related structures of the leg, two of the more common types of sports injuries they treat are ankle sprains and shin splints.

Additional sports-related injuries that podiatrists can treat include foot fractures, ankle fractures, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon problems, turf toe, bruising, swelling, and bleeding.

Sports Injuries Podiatrists Can Treat

See below to learn more how a podiatrist treats some of the more common sports injuries that take place in or near one’s feet or ankles.

Foot Sprains, Ankle Sprains, Foot Fractures, Ankle Fractures, Toe Fractures

Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose sprains and fractures using MRIs and X-rays.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options include ultrasound therapy, resetting a minor fracture, wearing a boot or cast, and prescribing over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options include using metal plates and screws to fix fractured bones.

Bruising, Swelling, Bleeding

Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose bruising, swelling, and bleeding by performing a physical examinations and by using MRIs and X-rays.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for bruises include immobilizing the area using a surgical boot, and prescribing crutches, over-the-counter, and/or prescription medications.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for swelling include creating a detailed recovery plan for the patient, i.e. wear compression stockings, prop feet above heart level, perform special exercises.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for bleeding caused by abrasions or lacerations in the feet and/or ankle include performing a saline flush, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), and using stitches to close the wound.
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options to address bleeding injuries include a deep irrigation flush and deep debridement.

Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs

Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose Plantar fasciitis by performing a physical examination and using MRIs and X-rays.
Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose heel spurs by using ultrasound technology and X-rays.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for Plantar fasciitis include bracing, splinting, cortisone injections, performing specially prescribed exercises, wearing compression bandages, taping the arch, wearing custom-made foot orthotics, and undergoing Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options include performing an Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF).
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatment options for heel spurs include prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, giving cortisone injections, providing exercise advice, undergoing physical therapy, and making custom orthotics for the patient to wear.
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options include using an endoscope to perform minimally invasive surgery to shave down the heel spur.

Achilles Tendonitis

Diagnosis: Podiatrists diagnose Achilles tendonitis by performing a physical examination.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Common non-surgical treatments for achilles tendonitis include ultrasound therapy, physical therapy, cushioned heel cups, cortisone injections, bandages to restrict movement, shockwave therapy, and prescribing orthotics and/or prescription medications.
Surgical Treatment: Common surgical treatment options include open surgery, percutaneous surgery, gastrocnemius recession, and debridement and repair to fix a damaged Achilles tendon.

Podiatrist vs. Other Sports Injury Treatment Options

The benefit of visiting a podiatrist vs. the ER? Even though one's first instinct when experiencing foot or ankle trauma may be to visit their local emergency room, the majority of unexpected foot or ankle injuries can be treated by a podiatrist. Many times a podiatrist can help an emergency patient quicker than an ER. This makes it a great idea to keep a podiatrist's contact information on hand, just in case.

Urgent Care Clinic? Many urgent care clinics don’t offer a podiatric physician to properly address serious foot and ankle injuries. Since many podiatrists offer patients the ability to be seen quickly after experiencing a sports injury, it benefits the patient to go directly to a podiatry office.

Sports Medicine Orthopedist? While sports medicine orthopedists can treat sports-related injuries that have to do with the feet or ankle, they don’t have the extensive knowledge of these body parts that podiatrists do. Instead, this medical professional focuses more on treating injuries related to the musculoskeletal system.

Good to Know

Now that you read the above information, you have a better understanding of the types of sports-related injuries podiatrists can treat. You also now understand that making an appointment with a podiatrist is often the best choice when experiencing an unexpected sports injury that involves the feet, ankles, or related structures of the leg.

If you suffer from chronic pain caused by a sports injury or if you have recently been injured in a sports-related accident, contact Upperline Health today for fast, effective podiatric care.

Family Foot Center Podiatry Group Chosen as Inland Valley's Best Podiatrist

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 18:17:29 GMT

Congratulations to our team at Family Foot Center Podiatry Group for being chosen as Inland Valley's Best Podiatrist. We have an amazing team of foot and ankle specialis ts on our team!

Should I See a Podiatrist or Sport Medicine Orthopedist for Foot and Ankle Injuries?

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 11:30:02 GMT

Ever wondered – is it better to see a podiatrist or orthopedist? Understanding the difference between podiatry services and sports medicine services is important, as you want to make sure you choose the right medical care professional to treat you or your loved one. The main difference between the 2 specialists? Podiatrists treat injuries, conditions, and symptoms directly affecting one’s feet and/or ankle health. Sports medicine specialists treat one’s entire musculoskeletal system, i.e. shoulders, elbows, hips, hands, wrists, ankles, knees.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association , healthy feet are fundamental to the quality of our lives.

Sports Medicine Orthopedists

A sports medicine orthopedist focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of those who experience a sports-related injury or injury sustained from another type of physical activity. Sports medicine orthopedists must complete 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years at an accredited medical school, and complete a 5-year surgical residency in generalized orthopedics to receive certification.

This type of medical professional often treats those who play competitive sports. This means their focus tends to be on providing their patients with treatment options that allow them to return and participate in their chosen sport as quickly as possible, while still keeping safety in mind. They also offer their patients preventative care services, teaching them how to prevent themselves from experiencing possible future injuries.

What Sports Injuries Can Orthopedists Treat?

Choosing to see an orthopedist whose focus is on sports medicine can be beneficial when suffering from the following sports injuries - ruptured ligaments, torn ligaments, fractures, dislocations, sprains, ACL injuries, PCL injuries, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tears, tendon injuries, and overuse injuries.

What Treatment Options Can Orthopedists Provide?

Non-surgical treatments include prescribing medications, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Surgical treatments include soft tissue repair, tendon repair, bone fusion, internal fixation, arthroscopy, osteotomy, and joint replacement.

Podiatrists

A doctor of podiatric medicine is a medical professional who treats patients who are experiencing problems with their feet, ankles, and/or related structures of the leg. These particular areas of the body require expert care due to the important role these body parts play in a patient's everyday life. Podiatrists must complete 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years at an accredited podiatric medical school, and 3 to 4 years of surgical residency training to receive certification.

Some podiatrists will choose to specialize in a particular field, with wound care, diabetic care, pediatrics, sports medicine, and surgical treatment being some of the more common fields chosen. All podiatrists have a goal to use the best treatment option available to address their patients’ podiatric problems. During treatment, they tend to focus on pain reduction and speed healing. When it comes to preventive foot and ankle care, podiatrists offer their patients the advice they need to ensure good foot and ankle health.

What Sports Injuries Can Podiatrists Treat?

Sports injuries are some of the more common causes of foot and ankle trauma . Podiatrists are exceptionally qualified to diagnose and treat the following sports-related injuries – foot sprains, ankle sprains, foot fractures, ankle fractures, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis , and Achilles tendonitis. They can also treat the inflammation that causes foot arthritis, which is often aggravated when participating in certain types of physical activity, i.e. running, tennis, baseball.

Non-sports related injuries podiatrists often treat include bunions, ingrown toenails, calluses, blisters, warts, corns, nail infections, flat feet problems, dry skin, hammertoes, foot ligament pain, and overall muscle pain.

What Treatment Options Can Podiatrist Provide?

Non-surgical treatments include writing prescriptions for non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, setting fractures, rehabilitative services, providing cortisone injections, offering custom orthotics supports, and addressing skin disease. Surgical treatments include fixing fractured bones, repairing Achilles tendon tears, correcting hammertoe problems, and repairing damage causes by foot or ankle arthritis.

What Are the Benefits of Visiting a Podiatrist?

Some of the many benefits that come with choosing to see a podiatrist include:

They’re foot and ankle care specialists
They can recommend any necessary lifestyle changes to benefit foot and ankle health
They can diagnose and treat sports-related injuries with great accuracy
They offer long-term foot and ankle health services, including beneficial advice

Bottom Line

While there is some overlap between the services each professional provides for their patients, podiatrists specifically focus on treating problems taking place in the feet and/or ankles. Since podiatrists are specialists in treating the feet and ankles, this is the medical professional you should choose when in need of a proper diagnosis and/or treatment when experiencing feet or ankle-related problems. Choosing to use a foot and ankle expert ensures you're getting the absolute best medical treatment.

If you suffer from chronic pain caused by a sports injury, or if you have a new injury that needs to be treated, contact and Upperline Health podiatrist for comprehensive foot and ankle care .

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Calluses and Corns

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:35:11 GMT

An estimated five percent of Americans struggle with painful foot corns and calluses each year. These thickened patches of skin can help protect sensitive areas of the feet from injury, but they can also present some painful issues of their own that might require treatment from a podiatrist.

If you've developed suspected corns or calluses that interfere with your everyday tasks and overall quality of life, you need to understand how these problems develop, how to respond to them, and how to ward off future occurrences. Check out the answers to these frequently asked questions about foot calluses and corns.

How Do Calluses and Corns Differ?

Calluses and corns have many similarities. Both involve thickening of the skin that results in a rough, raised, hardened bump, with the topmost layer of skin appearing rough or waxy. Both conditions can also cause pain and tenderness under pressure or friction. However, the two conditions also differ in certain respects.

Calluses can occur on any part of the body that regularly experiences direct friction or pressure, while corns specifically affect the feet. Calluses also assume a softer, wider form than corns, which feature a harder, deeper central core. Calluses typically affect the undersides of feet and toes, while corns develop on the sides or tops of toes.

Why Do Calluses and Corns Appear on the Feet?

Both calluses and corns form as a protective response to irritation or stress, with skin cells building up in a process known as hyperkeratosis. Athletes, manual laborers, workers who stand or walk for extended periods, and anyone else who contends with long-term or repeated skin friction may develop calluses.

Corns often grow in response to ill-fitting footwear that creates pressure points on the toes. If you have an abnormality of the foot, such as a hammertoe or other bony protrusion, that area may prove especially vulnerable to corns.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Corn or Callus?

Any corn or callus that becomes unbearably painful, develops inflammation, or grows discolored due to bleeding under the skin deserves medical evaluation. If you have diabetes, a corn or callus may lead to dangerous ulceration and infection, especially if you ignore it or try to remove it yourself.

Certain conditions, such as plantar warts, can sometimes mimic the symptoms and appearance of foot calluses and corns. A podiatrist can perform a thorough, informed examination and make the correct diagnosis, allowing you to pursue the most effective treatment for whatever foot problem you actually have.

How Do Podiatrists Diagnose and Treat Calluses or Corns?

Your podiatrist can often determine the cause of a corn simply by looking at obvious hammertoes or other structural abnormalities that encourage corn development. X-rays can confirm the diagnosis. This specialist may also evaluate your stance, gait, medical history, choice of footwear, and lifestyle for possible causes.

A smaller corn or callus may respond well to non-invasive treatment options. Your podiatrist may prescribe a home care regimen involving moisturizers, warm-water foot baths, and careful application of a pumice stone. Other recommendations may include the use of products containing salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea.

You can usually have a more advanced callus or corn removed in an outpatient procedure. The podiatrist uses a surgical blade to shave away the offending tissue. Since this extra skin consists of dead cells, this procedure shouldn't cause pain. If you already have severe inflammatory pain, you may benefit from a cortisone injection.

What Can You Do to Prevent Foot Calluses and Corns?

Modifications to your footwear can help you avoid ongoing foot calluses or corns. In addition to choosing looser, more flexible shoes, you can also use orthotic inserts that optimize your weight distribution and cushion sensitive areas. Thick socks can provide extra protection against friction.

Vigilance can make a big difference in keeping corns and calluses at bay. Maintain your moisturizing or pumice stone routine, and get any changes in your feet looked at as early as possible.

If you seek answers for foot callus or corn issues, contact Upperline Health California. Our team can evaluate your condition, offer soothing treatment, and help you keep your feet healthy.

How Heel Problems Affect Hikers

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:32:23 GMT

If you hike, then you will likely suffer from heel pain. Hiking often involves hills and uneven terrain that puts added strain on both your feet and ankles. If you are not careful, you could end up with chronic pain that never quite goes away. However, you can do things to prevent heel pain from keeping you off the trails. Here is more information about common hiking heel pain types, their symptoms, and prevention.

What Heel Problems Are Common With Hikers?

Hikers tend to have two types of heel problems: Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Read on to learn more about each condition.

Achilles Tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon is a large tendon that connects your heel to your calf muscles. This tendon controls your foot's flexibility as you push off from the ground. When you injure or irritate it, you may experience pain and stiffness as you walk. In some cases, tendonitis can cause a limp. Hikers need to be especially careful not to cause a rupture.

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the heel with your toes. It runs lengthwise through the middle of your foot and under your arch. This tissue supports your arch as you walk. Problems with this tissue can lead to heel pain on the bottom of your foot. This condition often causes sharp pain when you first step on your feet in the morning.

What Causes Heel Problems With Hikers?

The most common ways hikers injure their heels is through overuse and under training. Like other athletic activities, too much activity too soon can cause injury. Hikers have special issues that increase their chance of heel problems. For example, hikes that go uphill cause excess pressure on the Achilles tendon. Plus, sometimes you have to jump over obstacles or off of rocks. This increases your chance of a tendon rupture.

Some people have higher risks of heel injury than others. For example, heavier people put more strain on their feet and arches than thinner people. Also, some medications can affect tendon flexibility and increase the chance of injury. Arch issues, such as high arches and flat feet also contribute to heel problems.

How Can Hikers Prevent Heel Problems?

Many heel problems are preventable if you plan ahead and take precautions. Here are some things you can do to reduce your chance of heel injuries.

Wear the Right Shoes/Boots

Choose your footwear carefully and break it in before a long hike. Make sure they are the right size and your feet are snug, but not tight, inside.

Stretch Often

Do a calf warm-up and stretch before and during your hike. Stop and massage your feet regularly to reduce swelling that could lead to heel pain.

Take Shorter Steps Uphill

When you hike uphill, take shorter steps to reduce pressure on your Achilles tendon. Hiking poles are another way to support some of your weight and reduce strain on your heels.

Use Orthotics or Special Insoles

Some insoles help cushion your feet better than the original insole inside your boot. If you have other foot problems, like abnormal pronation, then you may benefit from an orthotic.

Stay off Your Feet

If your heel hurts for any reason, don't push through the pain. If you rest your feet before the pain gets bad, then you may be able to go back out on a hike sooner. Otherwise, you may be out for the season or need medical treatment.

Heel pain can ruin an otherwise pleasant hiking trip. If your heel pain is chronic or doesn't go away, then you may have a serious problem that needs medical attention. Upperline Health California handles a variety of foot issues including heel issues. We can examine your feet and construct a treatment plan to reduce or eliminate your heel problems. Call us for an appointment.

4 Age-Related Changes That can Affect Your Feet

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:26:47 GMT

If you have developed a foot problem in your senior years, you have plenty of company. Many people aged 65 and older struggle with stiffness, pain, or other issues with their feet. Some of these issues occur due to decades of wear and tear, while others may stem from underlying age-related disorders.

You can stay on top of any age-related foot problems that may occur once you understand how and why these problems develop, as well as their common symptoms. Pay a visit to your podiatrist if any of the following four kinds of senior foot challenges start making trouble.

1. Changes in Foot Size and Shape

The feet that carry you around in your senior years may not bear a close structural resemblance to the feet of your youth. Many years of standing, walking, and athletic activity can cause the connective tissues in your feet to stretch, lengthen and loosen. These changes can allow your arches to flatten and your feet to spread out.

A lifetime of use can affect your foot's bones as well as their connective tissues. For example, prolonged or excessive pressure on the heels (especially in athletes or individuals who are overweight) can lead to painful bone spurs. If foot enlargement creates a tight fit in your shoes, you can also develop conditions such as hammertoe.

2. Changes in Skin or Fat Pad Thickness

As humans age, they naturally produce less collagen, the connective tissue that gives skin its resilience and thickness. This natural change can spell trouble for your feet. As the collagen supply dwindles, the skin on your feet may grow thinner and more fragile, making your feet more vulnerable to blisters and ulceration.

Feet that see regular use commonly maintain a protective, cushioning fat pad along their underside surfaces, most notably the heels. If age-related changes cause you to lose some of this cushion, you may experience chronic discomfort when you bear weight on your feet. Your podiatrist can ease this discomfort by prescribing custom orthotic inserts.

3. Changes in Joint Mobility

Osteoarthritis typically affects individuals as they age, although joint damage or overuse can also cause the condition to appear earlier in life. Years of weight-bearing pressure, combined with the sheer number of joints in the feet, can result in the cartilage loss, pain, and stiffness associated with this degenerative disorder.

Seniors who experience mobility problems in their feet or ankles face an elevated risk for balance problems and falls (which in turn can produce even more debilitating fractures). If you can't get around well because of arthritic feet, your podiatrist can recommend treatment options ranging from exercise and medication to surgery.

4. Changes in Blood Flow or Nerve Function

Systemic health problems such as kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and liver disease become more common with age. For this reason, many seniors suffer from impaired circulation. Circulatory trouble in the feet can cause them to swell up or take on a purple tint.

Circulatory problems in your feet can also contribute to toenail problems. This relationship may explain why many older adults have chronic or recurring fungal toenail infections along with other signs of circulatory trouble. Fungal infections (and age-related hormonal changes) can cause toenails to grow thick, cracked, or discolored.

Additionally, your risk for diabetes may rise as you grow older. The elevated blood sugar that occurs with diabetes can damage the many delicate blood vessels that serve your feet, impairing circulation. It can also damage nerves, often producing numbness that might make sufferers unaware of foot wounds and infections that require treatment.

If a systemic condition has caused such problems in your own feet, you may need to work with your primary care provider or a specialist to get that underlying issue under the best possible control. Regular exercise can also help to boost blood flow in your feet. If you have nerve damage in your feet, inspect your feet regularly for injuries.

Upperline Health California can help you give your aging feet the extra care necessary for healthy, comfortable function. C ontact us to learn more.

Four Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Problems

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 13:39:00 GMT

The foot and ankle are complex parts of the body that consist of several bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. The foot and ankle are also made up of muscles, nerves, and soft tissue. There are 26 bones in each foot, along with 33 joints. There are three bones in each ankle.

Due to the complex anatomy of the foot and ankle, it's no wonder that this part of the body is prone to various problems. Common foot and ankle problems include fractures, sprains, chronic pain, abnormal growths, and other issues. The best way to prevent these foot and ankle problems is to know what causes them in the first place.

Here are four common causes of foot and ankle problems.

1. Improper Footwear

Wearing proper footwear goes a long way in preventing foot and ankle problems. However, wearing the right kind of shoes is just as important as wearing the right-size shoes. If you aren't wearing the right size, or your shoes aren't the right width, you will most likely end up with a variety of foot and ankle problems, which include neuropathy, pain, and ingrown toenails.

If you have bruised toenails, blisters, or callouses, there is a good chance your shoes aren't the right size or width. Before you purchase a pair of shoes, you should always try them on first. If you want to ensure your shoes are the right size, you can get your foot measured at a shoe store or by a podiatrist.

Besides wearing the wrong size, narrow-toed shoes, and high heels can also cause foot problems.

2. Injury

Foot and ankle injuries happen in a variety of ways. Some foot and ankle injuries occur while playing sports. Other injuries to the foot and ankle occur because of a fall, stepping wrong, or walking on uneven surfaces. People can also experience a foot and ankle injury in the event of a sudden impact, such as a car accident.

Not all foot and ankle injuries happen suddenly, though. Sometimes, a foot and ankle injury is the result of overuse or repetitive motion, which often results in a stress fracture.

3. Genetics

Genetics cause some people to be predisposed to certain foot and ankle problems. For example, sometimes the shape of the foot runs in families. The feet may be abnormally wide or narrow. Flat feet or feet with high arches also tend to run in families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Arthritis

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:57:00 GMT

On average, one out of every six American adults suffers from arthritis (although variations of this painful joint problem can strike at any age). While joint pain, swelling, and stiffness can prove frustrating no matter where they occur, you may find arthritis of the feet especially debilitating, depriving you of your mobility and upright stability.

If you believe that you may have arthritis in your feet, you need to understand some key points about how and why this problem develops, what kinds of treatments can help you, and how your lifestyle can impact your joint health. Check out these answers to frequently asked questions about foot arthritis.

What Forms Can Arthritis Take?

Medically, arthritis simply means joint pain and inflammation. Over 100 different conditions can cause these symptoms, as well as swelling, stiffness, and deformation of the joints. Some forms of arthritis seem to come and go in acute bouts, while others linger as a progressive, constant source of discomfort.

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, stems from deterioration of the cartilage that normally cushions the joints against friction. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint structures. Other causes include uric acid crystal formation (gout), infections, and joint injuries.

Why and When Does Arthritis Target the Feet?

The joints of your feet and toes may prove particularly vulnerable to some forms of arthritis. In gout, for example, high levels of purines in the blood lead to uric acid buildup, which in turn causes agonizing joint pain. This pain commonly makes its first appearance in the joints of the big toe.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the feet as the result of many years of wear and tear. (Remember that your feet support your entire body weight whenever you jog, walk, dance, or stand still.) The more weight you carry, or the more pounding you allow your feet to take, the higher your risk for foot osteoarthritis.

What Symptoms Should Make You Suspect Arthritis?

Even if the rest of your body feels fine, nagging foot problems could indicate the onset of arthritis in those joints. If you feel pain in your heels or midfoot bones, especially when you put weight on your feet, suspect osteoarthritis. If a sudden, stabbing pain wracks your big toe at night, you have a classic symptom of gout.

Sometimes you can detect probable foot arthritis simply by inspecting the affected area. Warmth and swelling around any joint in your foot could signal arthritis. If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may notice significant enlargement of the ends of your toes, a symptom known as dactylitis.

How Do Podiatrists Diagnose and Treat Foot Arthritis?

Podiatrists can often identify foot arthritis from simple X-ray imaging that reveals joint deformation, thinned-out joint cartilage, or swelling of surrounding tissues. Your podiatrist will weigh this data against your current symptoms, medical and family history, lifestyle, activity level, weight, and other potential arthritis factors.

The first stage of foot arthritis treatment involves taming the pain and inflammation. The podiatrist may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or inject stronger steroid drugs directly into the inflamed joint. If an imbalance puts abnormal stress to your feet, you may benefit from corrective orthotic footwear.

Exercise may not sound like a pleasant strategy for fighting foot pain. In reality, regular, gentle use of arthritic joints can help them retain optimal range of motion while also strengthening the muscles that support those joints.

Diet and nutrition can play a role in foot arthritis management. Weight loss can take pressure off of the feet, easing joint pain in overweight individuals. The podiatrist may also advise you to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet that emphasizes vegetables, whole grains, fruits, beans, and fatty fish.

You should consider surgery only after more conservative forms of care have failed to relieve your foot arthritis symptoms. Fusion surgery can arrest the motion in a particularly painful joint. In extreme cases, you may even have an arthritic joint completely replaced with a plastic or metal substitute.

Upperline Health California can answer more questions about arthritis of the feet while providing skilled, caring treatment to help you cope. Contact us to schedule an evaluation at any of our locations.

What's Causing Your Big Toe Pain?

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 16:17:00 GMT

Your feet take a lot of wear and tear because they support your entire body. While many parts of the foot can be affected, complications often arise in the big toe, causing pain and stiffness. If you have suffered from big toe pain, check out these four common causes to determine your next course of action.

1. Bunion

At first glance, a bunion just looks like a bump growing on the side of your big toe. However, the problem is actually from a bony bump that starts to grow on the side of the toe. As a result, the tip of the big toe pulls toward the little toes, while the bony bump continues to protrude.

This bump is often painful and swollen and may even appear red or warm to the touch. Corns and calluses are a common side effect because of the big and second toe rubbing together. As the problem worsens, you may also experience limited movement and flexibility in the big toe.

Some people are more prone to bunions because of the shape of their foot, but it is often from poorly fitted shoes. For minor bunions, your doctor may recommend non-surgical treatments like changing shoes, taking anti-inflammatory pain medication, or reducing swelling with ice. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove irritated tissue or straighten the toe.

2. Turf Toe

Turf toe is a condition when your big toe flexes toward the top of your foot too much. This is often associated with football players, hence the term turf toe. The injury usually happens when you put too much weight on the toe for too long, which forces the toe to bend too far. Turf toe can affect may other parts of the foot, such as the plantar plate, collateral ligaments, and the sesamoids.

Symptoms of turf toe are similar to those of a sprain. You have tenderness, sensitivity, swelling, and stiffness. You may also have pain or difficulty using the toe. For minor injuries, home rest is recommended with ice, compression, and elevation. For more serious injuries, you may need crutches to avoid putting weight on the toe. The most severe turf toe injuries may need surgery to reattach a ligament.

3. Gout

Gout is a specific type of arthritis that typically attacks the big toe. Gout isn't from wear and tear like osteoarthritis, and it isn't from inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, it is from uric acid. High levels of uric acid allow urate crystals to form in the joint of the big toe. These crystals irritate the area, leading to joint pain, inflammation, limited range of motion, and redness.

Gout is heavily dependent on your lifestyle because the leading risk factors include diets high in purine-rich foods (red meat, organ meat, seafood, or alcohol), obesity, and diabetes. Treatment for gout usually includes lifestyle changes, such as cutting out beer or cutting back on red meat to reduce your purine consumption. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications that block uric acid production.

4. Broken Toe

Any broken bone can hurt, but because of the location and functionality of the big toe, a broken big toe can be incredibly painful. The toe will likely start to swell and may become discolored. Walking may be incredibly painful or impossible. In most cases, a broken big toe is from dropping something heavy on your foot or stubbing your toe hard.

Your doctor will recommend over-the-counter painkillers for the pain, but the bone will also need to be immobilized to heal. This may include buddy taping, wearing stiff-bottom shoes, or wearing a full cast. Surgery may be necessary to place pins and plates to better support the bone as it heals.

Pain in your toe is no joke, and it can make walking impossible or painful. Even something as seemingly minor as a bump on the side of your toe could indicate a major problem.

6 Facts to Know About Fungal Infections Like Athlete's Foot

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:01:00 GMT

If your toes itch or your nails aren't their usual color, you may have fungus. If you understand the signs, you can seek out the treatment you need to control the infection. On the other hand, if you don't already have a fungus, you can take the necessary steps to prevent this type of infection.

1. Fungi Can Spread to Your Nails
Some types of fungus may spread from your feet and toes to your nails. For instance, athlete's feet stems from the tinea fungus and primarily affects your toes. In fact, when you develop this infection, you may experience itching or burning in between your toes that can spread to the bottoms of your feet. This fungus may cause itchy blisters and dry peeling skin on your feet.

Moreover, this infection may spread from your feet to your toenails. As a result, your nails may thicken, crumble, or become discolored.

2. Fungi Thrive in Moisture
Additionally, fungi thrive best in warm, moist environments like in between your toes. Specifically, you create an environment that fungi thrive well in if you allow your feet to remain wet or your feet sweat.

The fungus also grows and flourishes well naturally outside of public pools and showers due to the moisture.

3. Age Plays a Role in Fungi Development
In addition, while you may develop a fungal infection at any point during your life, you're more likely to acquire one as you get older. For one, your risk increases because your nails become brittle and create an ideal environment for fungi to grow. You may also have a compromised immune system as you age that not only allows fungi to occur but also lets recurring infections happen.

Moreover, when you become elderly, your toenails grow slower, which hinders your ability to make new cells to replace the infected ones.

4. Shoe Choices Can Promote Fungus
You also create a breeding ground for fungus when you choose shoes that are too tight for you since you enhance the amount of moisture in your shoes.

Additionally, pressure points are the most common areas for fungus to arise, such as where your toes press against your shoes. That's why shoes that don't have the proper arch support can enhance your risk of fungus as well.

5. Fungus Is Contagious
In addition, you can pick up fungus from surfaces. For instance, you could develop foot fungus from stepping on a surface in bare feet that has fungus or by wearing someone else's socks or socks. You could also pick up a fungus from a towel that an infected person used or from a towel that grew fungus. You could develop foot fungus from nail polish that's over a year old as well.

A fungal infection is even contagious if you touch a toe or foot of someone who has foot fungus and then touch your own feet. Additionally, you may spread this infection to others if you touch an infected surface and then touch someone else.

6. Diabetes Is a Risk Factor for Foot Fungus Complications
Diabetes can affect your nerves, so you may not notice the symptoms of the infection early on. Diabetes may also limit blood circulation to your feet, which affects your ability to heal from a fungal infection.

Foot fungus seems like a minor inconvenience, but you want to seek out the assistance of a professional if you have signs of it. Moreover, you want to be mindful of your habits to limit contracting it or spreading it to other people.

Schedule an appointment if you think you think you have a fungal infection by contacting Upperline Health, serving Ontario, Fontana, Chino Hills, and the surrounding areas.

Foot Fungus Video Series - Part 4 of 4

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 19:33:00 GMT

Foot Fungus

Dr. Austin Hewlett of Cambridge Foot & Ankle, an Upperline Health company in Newport Beach, CA, offers insight into foot fungus in the last of a 4 part series.

Foot Fungus Video Series - Part 3 of 4

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 19:30:00 GMT

Foot Fungus

Dr. Austin Hewlett of Cambridge Foot & Ankle, an Upperline Health company in Newport Beach, CA, offers insight into foot fungus in the 3rd of a 4 part series.

Foot Fungus Video Series - Part 2 of 4

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 19:26:00 GMT

Foot Fungus

Dr. Austin Hewlett of Cambridge Foot & Ankle, an Upperline Health company in Newport Beach, CA, offers insight into foot fungus in the 2nd of a 4 part series.

Foot Fungus Video Series - Part 1 of 4

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 19:25:00 GMT

Foot Fungus

Dr. Austin Hewlett of Cambridge Foot & Ankle, an Upperline Health company in Newport Beach, CA, offers insight into foot fungus in the first of a 4 part series.

Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis and Treatment Questions

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:17:00 GMT

Do you have heel pain? According to the American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons, two million Americans seek treatment annually for plantar fasciitis. If you're one of the millions of patients with heel pain, take a look at what you need to know about the diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Can You Self-Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis?

Simply stated — no. Like other podiatric problems, plantar fasciitis requires a doctor's diagnosis. Even though you need a podiatrist to examine your feet and diagnose this common condition, you can make the process easier with some pre-appointment investigation. If you suspect your foot pain is plantar fasciitis:

Track the pain. When do you have heel pain? Plantar fasciitis typically causes pain with the first steps after periods of rest, sleep, inactivity, or exercise. Constant pain, pain that doesn't go away with walking, or pain during exercise may indicate another issue.
Note what relieves the pain. Do you need to take over-the-counter pain relievers to take the pain away or does it resolve on its own? Note whether medication, rest, or activity helps to reduce discomfort.
Write down your symptoms. Think about where and how you feel the pain. Write this information down, noting the painful place (or places) on your feet and how much discomfort you have.

Now that you have a better picture of your symptoms, you can take the next step and visit the doctor for an expert diagnosis.

How Will a Podiatrist Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis ?

A tear, inflammation, or damage to the plantar fascia (the ligament that connects the front of the foot to the heel) can cause plantar fasciitis. To diagnose damage, the doctor will need to:

Take a health history. This is where your notes or home assessment comes in. The doctor will ask you about your overall health history as well as the history of your heel pain symptoms.
Examine the area. The podiatrist will feel your foot and check for tenderness or swelling, functional reflexes, and muscle tone. You may need to flex your foot or move it in different ways as the doctor examines the area.
Recommend other tests. Some patients may also need an x-ray, MRI, or another imaging test for an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help the doctor to rule out other foot muscle, ligament, or bone issues.

A plantar fasciitis diagnosis isn't the end of your podiatrist appointment. After the doctor determines whether you have this foot issue or not, they'll recommend a treatment. The specific treatment you need depends on your foot, the extent of the issue, overall health, and lifestyle factors.

How Will a Podiatrist Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

According to a journal article published in American Family Physician, it can take between six and 18 months to treat plantar fasciitis. The total time it takes depends on the cause, your body's ability to heal, and the type of treatment your doctor recommends. The most common treatments for this podiatric problem include:

Stretching exercises. The doctor may recommend stretching exercises to reduce discomfort and improve foot flexibility.
Strength exercises. Along with stretching the area, the doctor may give you at-home exercises to help strengthen the bottom of your foot and heal.
Ice. Daily ice treatments may help to reduce the swelling or pain.
Medications. If you haven't tried medications, the doctor may recommend either over the counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) options.
Injections. Steroid (cortisone) injections may also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Orthotics. Therapeutic shoes, orthotic inserts, and splints can provide the support you need to reduce discomfort when moving or standing in a stationary position.

Some patients may not experience complete relief from these non-invasive treatment options. If you still have pain, swelling, or other heel issues, the doctor may recommend a surgical alterative such as gastrocnemius recession or plantar fascia release.

Do you think you have plantar fasciitis? Contact the Upperline Health California for more information.

Painful Foot? You Might Have a Bone Spur

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 17:14:00 GMT

Human feet can develop a variety of painful problems. One of the more common issues involves excess bone that creates pain and inflammation, a problem known as a bone spur. If you have a bone spur on your foot or heel, you may find wearing shoes, playing sports, or even standing unthinkably difficult.

Some basic information on bone spurs can help you understand why they occur, when to suspect that you have one, how you can treat the problem, and what you can do to prevent its recurrence. Check out these key points about bone spurs and their effects on the feet.

Why Bone Spurs Develop

A bone spur, or osteophyte, develops at the point where two bones come together to form a joint. This smooth overgrowth of bone may occur in or around any joint that sees frequent use or stress. Since your feet must support your body weight as you stand, walk, or run, they naturally run the risk of bone spur development.

Other factors can elevate your risk for bone spurs of the feet. Examples include obesity (which places an additional load on the foot bones), overly tight footwear, low arches (flat feet), and fractures or other injuries to the joints. Age-related osteoarthritis represents an additional risk factor as joint cartilage deteriorates.

Where Bone Spurs Occur on the Feet

Three common places where bone spurs develop on the feet include the top of the foot, the toe, and the heel. A bone spur at the top of the foot often occurs toward the center of the foot, although it can affect any of the midfoot joints. Toe spurs can grow on either the inside or outside surfaces of the toe joints.

Heel spurs develop on the underside of the calcaneus, or heel bone. Unlike the smooth overgrowths in other foot heel spurs, heel spurs can assume a hooked or pointed shape, extending up to half an inch in length.

What Bone Spurs Look and Feel Like

Many bone spurs of the feet show no symptoms at all, going undetected for life without presenting any problems. Unfortunately, some bone spurs make their presence known all too keenly. When you can see the affected area, you may notice a bony swelling or protrusion, as well as a sensation of heat from the trouble site.

Pain and stiffness commonly accompany bone spurs of the feet. You may experience a noticeable loss of mobility in the affected toe or toes. Heel spurs can produce a sharp, intense pain when you first stand up in the morning. This sensation may give way to an uncomfortable ache that continues throughout the day.

How Podiatrists Treat Bone Spurs

An examination by a skilled podiatrist can quickly confirm a bone spur as the source of your discomfort. X-rays will usually (but not always) display joint swelling or bone overgrowth. The podiatrist will ask you about your lifestyle, any history of foot injuries, and specific symptoms to help establish the diagnosis.

Bone spur treatment varies according to the bone spur's severity and with the underlying issues that provoked the bone spur in the first place. For example, you may receive recommendations for weight loss or a change in footwear. These changes won't eliminate the bone spur, but they may relieve symptoms.

Conservative treatment techniques focus on easing inflammation, relieving immediate pain, and reducing soft tissue swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and ice can provide short-term relief. Cortisone injections can provide extended relief for more serious bone spur symptoms.

Most bone spur sufferers can get satisfactory results from non-invasive methods. However, if you cannot get relief from conservative techniques, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove the offending piece of bone.

How to Keep Your Feet Free of Bone Spurs Whether you've never had a bone spur in your foot or you just want to reduce your odds of getting another one, preventative measures can help you optimize your foot comfort and function. Keep your weight under control, wear proper arch support (including orthotics, if necessary), and avoid tight-fitting shoes.

Upperline Health California can help you get over a painful bone spur problem. Contact us to request an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoe

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:12:00 GMT

The condition known as hammertoe can cause pain, open the door to complications, and make you feel embarrassed about your feet. This deformity of one of more toes may grow progressively worse until you seek the appropriate medical evaluation, advice, and treatment.

The sooner you recognize a hammertoe problem and take steps to address it, the more easily you can keep your feet as healthy, attractive, and functional as possible. Take a look at the answers to some frequently asked questions about hammertoe.

What Does Hammertoe Look and Feel Like?

When you have hammertoe, at least one of your toes appears bent and raised at the knuckle compared to other toes that have no such bend. When you stand, you may notice that the tip of the toe points downward instead of lying flat on the floor.

In some cases, hammertoe can cause discomfort. Corns, calluses, and inflamed areas often develop, rubbing or pinching painfully against the insides of your shoes. You may also experience pain when you try to flex the affected toe. Serious hammertoe issues may impair your ability to play sports or even walk.

How Does Hammertoe Differ From Other Bent-Toe Conditions?

The fact that your toe has assumed an odd angle doesn't necessarily mean that you have hammertoe. Other conditions can also deform the toes in slightly different ways. Two notable examples include mallet toe and claw toe.

The main difference between these three conditions lies in the toes and toe joints involved. In hammertoe, the joint closest to the tip of the second, third, or fourth toe becomes bent. In mallet toe, the joint closest to the foot becomes bent. Claw toe's bend starts at the second joint, usually afflicting the two smallest toes.

Why Does Hammertoe Develop?

Hammertoe often develops as a response to extreme or unusual stresses on the foot. Trauma to the toe can push joint components out of position. Extensive use of tight-fitting shoes or non-ergonomic shoes such as high heels can produce hammertoe. Toe muscle imbalances may also produce hammertoe.

Congenital factors may make some people more vulnerable than others to hammertoe. Women have more trouble with hammertoe than men as a general rule. People with diabetes, arthritis, or a second toe longer than their big toe also have an elevated hammertoe risk.

When Can Hammertoe Become a Serious Problem?

Hammertoe might cause only minor discomfort at first, then grow more and more painful as the ligaments and other connective tissues stiffen up, reducing the toe's comfortable range of motion. As a result, the affected toe or toes may assume a permanently bent formation.

Severe, untreated cases of hammertoe can lead to the creation of open sores or ulcers. People suffering from diabetes or circulatory problems have an elevated risk for such ulcers. Bacteria can enter the skin through the open sores, causing major infections.

How Do Podiatrists Treat Hammertoe?

Podiatrists can evaluate problematic toes to confirm a case of hammertoe. If you have a mild case of hammertoe, the podiatrist may recommend that you change your everyday footwear to shoes that feature a wide toe box. The extra room inside this style of shoe helps to minimize toe pressure, pinching and rubbing.

You might find that some extra cushioning for your hammertoe can protect the toe and ease pain. Non-medicated pads that adhere to the bend in your toe can keep that area from experiencing unwanted friction. Ice can shrink swelling and reduce inflammation in a painful hammertoe.

Podiatrists can also prescribe treatment to deal with any imbalances in your toe structure or musculature that have created your case of hammertoe. Orthotic insoles can balance the weight distribution across your feet, while splints or exercises can help to equalize the muscle strength in neighboring toes.

Severe cases of hammertoe (in which the joint no longer moves at all) may require surgical intervention. In hammertoe surgery, the podiatrist often cuts stiff connective tissues and removes a bit of bone so that the joint can straighten out. Pins or other hardware then fix the toe in a straight position while it heals.

Upperline Health can help get that hammertoe under control. Contact us for an appointment.

National Arthritis Awareness Month: What Causes Arthritis Pain?

Thu, 21 May 2020 18:26:00 GMT

What Causes Arthritis Pain of the Foot and Ankle?

Transcript

Dr. Austin Hewlett

This is the second installment about arthritis. May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. Last week we talked about osteoarthritis. Well today we're going to go a little bit deeper; so remember osteoarthritis is wear and tear arthritis. It can also result from a fracture. So first of all, what does a normal joint look like? Well a normal joint has cartilage on cartilage articulating with each other, and you get pain free movement. What is cartilage? We're gonna look at cartilage a s simply being this spongy stuff that's at the end of our bones, and that's what allows the bones to glide without pain. When that cartilage becomes eroded from wear and tear or from the fracture, we no longer have cartilage on cartilage, but we have bone on bone which leads to pain. S o today let's conclude by saying that osteoarthritis and the pain involved with it is the result of bone on bone.

National Arthritis Awareness Month: What is Arthritis?

Thu, 21 May 2020 18:17:00 GMT

What is Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle?

Transcript

Dr. Austin Hewlett

As you may or may not be aware, May is National A

rthritis Awareness Month, so this month i'm going to be providing you with a series of short videos where we talk about arthritis. I hope you find these videos not only informative but helpful.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is essentially when a joint doesn't function correctly. W e're going to simplify things and look at arthritis as two types of arthritis. 1) T here are systemic arthritis, things like rheumatoid arthritis where your body actually attacks its own cartilage, and 2) there's good old-fashioned wear and tear arthritis. Today we're going to talk about good old-fashioned wear and tear arthritis and call it osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs in people who participate in activities where they're repeatedly doing something or overusing a joint. Let's consider somebody who plays a sport where they're constantly jumping up and down or an individual who participates or is employed in the field where they are constantly required to bend and squat. People who do these things are going to overuse and wear out the joints of their foot and ankle . These are the types of people who can get osteoarthritis of their foot and ankle.

5 Complications Associated With Ill-Fitting Shoes

Mon, 11 May 2020 18:07:00 GMT

Ill-fitting shoes can be uncomfortable and make every step painful. However, wearing shoes that are too small can also cause many foot complications and even change the shape of your feet. If you would like to know more about what foot complications are associated with ill-fitting shoes, keep reading.

1. Blisters

Blisters are small fluid-filled bumps under your skin, and they can often develop on your feet if you are wearing poorly-fitting shoes. The friction from your feet moving in shoes that are too big, and the pressure from shoes that are too small causes these blisters to form on various parts of your feet, including the heel, toes, and ball.

Blisters can be painful, which is why they are often drained, which can be done at home. Instead of popping the blister, however, you should use a disinfected needle to allow the liquid to escape, which can reduce the pressure. If you do this or if the blister bursts, however, there is a risk of infection, especially if your foot is trapped in a stuffy, tight shoe. Keep blisters clean to prevent infection.

2. Corns

Friction and pressure can also lead to corns. Corns are patches of abnormally thick, rough skin. The skin thickens as a protective measure. Corns can be painful, but they almost always cause unsightly bumps or patches of flaky, dry, rough skin.

Corns are usually easy to treat and require no surgery. Your doctor may pare down the thick skin or use a salicylic acid patch to remove the thick skin. If a foot deformity is worsening the corns, shoe inserts may be needed.

3. Ingrown Nails

While cutting your toenails too short can lead to ingrown nails, tight shoes can also be the culprit, especially if the shoe puts a lot of pressure on the big toe. Ingrown toenails start to grow into the soft flesh around the nail bed, which causes pain. If the nail breaks the skin, this can also lead to infection.

Infected ingrown nails may develop an inflamed bump from fluid buildup, and they may appear red. Some may actually ooze pus or bleed. In some cases, surgery is required to remove the part of the nail that is digging into the skin.

4. Bunions

A bunion occurs when pressure from tight shoes actually cause the bones in your foot to move, which causes the big toe to tilt at an angle, pushing against the other toes. If a bunion occurs on your little toe, it's known as a bunionette.

You can usually tell if you are developing a bunion by looking at your foot. A bunion will appear as a hard, bump on the side of your foot, near the base of the big toe. This can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and limited movement of the big toe.

Minor treatment involves wearing shoes that fit and taking pain medications or using shoe inserts for comfort. In more serious cases, surgery may be required to remove swollen tissue or straighten the bone.

5. Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a condition in which your toes naturally bend when your foot is at rest. This prevents the toes from lying flat. At first, the condition is minimal, and the toes are still flexible enough to straighten. At this point, treatment is simple and non-invasive. However, if the condition worsens, the toes become less flexible.

This prevents the toes from fully straightening, which can cause severe pain. As the toes continue to bend, the tips of your toes and the ball of your foot may develop corns or callouses. In severe cases, or if sores appear, surgery may be required.

Wearing shoes that don't fit isn't just painful; it can cause bigger complications that may even lead to infections. For this reason, it's important you care for your feet and ensure you wear the right size of shoe. For more information about how poorly-fitting shoes can affect your foot he alth, contact us at Upperline Health California today.

What Do You Need to Know About Treating Plantar Warts?

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:06:00 GMT

Plantar warts affect 14 percent of Americans annually, according to a research review . If you're one of the many plantar wart patients in the U.S., take a look at the ways to treat this common foot issue.

Start With a Doctor's Diagnosis

Don't attempt to treat a supposed plantar wart with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication without a doctor's diagnosis or guidance first. Instead, your doctor can help you determine if you have plantar warts. Common symptoms of this podiatric problem include:

A visible wart . A tough, thick spot on the bottom of the foot may form. You may have one or several spots, depending on how many warts grow.
Pain when walking or standing. Plantar warts are often uncomfortable. If you have a strange spot along with pain when you stand or walk, talk to your doctor.
Black dots. You may have small black dots on the thickened area of the foot. Theses spots are dried blood.
A hole-like area. Plantar warts grow down into the skin. You may notice a hole or depression in the sole of your foot.

If you have these symptoms, contact a podiatrist for an examination because some other skin conditions may mimic warts. Without the correct diagnosis, you won't have the ability to adequately treat the issue.

Ask About Your Options

When you have a plantar wart diagnosis, you’ll need to choose a treatment. Your doctor will tailor the treatment to your individual needs. Some of these warts disappear without medical intervention; but that doesn't mean yours will. If the wart is uncomfortable, grows or spreads, or develops into other warts, your doctor may feel that you need treatment. Common plantar wart treatments include:

Cryotherapy. The doctor may want to freeze the wart away. This in-office procedure includes the use of liquid nitrogen applied to the wart via a spray or swab. After application, a blister will form, and the skin will eventually slough off.
Salicylic acid. This topical medication removes the wart layer by layer. The podiatrist will prescribe this type of medication for at-home use.
Trichloroacetic acid. The podiatrist uses this type of acid in the office to gradually remove the wart.
Laser treatment. This in-office treatment uses lasers to cauterize the blood vessels in the area. You may need several treatments before the warts falls off.
Surgery. If other treatments don't work, the doctor may need to surgically cut (or use an electrical needle to remove) the wart.

Along with these treatments, immune therapy medications may help to heal this type of wart. Plantar warts are the body's immune response to the human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the Mayo Clinic , injectable and topical antigens may help to heal these types of warts.

Follow-Up With Your Doctor

Whether you had cryotherapy, used salicylic acid at home, or tried a laser treatment, you need to follow-up with your podiatrist. Follow-up care is an important step in the treatment process for several reasons, including:

Complete removal. Is the wart completely gone? If part of the plantar wart lingers deep within your foot, you could see re-growth. The doctor can assess the area and determine whether the wart is still present or not.
Re-occurrence. Just because one wart is gone doesn't mean you can't, or won't, develop more. Regular podiatrist appointments can help to catch a re-occurrence before it becomes a major podiatric problem.
Foot health. How did the skin in the area react to the treatment? Follow-up care allows the doctor to examine the entire foot for any negative effects.

Follow-up care may also include preventive education. The doctor can help you to understand the causes of plantar warts and what you can do to protect your feet in the future.

Do you have a plantar wart? Contact Upperline Health California for more information.

Corns and Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 06:43:00 GMT

Because diabetes can cause poor blood flow and decreased sensation from nerve damage, a lot of diabetics are prone to foot problems. If foot problems are left unchecked, a diabetic patient could require major surgery or even limb amputation.

You need to manage your blood sugar levels and check your feet for sores regularly so you can catch them and get treated by a podiatrist. One problem that you should be aware of is corns. Read on to learn more about this condition.

Aren't Corns Just Harmless Calluses?

Calluses and corns are thickened areas of skin that form in a response to repetitive pressure or friction. Your body develops corns and calluses in order to prevent blisters, which are small pockets of pus, lymph, blood, or other bodily fluids.

While calluses and corns are similar, they have some key differences. Calluses are usually larger, and they typically aren't painful. Corns, on the other hand, can cause pain if pressure is placed on them. Corns are smaller and harder than calluses, so you may feel like you are walking on a pebble.

What if a Diabetic Doesn't Treat Corns?

Besides discomfort, untreated corns can ulcerate and become infected. Because diabetes causes a decreased delivery of oxygen to the lower legs and feet, these infected sores may not heal properly.

Severely infected corns can cause gangrene, or tissue death due to the absence of blood circulation. This bacterial infection could even require amputation.

You need to check your feet for corns because, while they usually cause noticeable discomfort, some patients may not notice them because of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy causes damage to the peripheral nerves, meaning that you may not perceive feeling in your feet if they are injured. If you can't feel a corn between your toes or on the soles of your feet, you could develop a skin infection without knowing it.

How Can You Prevent Corns from Forming?

While you should be checking your feet periodically for injuries, don't forget to assess your footwear. Corns are mainly caused by shoes that don't fit well and rub your skin raw. Have a podiatrist fit you with orthotic shoe inserts and properly fitting shoes.

All insurance carriers, including Medicare, cover one pair of extra depth shoes per calendar year. Come visit us for the proper paperwork and fitting.

You can prevent corns by dealing with any hammer toes or bunions that you might have. These conditions cause toe joints to swell and bend abnormally, thus placing extra friction on your toes when you wear shoes. Again, a change in footwear could possibly fix these types of issues.

For more severe hammer toe/bunion cases, a podiatrist may recommend splints or surgeries to reduce swelling and joint abnormalities. In short, once these root problems are fixed, you won't have to deal with corns on your toes.

How Can Your Podiatrist Remove a Corn?

A podiatrist could also use local anesthetic and a scalpel blade to pare down corns that have really built up. You will feel more comfortable wearing your shoes since this extra skin won't cause undue pressure.

Instead of a scalpel, some podiatrists may opt for a chemical treatments — similar to wart removal — that use salicylic acid to break down the corn until it sloughs of on its own.

Some podiatrists might use a laser to remove your corns. The light beam from the laser is absorbed in the superficial layers of skin and will slough off the affected skin cells of your corns.

Many corns are the result of pressure from a boney prominence. Come visit our office to determine the cause of your painful corn and options for improvement.

Lastly, if a corn becomes ulcerated, your doctor can safely drain it and prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection.

Getting Rid of Toenail Fungus

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 20:51:00 GMT

With the holidays just ending few of us are thinking about summer. However, if your thinking about those embarrassing fungal toenails and the pool or beach-well now is the time to get to work getting rid of those fungal nails.

One of the first questions patients usually ask me is "how did I get this". Well, first of all, you most likely did not do anything wrong. Fungus is part of our holobiome. This is just a really fancy word for the bacteria, fungus and viruses' that live on each of us. I have mine and you have yours. So as far as you being contagious-how are you going to give someone something that they already have. This simple fact accounts for why fungus is so difficult to treat.

You can never get rid of all the fungus on your body. No more than you can get rid of all the bacteria on your body. It does not matter how many times a day you take a bath. So first let's get an understanding of what type of environment fungus flourishes in. Fungus does very well where it is hot, humid and dark. Where would this be? How about the inside of everyone's shoes? What's the most common type of fungus we all know about? Most likely the mushroom. Mushrooms, of course, are not grown on blacktop parking lots in the desert.

So how does fungus get from your skin into your nails? This happens when a layer skin known as the Hyponicium is broken or breached. The Hyponicium is that layer of skin that attaches your nails to your toes and fingers. Once it is broken the fungus which is already on us can eat its way into the nail. Like all living organisms it takes the path of least resistance and eats its way forward depositing its waste products behind it. This causes the delamination or thickening of the nails that we see clinically.

What is the key to treating fungal infections of the nails? In order to treat fungal infections successfully, we need to create an environment that is as non-friendly for fungus as possible. This includes how we treat our shoes, our socks and yes our skin. Let's say you have Tinea Pedis(another fancy word that just means athlete's foot) and you don't treat that but instead focus all your attention on the nails. Well, you may get the nails clear but as soon as you stop treating the nails the fungus from the skin will get right back into the nails and the whole cycle starts again. The same is true if you treat the skin and not the nails.

The take-home message here is that successfully treating fungal infections of the nails and skin is going to require a lot of effort and yes time. It can be done just understand that it is a process with many steps and you must complete each step if you want to successfully treat the issue.

If you are having an issue with fungal infections to the nails or skin please come see us at any of our two locations. Let's make this the summer you wear sandals all day every day.

Training for a Marathon? Watch Out for Foot Neuromas

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 20:07:00 GMT

Completing a marathon for the first time can be a huge achievement if you have just gotten into long-distance running. While a lot of runners adhere to a training schedule to build up their stamina, let your feet recover after hard workouts. Runners who overdo their workouts are prone to injuries and conditions like neuromas.

Read on to learn more about neuromas, how to prevent them, and how to treat them if they hinder your running.

What Is a Neuroma?

A neuroma is thickened nerve tissue and can happen anywhere in your body. The most common type of neuroma that can happen in the foot is called a Morton's neuroma. This neuroma develops in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. Morton's neuromas, or intermetatarsal neuromas, cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot.

What Causes Foot Neuromas?

Long-distance running causes neuromas because the repetitive action of striking your foot to the ground can cause nerve tissue to thicken — especially if your shoes are old and do not have good padding.

If you run in narrow-pointed-toe shoes, you are especially prone to neuromas since these shoes can crowd and compress the toes.

How Do You Prevent Neuromas?

Take those rest days during your marathon training. If you want to cross-train, try low-impact activities, like swimming, so that your feet still get a rest.

If you like to wear high heels, you may want to abstain from wearing them while you train for a marathon, as high heels can make it easier for neuromas to develop (along with other foot issues).

In order to prevent neuromas, runners should not dismiss the early signs. When a neuroma starts to develop, you may feel like something is always in your shoe or that something is stuck to your foot. If you have to keep stopping in your runs to fix a wrinkle in your socks or to check for a pebble in your shoe, you may actually feel the nerve irritation in the ball of your foot.

Be sure to visit a podiatrist before the problem becomes worse and you must stop training altogether to heal.

How Can You Treat the Problem?

Ask your podiatrist to set you up with metatarsal pads. These pads help to spread the arch behind the ball of your foot so that the nerve tissue is not compressed. These teardrop-shaped pads can go under your feet give you extra support and provide pain relief.

Have your podiatrist show you how to properly place the metatarsal pads on your feet. People who have never used them before may place them incorrectly which can actually hurt the nerve tissue further.

Your podiatrist can also set you up with custom orthotics. Orthotics can relieve your pain and provide extra support for biomechanical foot issues. If orthotics do not help enough to treat your pain, you could also look into either massage therapy treatments or cortisone injections.

However, if none of these treatment options help, then you may need to talk with your podiatrist about surgical options. During a neuroma surgery, your podiatrist would remove the affected nerve tissue.

This surgery is an outpatient surgery, but you would still need to rest for a few weeks' time. Even after the surgery is completed, adjust your footwear and workout intensity so that neuroma symptoms do not return.

Contact us at Upperline Health Calilfornia, for more information about how to treat foot neuromas. Do not let foot injuries stop you from achieving your running goals! We look forward to speaking with you and answering all your questions and concerns.

4 Common Causes of Foot Pain

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:34:00 GMT

Foot pain is not only annoying, but it can also restrict your ability to perform necessary daily tasks. In order to get the pain resolved, the first thing you need to do is determine the cause of your foot pain. The following article examines four of the most common causes of foot pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

The large strip of tissue on the bottom of your foot is called the plantar fascia. It is a connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to your toes. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, the resulting condition is called plantar fasciitis. The pain from this disorder is quite sharp and is often at its worst when you take your first steps in the morning.

As you move around more during the day, the pain typically decreases but can get worse when you walk around after a long period of sitting down. Also, the pain is generally worse after you exercise, rather than during the exercise itself.

Causes

The causes of plantar fasciitis are not always clear, but risk factors include having flat feet or a high arch, as well as standing many hours each day or being obese. Women also have a higher risk of plantar fasciitis.

Stress Fractures

A stress fracture occurs when a very small crack develops in one of your bones. Your foot is especially susceptible to stress fractures. The pain from a stress fracture will usually decrease when you rest your feet. In addition to the pain, you may also have swelling around the affected area.

Causes

The main cause of stress fractures is performing certain activities that put excessive pressure on your foot, such as running long distances, carrying heavy loads, or being involved in high-impact sports. Another common cause is osteoarthritis. Once again, women tend to have a greater susceptibility to stress fractures than men.

Bunions

Bunions are the result of some of the bones in your foot moving out of place. When the bones are not in their proper position, your big toe has an unnatural lean toward your other toes and a noticeable bump develops at the base of the toe. You’ll probably experience redness at the site of the bunion or limited movement in your big toe. The pain might be continuous or intermittent.

Causes

Bunions have several possible causes, including wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow. Bunions can also occur because of deformities of the feet or because of arthritis.

Complications

Potential complications from a bunion include bursitis, which is an inflammation of certain tissues near a bone, joint or tendon. Another possible complication is a hammertoe, an abnormal bending in the middle joint of a toe.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are areas of thick, dead skin that are common on certain areas of the body, such as your feet and toes. Although the two conditions are similar, calluses are usually larger than corns. Also, corns are sometimes painful, while calluses usually are not.

Causes

One of the main reasons people develop corns and calluses is because they wear shoes that do not fit properly. Not wearing socks can also cause these conditions because your bare skin is rubbing against your shoes. If you already have a bunion on your foot, it could increase your chances of developing a corn or callus as well.

If you have pain in your feet from any of the conditions listed in this article, or from any other cause, you need to seek medical attention from a health care provider who specializes in foot problems, such as the experienced podiatrists at Upperline Health California.

Potential Causes for Chronic Ankle Sprain

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 20:50:00 GMT

When you sprain your ankle, the source of pain is obvious. However, the source of chronic ankle pain is trickier to trace. Ankle pain is more than a nuisance — it can make even simple movements difficult. Depending on your job, chronic ankle pain can also impact your work. Discover the possible sources of chronic ankle pain so you can talk to your podiatrist about treatment options.

Peroneal Tendon Injury

The peroneal brevis and longus run behind the ankle bone. Their job is to keep the foot stabilized. Peroneal tendon injury can manifest as tendonitis, an acute tear, or a degenerative tear. All three will result in chronic ankle pain.

Tendonitis causes the area to become swollen and warm. It occurs when the tendons become inflamed from activities such as running that overuse the tendon or from a sprain. Swelling also occurs with acute tearing, and it's accompanied by instability in the ankle. Acute tears usually come from trauma. Degenerative tears occur when the tendon becomes overstretched.

The best outcomes with peroneal tendon injuries occur when the diagnosis is swift. Typically, the podiatrist will need to use an MRI or X-ray to diagnose the injury. You may need to wear a splint or brace and undergo physical therapy. Anti-inflammatory medicines can also help. If the tendon needs repairing, though, you'll have to undergo surgery.

Osteochondral Lesions

The talus is the bone that sits between the tibia and the first bones of your foot. Cartilage is the connective tissue between those bones. Osteochondral lesions are a tear or fracture of that cartilage.

Like tendon injury, osteochondral lesions usually occur as a result of a sprain or repetitive use. People who play running-based sports, such as soccer or football, are at an increased risk of osteochondral lesions. The condition manifests as a dull ache and swelling, especially while walking.

These lesions usually don't show up on X-rays, so doctors usually have to use an MRI or CT scan for diagnosis. Wearing a brace or cast helps reduce the pain and swelling. However, the tears usually have to be repaired surgically. Surgeons have different treatment options based on the severity of the injury.

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Another feature of your ankle joint is the sinus tarsi, which is a tunnel between the talus and the calcaneus, or heel bone. The tunnel is filled with soft tissues necessary for the function of the joint. Those tissues include ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. When those soft tissues become injured, the tunnel may fill with fluid and fibrotic tissue.

Acute injury to the ankle and chronic sprains can lead to sinus tarsi syndrome. However, cysts and degenerative conditions can contribute to the syndrome. In addition to the pain, you might feel instability in your foot or ankle. The area can also swell and develop bruising.

As with the other conditions, MRIs are the best way to diagnose sinus tarsi syndrome. Bracing or taping can alleviate the pain and return stability to the ankle. You may also have to undergo physical therapy to improve balance. In some cases, your podiatrist may recommend steroid injections. Surgery is rarely indicated for the syndrome.

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon runs along the back of your lower calf to the heel bone. Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of any tendon, in this case the Achilles tendon. With noninsertional Achilles tendinitis, the tendon develops tiny tears. With insertional Achilles tendinitis, the area where the tendon attaches to the heel bone is damaged.

Unlike with the other conditions, Achilles tendinitis is almost exclusively related to overuse. The condition occurs because of repetitive stress to the tendon, usually from a sudden increase in your exercise. However, it also occurs because of tight calf muscles. Along with the ankle pain, you might experience stiffness and swelling.

X-ray, examination, and MRIs can help your podiatrist diagnose Achilles tendinitis. For this condition, your podiatrist might prescribe some exercises to help strengthen the calf muscles, which will reduce stress on the tendon. Surgery is only indicated if the pain doesn't subside after six months.

Don't put up with chronic ankle pain. Talk to the foot and ankle experts at Upperline Health California.

Causes and Effects of Bunions

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 16:06:00 GMT

When you look at a normal foot, the inner and outer edges are relatively straight from the ankle to the end of the toe. You usually see a little curve from the arch to the big toe. However, sometimes that curve becomes pronounced, to the point of a protrusion. Said protrusion is usually a sign of a bunion.

Unfortunately, bunions not only affect the shape of your foot but also can cause you other health problems. Below are the main causes of bunions and how bunions can affect your life — as well as how to get rid of them.

Main Causes of Bunions

A bunion forms when the big toe points inward toward the other toes, which causes the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe to turn outward. Over time, the joint can even develop a bony growth. Likewise, the fluid-filled sac around the joint, the bursa, can become inflamed.

The condition typically affects women, and for a reason — a main cause of the deformity is shoes. Specifically, squeezing the foot into shoes with a narrow toe box, such as pointed toes, causes the big toe to migrate inward. Wearing heels exacerbates the condition.

That said, bunions have a hereditary component. Foot shape dictates whether your foot will be susceptible to developing bunions, and foot shape tends to run in families.

Likewise, your occupation can play a role. People who have jobs that require long periods of standing, such as nursing and teaching, are more likely to develop the condition.

Symptoms of Bunions and Bunionettes

The overgrowth of the bone at the base of the toe takes place over time. So, the bulging bump may not be the first sign you see. However, the protrusion at the base of the big toe is a clear sign of a bunion, while a smaller protrusion at the base of the pinky toe indicates a bunionette.

The main issue with bunions and your daily life is they cause pain. You'll often feel soreness in the bump. What's more, the protrusion usually rubs against shoes, which can cause it to become red and even swollen. You may feel an ache in the bony growth itself.

Bunion Treatment

Bunion pain can affect your quality of life. Indeed, one study published in Arthritis Care & Research showed that people with bunions are more likely to experience pain in other parts of their bodies, such as the hip, knee, and lower back. Such pain often impacted their work and social activities.

When the pain reaches that level, the best option is usually surgery, which is the only way to correct the problem. Surgeons can remove the swollen tissue around the toe joint and straighten the big toe, which involves removing part of the bone. They'll also realign the long bone that runs the length of your foot.

Living with Bunion Pain

As noted, if you want to get rid of bunions or bunionettes, surgery is required. If you decide against bunion surgery, or if you want to wait until a convenient time for the procedure, you can still ease the pain the lumps cause.

The main method for living with bunions is to get comfortable shoes. These shoes should be wide in the toe area to accommodate the extra protrusions. You may find that shoe seams rub and irritate the bunions, so look for shoes that don't have seams in that area. If the pain is bad enough, you may have to switch to shoes made especially for bunion sufferers.

You can also protect the tender area with a gel-filled pad or moleskin that you apply daily. Your podiatrist may also recommend shoe inserts, which will position the foot correctly within the shoe. Finally, your podiatrist may also tell you to wear a splint at night to hold the toe straight.

Don't live with the pain of bunions — seek diagnosis and advice from a podiatrist. For bunion or any other foot issues, contact Upperline Health.

What You Need to Know About Toenail Fungus

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 17:10:00 GMT

The feet can be one of the most overlooked parts of the body. Because feet are typically hidden inside socks or shoes, you may not notice when a problem starts to develop on the skin or toenails.

Infections that affect the feet and toenails have the potential to wreak havoc on your health. One of the infections that can go unnoticed for quite some time is a fungal infection of the toenail. Learn more about toenail fungus to help you better identify, prevent, and treat these types of infections in the future.

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Any cuts or cracks in your skin or toenails can provide an entry point for fungus. Most fungal varieties thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments. A foot that is within a sock or shoe for long periods of time can easily serve as a breeding ground for fungus.

Onychomycosis, the medical name for a fungal infection in a toenail, is caused by exposure to one of the many fungi varieties that can be found in locker rooms, bathrooms, and other damp environments.

The most common fungus at the root of a fungal toenail is a dermatophyte fungi. A fungal toenail can also be caused by exposure to yeasts and nondermatophyte mold spores.

What Are the Symptoms of Toenail Fungus?

Most people don't notice something wrong with their toenail until long after the nail bed has been affected by a fungal infection.

Unlike athlete's foot (a fungal infection of the skin), fungal toenails do not itch. Typically, no pain is associated with the development of a fungal infection, so only a visual inspection will reveal the early warning signs of a problem. You will see a slight discoloration underneath the tip of your nail when a fungal infection is present. This discoloration can be white or yellow in color.

As the infection spreads throughout the nail bed, the entire nail will take on a whitish or yellowish hue. The nail will also become thick and brittle. You may even see some separation of the toenail from the nail bed as the fungal infection spreads deeper into the tissue.

How Can Toenail Fungus Be Prevented?

The easiest way to deal with a fungal infection is to avoid contracting one in the first place. You must be proactive in protecting your feet against exposure to potential contaminants. Always wear shoes in locker room or pool areas. Disinfect your clippers each time you trim your nails, and wash your feet and toes thoroughly on a regular basis.

Sweat-absorbing socks can help to reduce the amount of moisture your feet are exposed to. You should invest in shoes that are made from breathable fabrics to help reduce moisture exposure as well. Going on the offensive will help you reduce the likelihood that you will develop a fungal toenail in the future.

How Is Toenail Fungus Treated?

Patients had to rely on oral anti-fungal medications to eliminate fungal toenail infections in the past. These medications can be effective, but they must be taken over a long period of time to help eradicate the infection.

Your podiatrist can offer an alternative to oral medications. Laser treatment for fungal toenails is becoming more popular. A specialized laser will emit pulses of energy that heat the affected tissue. As the microbes absorb the heat, they die off.

Laser treatment can target fungal infections directly by penetrating through the toenail to reach the affected tissue in the nail bed. This targeted approach helps produce faster results than those achieved through oral medications.

Contact Upperline Health to learn more about your options if you think you have a fungal toenail.

Flat Feet FAQs

Sat, 10 Aug 2019 15:55:00 GMT

Flat Feet: Frequently Asked Questions

Most babies are naturally born with no arches. Over time, as the feet develop, they form any one of three types of arches: low or no arch, a medium arch, or a high arch. If you were recently diagnosed with flat feet after suffering from years of symptoms, you may wonder why your arches never developed and what you can do to find some relief.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions you might have about flat feet.

What Are Flat Feet?

Otherwise known as a fallen arch, flat feet occur because the tendons in the feet are damaged or not adequate enough to form an arch. When an individual with flat feet stands on solid, hard ground, they will have little or no visible arch. This means that their entire foot will sit flat on the ground. If you aren't sure whether or not you have flat feet, this simple test can help.

Step in some water or cover the bottoms of your feet with chalk or washable paint. Step on some concrete or pavement, making sure your entire feet are on the surface. Step away and look at the imprint left behind. If your entire feet make an impression with little to no curve to your feet, which would be the arches, you might have flat feet.

The symptoms of flat feet also include pain in the feet, legs, and hips. The pain can occur at any time but often flares up after the individual stands or walks for long periods or after exercising.

Why Do I Have Flat Feet?

Several reasons exist for why a person will develop flat feet, either in childhood or later in life. For example, most children will develop arches around two to three years of age. Some children have a genetic abnormality that causes weakened tendons or the tendons in their feet don't form properly.

Here are a few other causes of flat feet:

Rheumatoid arthritis. RA, or rheumatoid arthritis, impacts the joints throughout your body, including the joints in your feet. Extensive RA-related joint damage can cause flat feet.
Ligament or bone damage. A fall, car accident, or any other injury or illness that impacts the bones and ligaments in the feet can also cause flat feet.
Posterior tibial tendon swelling or damage. The posterior tibial tendon, or PTT, runs the length of your leg and through your foot. Swelling or damage to the PTT can result in fallen arches.

Several conditions increase the risk of a person developing flat feet, including pregnancy, obesity, and diabetes.

How Will My Doctor Treat My Flat Feet?

Several treatment options are available, and the type of treatment your doctor recommends is based upon the severity of your fallen arches and any symptoms you experience. For example, if the pain is minor and your flat feet do not greatly impact your quality of life, the doctor may recommend orthotic arch supports. Arch supports are available for purchase in store and online.

However, if your foot pain is more severe or your pain radiates through your legs and hips as well, your doctor may recommend custom orthotics, which can accommodate your foot's unique shape.

Certain exercises, such as toe raises, arch or leg raises, and feet rubbing over tennis balls can help you find relief. If flat feet are from tendon, bone, or ligament damage, your doctor may recommend surgery. However, surgery is not beneficial or recommendable if flat feet are from a genetic condition or other chronic ailments that impact joints, bones, or tendons.

Fallen arches, or flat feet, is a common condition, but your doctor can help you find relief. If you have any further questions, contact Upperline Health California.

Summer vacation and your feet

Thu, 30 May 2019 14:29:00 GMT

fNow that summer is here most of us really want to do something fun. Depending on what part of the country you live in being outdoors may be goal one. But before you head out to whatever your summer destination lets take a quick review of how you should take of your feet.

Summertime and the activities we participate in vary for each of us. For some, it is not Summer unless they are at the beach. Others may be looking to head to rivers, lakes or mountains. Still, others may be getting ready to go on that vacation that requires walking and possibly a lot of it. Wherever you may be going shoe gear will be important.

Let's start with some basics. First, make sure that the shoes you are using are made for what you are going to be doing. You certainly would not wear your flip-flops to go hiking and neither would I expect you to use hiking boots with your bathing suit at the beach. Each set of footwear has its own specific use so let's make sure we use our shoes for what they are made for.

The next thing you should do is to make sure you have broken the footwear in. I say footwear because some of you may be putting your flip-flops or sandals on for the first time this year or may have a new pair altogether. Those of you who are planning on a walking vacation may have treated yourself to a new pair of walking shoes or hiking boots. Even if you are using the same style and the same brand you need to break the footwear in.

Breaking in your new footwear is done as follows. Begin by using the new footwear about forty-five minutes to one hour. The next day increase your time to around two hours. Take five to six days to really let your feet get used to the footwear. You don't even have to be walking for the full time. Simply having the footwear on will allow your body to get used to the pressure points.

Summer only comes around once a year. By avoiding issues with new footwear such as blisters, callous', ulcerations and other pains you can make sure foot pain won't slow you down this Summer or any other. Have a great time no matter what you do and if you need any help getting your feet set for Summer, please give Upperline Health a call.

What is a Hammertoe?

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:28:00 GMT

In our Upperline Health California clinics, we get this question daily. Patients want to know if what they have really is a Hammertoe and is there anything they need to do about it. If you have read any of my other blogs you know my answer to the second part of that question. If it does not hurt leave it alone. Unfortunately many people do have pain with the condition. So I would like to try and explain what a Hammertoe is, what causes it and what can be done about it.

A Hammertoe is essentially a contracted toe. This contraction can occur at one of three joints: metatarsal phalangeal joint, proximal interphalangeal joint or the distal interphalangeal joint. Sounds complicated but it really just describes which joint or joints in the toe are involved. By determining what joint or joints the deformity is located at the physician/surgeons at Upperline Health California can determine what your treatment options are.

The causes of Hammertoe deformity are many. Suffice to say that outside a trauma(broken toe) that has left the toe deformed the majority of Hammertoes come from a muscle imbalance. It is crucial that your physician/surgeon determine where exactly this imbalance is located. Failure to do so will greatly limit any plan conservative or surgical to fix the patients issue.

So what exactly do we do for Hammertoes at Upperline Health California? We always start with the least invasive treatment first. This can be something as simple as a gel pad placed over the toe to simply cushion the toe and decrease any pressure and friction to the area. Orthotics can also be of use depending on the cause of the Hammertoe. Finally if conservative therapy has failed and pain persist surgical intervention can be considered.

There are a multitude of surgeries that are used for Hammertoes. Which procedure is chosen is based on the location as well as the cause of the Hammertoe. Once our surgeons and the patient have decided to move forward with surgery to correct the Hammertoe we will base our surgical plan on the aforementioned issues. The procedure or procudures with determine your "down time".

While I certainly wish I could be more specific please remember that each patient is different and thus each treatment protocol rather conservative or surgical must match the exact needs of the individual patient. If you are concerned that you may have a Hammertoe Deformity or already have been diagnosed with the condition please feel free to schedule and appointment with any of our Physician/Surgeons here at Upperline Health California.

As always we appreciate your trust and would love to see you as a patient.

Is This a Bunion?

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:27:00 GMT

Hardly a day goes by in my clinic without a patient asking me "is this a bunion?" First lets start with what a bunion is in doctor speak. A bunion is an increase in the angle between the first and second metatarsal and it may be accompanied by a deviation of the hallux. Wow! That's a really fancy way to say your big toe is heading toward the little toe and you have a bump on the inside of your foot. This may be a bit of an over simplification but I think you get the picture.

The next question to follow is usually "what should I do about it"? My answer is always the same "does it hurt"? If it does not hurt I am not a big believer in doing anything. However it the foot hurts the patient and doctor must have a conversation concerning the the treatment options. If the pain is deep within the joint there is a possiblilty the pain can be controlled with a custom orthotic. If the pain is a result of the bone hitting the shoe or the toes hitting each other surgery may be indicated.

Once we begin to have a conversation about surgery we need to discuss what exactly the surgical options are and equally as important what they are not. I always begin by asking what the patient does for a living. The recovery course as far as demands placed on the foot will differ for those who are seated at work vs. those who are on their feet. This is a critical consideration as we don't want to jeopardize your surgery.

The severity of the bunion deformity will determine what surgical procedures the patient is a candidate for. There are literally dozens of procedures that can be used to correct a bunion deformity. Some allow the patient to return to weight bearing within a few days of surgery while others require you to be off your feet for 6-8 weeks. Obviously those are two very different post op courses.

When deciding with your foot and ankle surgeon which procedure is best for you consider the following: 1. What are the demands going to be on me post op? 2. When will I be able to go back to work? 3. If I can't walk on my foot how will I get around? These are just a few of the questions that need to be answered.

The advice I give my patients is this, be honest with yourself as far as your abilities to get around and most importantly think about long term. I am always amazed by the numer of patients I see who have had bunion surgery prior to coming to see me are wondering "how did it come back"? I find that usually while discussing surgical options these patients were told what they wanted to hear and not what they needed to know.

If you believe you have a bunion deformity please come see myself or any of our doctors at Upperline Health California in our Orange or Newport Beach office and we will be happy to review your case with you and discuss the options for your "bunion".

Do I need surgery?

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 15:25:00 GMT

Patients who present to my office with a variety of foot conditions ultimately want to know if they should consider a surgical option. These conditions range from hammertoe and bunion deformities to issues that are chronic in nature. The first thing I always ask the patient is if they are having pain. If the answer is no I will normally recommend we consider a conservative approach to their condition. So the simple answer here is, if it does not hurt leave it alone.

Sometimes despite our best efforts the patient's pain does not go away. In these cases we have to consider the degree of pain. Normally I ask the patient "how negatively is this thing impacting your life" My opinion is that if the condition is keeping you from doing what you like to do then you should indeed consider surgery. At this point the patient and I need to have an in depth discussion about expectations and outcomes.

It is paramount that the patient and the surgeon have goals that are alinged. This way we are both "rowing the boat in the same direction". Key considerations for the patient include: what will the weight bearing status be post op? for how long? will they need to miss work and if so for how long? Is this a busy time of year for the patient at work? Needless to say I am not doing surgery on alot of accountants on April 1st.

All of these questions need to be answered honestly by the patient and the surgeon before even considering surgery. By having as much information as possible the well informed patient can ask the correct questions and make the decision that is right for them. While this is surely a brief overview I hope it has helped.

If you or a family member is considering surgery of the foot or ankle please feel free to make an appointment with one of our surgeons.

How did I get nail fungus and how do I get rid of it?

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 15:24:00 GMT

One of the first questions patients usually ask me is "how did I get this". Well first of all you most likely did not do anything wrong. Fungus is part of our holobiome. This is just a really fancy word for the bacteria, fungus and virus' that live on each of us. I have mine and you have yours. So as far as you being contagious-how are you going to give someone something that they already have. This simple fact accounts for why fungus is so difficult to treat.

You can never get rid of all the fungus on your body. No more than you can get rid of all the bacteria on your body. It does not matter how many times a day you take a bath. So first lets get an understanding of what type of environment fungus flourishes in. Fungus does very well where it is hot, humid and dark. Where would this be? How about the inside of everyones shoes? Whats the most common type of fungus we all know about? Most likely the mushroom. Mushrooms of course are not grown on black top parking lots in the desert.

So how does fungus get from your skin into your nails? This happens when a layer skin known as the Hyponicium is broken or breached. The Hyponicium is that layer of skin that attatches your nails to your toes and fingers. Once it is broken the fungus which is already on us can eat its way into the nail. Like all living organisms it takes the path of least resistance and eats its way forward depositing its waste products behind it. This causes the delamination or thickening of the nails that we see clinically.

What is the key to treating fungal infections of the nails? In order to treat fungal infections successfully we need to create an environment that is as non friendly for fungus as possible. This includes how we treat our shoes, our socks and yes our skin. Lets say you have Tinea Pedis(another fancy word that just means athelete foot) and you don't treat that but instead focus all your attention on the nails. Well you may get the nails clear but as soon as you stop treating the nails the fungus from the skin will get right back into the nails and whole cycle starts again. The same is true if you treat the skin and not the nails.

The take home message here is that successfully treating fungal infections of the nails and skin is going to require alot of effort and yes some time. It can be done just understand that it is a process with many steps and you must complete each step if you want to successfully treat the issue.

If you are having an issue with fungal infections to the nails or skin please come see us at any of our two locations.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide your care and happy holidays.

Who needs orthotics?

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 15:23:00 GMT

We will start by first defining what an orthotic is or maybe first what it is not. It is not something you can buy off the shelf. So no the devices you see at various chain stores where you stand on a machine and it magically tells you what "device" you should buy is not an orthotic. An orthotic is a custom made device fashioned for you as an individual. I can't wear yours and you can't wear mine(most likely not for long and not without alot of pain)

There are several methods by which to make an orthotic. Some doctors will have you walk on a computer mat others may have you step into a foam box or block. Personally I have always preferred the casting method. This is where I actually make cast impressions of the individuals feet. My personal opinion is that if you don't do it this way all you really have is a foam box impression or computer generated image of a foot that is not functioning correctly. After all that's why the patient is in my office.

Now onto the question of who needs orthotics. My personal opinion is that orthotics are one of if not the most important things you can do to prevent and treat injuries of the foot and ankle. They can be used in people with flat feet, high arch feet, people with ankle pain and people with various tendon and ligament issues as well. In addition orthotics are completely non invasive and have minimal if any downside.

These custom made devices can be used by children as well adults. Serious competitive athletes can benefit from properly made orthotics as can the weekend warrior and all patients in between. Most of the time we are able to fabricate a devices that can fit in most of your shoes. However any heel over 2 inches and open back sandals will not accommodate an orthotic. So orthotics are indeed devices that have the potential to benefit a wide array of patients with many different foot types and symptoms.

Another question I frequently encounter is "how long do they last". My reply is to look at your orthotics like car tires. The more miles you travel and the rougher the roads the quicker you will go through them. Lets take two extreme examples: a professional triathlete will literally destroy a pair of orthotics in under 6 months. Someone who wakes up, goes to work, walks the dogs and performs routine activities of daily living will get up to 2 years from the device. In children we run into one problem. Kids grow and orthotics do no not. So most children will simply outgrow the devices in 12-14 months.

Hopefully that helps with any questions. If you think you may benefit from orthotics please come by one of our offices and lets find out!

Thank you for trusting us with your care.