Tuesday, 30 April 2024 00:00

Ankle sprains occur when ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting movements. Common causes include sports injuries, walking or running on uneven surfaces, or accidents. Prevention involves maintaining strength and flexibility through regular exercise, wearing supportive footwear, and using caution during physical activities. Immediate treatment for ankle sprains includes rest, compression, and elevation. Gentle exercises to restore range of motion and strength may aid in recovery. However, severe sprains may require medical attention, including immobilization with a brace or splint, or, in rare cases, surgery. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Tuesday, 23 April 2024 00:00

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and into each leg. When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can lead to various symptoms, including sharp, shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet. In some cases, sciatica can also cause toe pain, often described as a burning sensation or electric shock-like discomfort. This toe pain may result from nerve compression affecting the branches of the sciatic nerve that innervate the feet and toes. A podiatrist can play a vital role in managing sciatica-related foot pain by conducting a comprehensive evaluation to identify contributing factors, providing treatments to alleviate symptoms such as orthotic devices, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers as needed for optimal pain management and functional improvement.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 16 April 2024 00:00

Diabetes can lead to a condition known as neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that often affects the legs and feet, due to high blood sugar levels over time. High blood sugar can harm the tiny blood vessels that supply nerves, especially those in the lower extremities. This can cause symptoms ranging from tingling, numbness, and pain in the feet to more severe issues like loss of sensation. The loss of feeling is particularly concerning because it can make it difficult for someone to notice injuries or infections. This, in turn, heightens the risk of serious complications, such as foot ulcers and infections that heal poorly. Managing blood sugar levels is important for preventing or slowing the progression of neuropathy. If you are at risk for neuropathy and wound care issues, it is suggested that you have regular check-ups with a podiatrist to monitor foot health and prevent complications.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Neuropathy
Friday, 12 April 2024 00:00

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