Items filtered by date: August 2022

People who have swollen feet and ankles are generally aware of how uncomfortable they can be. There are various reasons why this can occur, including eating foods that have high levels of sodium, and taking certain medications. Additionally, pregnant women and people who are overweight may notice their feet are swollen, or it may happen as an allergic reaction from an insect bite. Mild relief can be found when salt intake is reduced in the diet, starting a gentle exercise routine, and frequently elevating the feet. It is beneficial to refrain from sitting or standing for long periods of time, in addition to wearing socks and shoes that are too tight. It can help to wear shoes that fit properly, and have a low heel and soft sole. Shiny skin on the feet can be a sign of edema, which is the medical term for swollen feet. Some people may experience a skin color change on their feet, and this may be a symptom of edema. If you have this condition, and you fail to find relief with the above suggestions, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide an examination and conclude with a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ice skating requires balance, flexibility, strength, and power. In the 1990s, patterns that generated shapes like circles and figure eights were replaced with more physically demanding jumps and spins. As expected, skating can stress the muscles, bones, and joints of the feet and ankles. Injuries in skating often happen from falls. A skater’s feet are tightly bound in leather or synthetic composite boots so the feet and ankles bear the brunt of various motions performed. Problems can arise from repetitive stretching of the Achilles tendon, located at the heel of the foot, and a skater can get Achilles tendinopathy, tendonitis in the ankle, plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, hammertoes, or other foot and ankle problems. Skaters should warm up and stretch before skating to loosen stiff muscles and wear properly fitting boots. If you are a skater and have sports-related pain in your feet or ankles that is not relieved with rest, see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

People who enjoy running are often familiar with blisters. Patients who get them often can generally feel when they are developing blisters and may wear running socks to prevent them. Blisters come from wearing shoes and socks that can cause excess friction and develop as the body’s natural defense to heal damaged skin. It is defined as a small area that resembles a bubble that is filled with fluid, and it immediately forms over the damaged skin. When new skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain as it is no longer needed. There may be existing medical reasons why people get blisters including eczema and psoriasis, in addition to having overly dry skin. A bunion may be the cause of blisters forming on the feet and this often happens from wearing shoes that are too tight. It is beneficial for people who run to gradually build up the skin on their feet as this may lead to getting blisters less often. If you frequently get blisters on your feet and would like to know more information about treatment and prevention, please confer with a podiatrist. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

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

Prevention & Treatment

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

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