Items filtered by date: November 2023

Ingrown toenails can be a painful and persistent issue, usually affecting the big toe and causing discomfort, inflammation, and sometimes bleeding. An ingrown toenail often results from wearing tight shoes, foot injuries, genetics, or poor foot care. When the curved edges of the nail pierce into the surrounding skin, pressure builds up, leading to pain, inflammation, tenderness, and redness. Beyond conservative treatments, there are two primary surgical methods for treatment, which are referred to as partial nail avulsion and total nail avulsion. Both are conducted under local anesthesia. Partial nail avulsion involves removing a portion of the nail, known as a wedge resection. The procedure trims one or both edges of the nail to make it narrower and give it a straight edge. This ingrown toenail treatment takes approximately 30 minutes and has a high success rate. With total nail avulsion, the entire nail is removed. This procedure is often reserved for those with recurrent issues or who are unresponsive to other less invasive ingrown toenail treatments. Proactive toenail care and early intervention are key to addressing ingrown toenails effectively. To manage an exceedingly painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, in addition to determining if surgery is best for you.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Podiatry, a specialized branch of medicine, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and conditions related to the feet and lower extremities. A podiatrist, also known as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, is a healthcare professional who specializes in caring for the health and well-being of the feet. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions, including foot and ankle injuries, diabetes-related foot problems, and structural issues. To become a podiatrist, one typically follows a rigorous educational path. This begins with completing a bachelor's degree, followed by enrollment in a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM program, which is a four-year professional degree program. After earning the DPM degree, aspiring podiatrists typically undergo a residency program to gain hands-on experience in various clinical settings. Podiatrists then can choose to pursue board certification in a specific area of podiatric medicine, such as surgery or sports medicine, to further specialize in their field. If you have foot or ankle problems or are interested in pursuing podiatry as a career path, it is suggested that you speak with this type of doctor.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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 and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the feet. It is caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm and moist environments. This condition can be uncomfortable, and if left untreated, it may lead to more serious complications. Athlete's foot is primarily caused by fungi that invade the dead outer layers of the skin. Common factors that contribute to the development of athlete's foot can include wearing poorly ventilated shoes, sweaty feet, contact with contaminated surfaces, and sharing footwear. Symptoms of athlete's foot often include scaling and peeling of the skin, especially in the toe webs, itching, or odor. The infection may also affect the soles of the feet, leading to redness, blistering, and peeling along the sides and soles. In advanced cases, there may be severe itching, a foul odor, painful cracking between the toes, and oozing. Symptoms, such as redness and swelling, areas of pus, or severe pain, may indicate a more serious infection that requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. For help managing athlete’s foot infections, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Cuboid syndrome has numerous alternate names, such as cuboid fault syndrome or lateral plantar neuritis. It manifests primarily as pain on the foot's outer edge, which stems from a misalignment of the cuboid bone. Located centrally within the foot, this bone connects seamlessly with other bones and is anchored by ligaments and tendons. A crucial joint in this context is the calcaneocuboid joint, vital for foot stability and motion. Problems arise when the bone displaces from its position, resulting in symptoms like pain, restricted motion, and challenges in weight-bearing. The diagnosis of cuboid syndrome often remains elusive as other issues can lead to lateral foot pain, such as gout, compression neuropathy, and tendinopathy. If cuboid syndrome is the culprit, treatment typically focuses on bone manipulation, with persistent cases demanding further interventions. If you have lateral foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment for its cause.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.