Items filtered by date: January 2023

It is well documented that working on the feet throughout the workday can put the feet at risk of developing some kind of affliction or condition, especially if they are not being taken care of. However, in addition to working on the feet all day, individuals who sit down at a desk for the majority of the workday can also pose risks to their feet. These office workers might be reducing the extent to which their feet can facilitate good blood circulation when they sit all day at the desk. To prevent this, an office worker might consider going on brief walks throughout the day to keep the feet and body engaged and in motion. The proven benefits associated with taking brief walking breaks are considerable. If you have questions or want to improve balancing work and your foot health, consider contacting a podiatrist today.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

An injury that breaks through the skin is called a wound. Small wounds on the feet may heal naturally whereas larger and deeper wounds may require assistance. After the hands are thoroughly washed, pressure can be applied to stop existing bleeding. This is generally followed by cleaning the wound with water and saline solution and removing any foreign objects from it. Many times an antibiotic cream is applied to it to help prevent an infection from developing. A dressing is then put over it and changed daily to ensure the wound is kept clean. Wounds can develop for various reasons and generally require prompt medical attention. Wounds can occur due to a human or animal bite, an injury, or getting cut by a dirty or rusty object. Additionally, if there is blood coming from the wound that cannot be stopped, it is strongly urged to contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat wounds on the feet.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Can the position of children’s feet as they eat result in appetite changes? Studies have been done that may link feet that are dangling while eating may lead to having a reduced appetite and increased fatigue. The recommended position for sitting during a meal is for the ankles, knees, and hips to be bent at 90 degrees. When the feet are supported, the core muscles work less to stabilize the body, possibly causing improved attention. It may be beneficial to add a footrest that can help to achieve this balance. Parents who have children that are difficult eaters may find improvement by changing the position their child is in while eating. The benefits may include trying new foods and textures and remaining seated for longer periods. If you have specific questions about how this is accomplished, please speak with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

If your feet feel like they are burning up, it may be a sign that you have experienced nerve damage in the foot or leg, an injury, or a compression of the nerves. Burning feet, also known as Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome, is a condition that consists of damage to the small nerve fibers of the foot. Although the cause of this condition is not clear, it is often found in people who have diabetes, vitamin B deficiency, or rheumatoid arthritis. Among other possible causes of burning feet are peripheral artery disease, peripheral neuropathy, and Morton’s neuroma. Other factors that can result in burning foot syndrome include kidney or thyroid problems and abnormal biomechanics of the foot. Common symptoms of burning foot syndrome are a pain in the soles of the feet, a feeling of pins and needles, and numbness. If you regularly experience such symptoms, please contact a podiatrist for an exam and a diagnosis, followed by suggested treatment options.

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.

Arthritis can affect many parts of the body, including the joints of your feet. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the feet, the most common being osteoarthritis. The joints are covered with articular cartilage, connective tissue that covers the surface of bones in joints. This cartilage reduces friction with joint movement. Arthritis will cause the joints to wear down and lose this cartilage, resulting in the bones rubbing against each other. Soft tissues in joints might also become worn, and this can cause stiff joints that will not function properly. Early signs of foot arthritis include pain, swelling, and stiffness. This ailment can cause acute, or sudden, symptoms or chronic, or long-lasting, symptoms. When osteoarthritis affects the feet, it is usually the joint in the big toe that is first impacted. However, this kind of arthritis can also affect the midfoot. If you have pain in your feet for any reason, or think you might have arthritis, see a podiatrist who can properly evaluate your condition and offer treatment options to provide relief.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.