Items filtered by date: May 2023

A sprained toe is a common foot condition. It can occur for a variety of reasons, that include an injury or accident causing the toe to bend beyond its normal range. When a toe is sprained, ligaments are overstretched or damaged. The toe may be swollen and bruised, and it can be painful to move, but walking is still possible. A Grade 1 sprain is known to be a mild sprain that consists of stretching of the ligaments and perhaps some microscopic tears. A Grade 2 sprain is a partial tear with more noticeable swelling and tenderness. A Grade 3 sprain happens when the ligament is completely torn, and the pain level is significant. Since it is difficult to distinguish between a sprained toe and a fractured toe, it is suggested that if you have sustained a toe injury, a podiatrist be consulted who can properly diagnose what has happened and provide appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

People who enjoy running and jogging are aware of how a running injury can interrupt this hobby. The importance of preventing running injuries ranks high among runners, and there are effective methods that can accomplish this. It is beneficial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which may help to prevent foot cramps. Stretching before and after running is effective in keeping the muscles limber, in addition to wearing running shoes that fit correctly. Many runners find it is better for their body to gradually change running surfaces, if desired, and to recover for an adequate amount of time. There are several types of running injuries, which may be prevented by taking care of the body. If you would like more information about how to do this, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can present you with effective tips on how to prevent running injuries.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Even novices to the field of podiatry might be familiar with what some people call a twisted ankle. But what exactly does it mean to twist one’s ankle? The answer is that twisting the ankle is another way to say that the foot is inverted or moved outwards in an awkward position. As a result of this, an individual might suffer an ankle sprain. The patient’s outer, or lateral, ligaments might be stretched past their natural point, contributing to the sprain. There are many common symptoms associated with a sprained ankle. For example, a person might experience pain, swelling, or bruising. Importantly, a sprained ankle is distinct from a broken ankle, which occurs when the ankle bone becomes fractured. If you are someone that is currently living with a twisted or sprained ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to schedule an appointment today. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Foot pain is a common problem that affects people all across the globe. There are many different types of foot pain that develop for various reasons. Pain between the third and fourth toes may indicate Morton’s neuroma. Morton's neuroma is a burning pain that occurs due to a compressed or irritated nerve. Having heel pain may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes and is found along the bottom of the foot. Itchy feet can be a symptom of athlete’s foot and can come from walking barefoot in public swimming pools, locker rooms, and similar areas. An Achilles tendon injury can cause debilitating pain from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and offer the correct treatment methods.

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.

People who have pain on the outside of their ankle may have cuboid syndrome. This ailment is defined as the cuboid bone moving outward while the heel bone moves inward. It is a foot condition that can be caused by twisting the ankle or from stepping off of a curb in the wrong way unexpectedly. It may also develop from running on hard or uneven surfaces or from wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support. The pain may increase when body weight is put on that side of the foot and may radiate to the other areas of the foot. Additional symptoms can consist of a reduced range of motion in the ankle and surrounding areas, and the toes may feel weak that are closest to the injury. Some patients may alter their gait, or walking style, to accommodate the pain by limping or swaying from side to side. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can confirm cuboid syndrome and offer correct treatment options.

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.