Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
Foot pain while walking can stem from a variety of conditions involving the many bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in the feet. Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp heel pain, due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which runs along the sole of the foot. Metatarsalgia, which affects the ball of the foot, can feel like stepping on a pebble and may worsen with activity. Morton’s neuroma involves nerve thickening between the toes and often causes burning or tingling. Tendinitis, including Achilles or peroneal tendinitis, leads to pain that intensifies with continued use. Flat feet may strain the arch and inner ankle, while arthritis can inflame multiple foot joints. A podiatrist can properly diagnose these issues and offer appropriate treatment, including surgery, when needed. If you experience foot pain while walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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)
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 Palmdale, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves, particularly in the feet. Symptoms typically include numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain. However, a lesser-known symptom is the loss of temperature sensitivity, which can lead to unrecognized burns from hot surfaces or heating pads. The feet may appear normal or have dry, cracked skin due to reduced sweat production. Over time, nerve damage can lead to muscle weakness and changes in foot shape, increasing the risk of pressure sores or ulcers. A podiatrist diagnoses diabetic neuropathy through a physical exam, nerve testing, and by assessing skin and circulation health. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar, protecting the feet, using custom orthotics, and preventing complications with regular checkups and foot care education. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.
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 Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 Palmdale, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, caused when the top of the toe shifts, pointing toward the other toes. This misalignment often results in a hard lump on the side of the foot, along with swelling, pain, and difficulty wearing shoes. Common causes include genetics, improper footwear, flat feet, or certain types of arthritis. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes and prolonged standing. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bunion, provide relief through custom orthotics, recommend lifestyle changes, or suggest surgical options, if necessary. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you seek professional care from a podiatrist to ease discomfort and prevent further joint damage.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Palmdale, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
