Sometimes aching feet are simply a result of standing for too long or overdoing an activity. But certain types of foot pain may indicate more serious arch and heel problems, the most common of which is plantar fasciitis. If you experience sharp pains in the feet when you first get up in the morning, it can be a sign of plantar fasciitis because the muscles in the feet tighten up overnight. Likewise, if you feel pain in the heels after exercising, and inflammation becomes chronic, plantar fasciitis may be indicated. Arthritis may be an underlying cause of plantar fasciitis and the heel pain it brings. Osteoporosis, which is a thinning of the bones, can contribute to stress fractures that may change the way you move or walk. This shifting of weight can cause foot pain to increase and add to the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. If you believe you may have plantar fasciitis, please make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and diagnosis.  

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Andrew Katz, DPM  from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Senior citizens can be particularly susceptible to developing health problems from tripping or falling. Often, this is related to the health of the feet because tripping may negatively impact foot health, or the fall may be caused by poor foot strength. One important aspect of preventing falls among seniors is keeping a tidy bathroom. Often, floors in bathrooms can be very slippery, either from shower water or water from the sink. This might be setting seniors up for a nasty tumble. Seniors can be diligent about keeping their bathroom floors clean and, most importantly, dry so as not to make the floor slippery. Another way to prevent trips and falls in the bathroom is to install bathroom grab bars that seniors can grab onto if they feel like they might fall. These might be especially helpful when lifting one’s body off the toilet or maneuvering in and out of the shower. If you have any more questions or concerns about preventing falls among seniors, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

People of all walks of life are prone to getting ankle sprains, despite that many people refer to them as being a sports injury. An ankle sprain happens when the ankle is twisted or rolled beyond its normal range of motion which can happen for various reasons. These can include stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, or clumsily landing after turning or jumping. Ankle sprains fall into two categories, consisting of inversion and eversion sprains. The former is considered to be the most common type of sprain, and happens when the ankle rolls outward while the foot turns inward. An eversion sprain is the opposite, and can damage the inner ligaments. Common symptoms that can accompany both types of sprains can include swelling, bruising, and it can be difficult to walk. If you have endured an ankle sprain, please connect with a podiatrist who can determine which type it is, and offer you correct treatment options.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Surfing injuries commonly affect the ankles. Injuries due to surfing are often caused by forceful landings, particularly by new or competitive surfers practicing complex aerial maneuvers. To prevent such injuries, strengthening the feet and ankles is recommended. In addition to preventing injuries, strengthening the lower extremities will aid in improving overall surfing performance. Using a rail-to-rail surf balance board is a way of strengthening the ankles in a controlled way. Standing heel raises are an easy way to strengthen ankles and feet and can be done anywhere. Sand walking also can help increase strength for surfing. If you are a surfer and have sustained a foot or ankle injury or want additional suggestions for preventing such harm, consult with a podiatrist today.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.