Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects joints in any part of the body, including the ankle and foot. Commonly affected joints of the foot are the ankle, the three joints of the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the big toe. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness and pain. There may also be swelling, a limited range of motion, bone spur development, and difficulty in walking. When one has osteoarthritis, cartilage, serving as a protective layer for the ends of bones that form joints, gradually wears down. Injury (such as severe sprains and fractures) and abnormal foot structure or mechanics (like flat feet) can lead to osteoarthritis. Other types of arthritis may mimic osteoarthritis, which is why it is important to consult with a podiatrist. Such a professional will provide a proper diagnosis and treatment options for you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.

Sometimes, an individual experiencing pain in the ankle might be unsure whether or not they have broken their ankle or whether they have developed some other foot affliction. There are several signs of a broken or fractured ankle that you ought to be aware of. Most obviously, a broken ankle can be extremely painful, particularly when putting weight on the affected foot. Additionally, when an individual has a broken ankle, the affected area might begin to bruise and exhibit discoloration, caused by leaking blood from blood vessels. Of course, getting an X-ray from a medical professional is the easiest way to know for sure whether or not you have a fractured ankle. If you suspect that you have broken your ankle, contact a podiatrist today. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Patients who have hard or flattened nodules on the bottom of their feet may have a foot condition known as plantar fibromatosis. A specific type of this ailment is referred to as Ledderhose disease and it is a rare foot condition. Patients may notice it affects both feet and typically is painless in the beginning stages. Pain and discomfort may gradually occur while walking and medical attention is often sought from a podiatrist who can treat this condition. There are several reasons why this condition may occur, including genetic history, long-term alcohol use, chronic liver disease, and diabetes. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition may be joint pain in other areas of the body and some people may experience a tingling or numbing sensation. If you have small bumps on the bottom of your feet, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Ledderhose disease.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.

Babies are born with flat feet, but the arch normally develops over time. However, some people never develop a normal arch, which is known as having flat feet, or pes planus. There are two types of flat feet: flexible and rigid. With flexible flat foot, there is some visible arch when you are sitting. However, when you stand up and put weight on the feet, the arch disappears and your entire foot is flush with the floor. With rigid flat foot, there is never a visible arch whether sitting or standing. Sometimes, flat feet can develop after years of standing, walking, running, and other factors that gradually weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs from the top of the ankle to the arch. This condition is called fallen arches. Flat feet do not always produce symptoms but sometimes can cause foot, ankle, or knee pain, stiffness, fatigue, and weakness in the feet. A podiatrist should be consulted if your flat feet are causing symptoms that are disruptive to your life. They have a variety of methods, devices, and treatments to treat your condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.