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Items filtered by date: December 2021
Tuesday, 26 July 2022 00:00
Checklist for Diabetics to Protect the Feet
Anyone with diabetes is subject to foot and lower leg problems, including ulcers, gangrene, and possible amputation. These conditions may be the result of long-term high blood sugar levels, which can cause neuropathy and peripheral artery problems. For that reason, as a diabetic, constant and vigilant care of your feet is essential. If you are unable to check your feet, please ask someone to help you. Some people use a mirror to check the bottom of their feet. Look for changes in skin color; red indicates a problem with your footwear, but blue or black could mean bruising or blood flow problems. Look for blisters or any break in the skin that could become infected. Keep these areas clean and dry, and apply sterile coverings. Check for moisture between the toes, which is a good place for bacterial or fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, to develop. Notice any numbness, tingling, or inability to detect temperature, hot or cold. Look for sores that do not heal properly, because they may become ulcerated. As a diabetic, it is a good idea to have regularly scheduled visits with a podiatrist who can help to monitor changes to your feet and treat them quickly.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 19 July 2022 00:00
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot is an extremely contagious infection caused by a fungus that results in itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is known as tinea pedis and thrives in moist, dark areas such as shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, commons areas, public changing areas, bathrooms, dormitory style houses, locker rooms, and public swimming pools. Athlete’s foot is difficult to treat as well because of the highly contagious and recurrent nature of the fungus.
Tinea is the same fungus that causes ringworm, and is spread by direct contact with an infected body part, contaminated clothing, or by touching other objects and body parts that have been exposed to the fungus. Because the feet are an ideal place for tinea to grow and spread, this is the most commonly affected area. It is, however, known to grow in other places. The term athlete’s foot describes tinea that grows strictly on the feet.
The most commonly infected body parts are the hands, groin, and scalp, as well as the feet. Around 70% of the population suffer from tinea infections at some point in their lives, however not all of these cases are athlete’s foot. Just like any other ailment, some people are more likely to get it than others, such as people with a history of tinea infections or other skin infections, both recurring and non-recurring ones. The extent to which a person experiences regrowth and recurrent tinea infections varies from person to person.
Sometimes people will not even know that they are infected with tinea or that they have athlete’s foot because of a lack of symptoms. However, most experience mild to moderate flaking, itching, redness, and burning. However, some of the more severe symptoms include cracking and bleeding skin, intense itching and burning, pain while walking or standing, and even blistering.
Because of the recurring nature of the tinea fungus and the athlete’s foot it causes, the best way to treat this condition is with prevention. You can take some preventative measures such as wearing flip flops or sandals in locker rooms and public showers to reduce contact with the floor. It also helps to keep clean, dry feet while allowing them to breathe. Using powders to keep your feet dry is a good idea, as well as keeping your feet exposed to light and cool air, to prevent the growth of tinea. If you do happen to get athlete’s foot, opt for using topical medicated creams, ointments or sprays. These treatments help eliminate and prevent it from coming back.
Tuesday, 19 July 2022 00:00
How a Podiatrist Diagnoses Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot is one common and potentially uncomfortable issue that can negatively impact the health of your feet. This condition is essentially a fungal infection that is highly contagious. It is most frequently spread to an individual when they fail to wear shoes in highly-trafficked public areas, such as locker rooms and pool sides. Moisture tends to help this fungal infection thrive and spread quickly. The condition can cause redness, itching, and discomfort. There are several different ways that a podiatrist can go about diagnosing a case of athlete's foot. In some cases, a podiatrist may be able to perform the diagnosis by simply observing the symptoms, such as cracking and discoloration. However, in other cases, a podiatrist may need to perform a skin test to properly diagnose the condition. This is known as a skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam. During such an exam, the podiatrist can take a piece of the infected skin and place it in a chemical called potassium hydroxide. This process ultimately isolates the fungus from the other normal skin cells, allowing the doctor to observe the fungus. If you think that you might have developed a case of athlete’s foot, it may be best to reach out to a podiatrist who can use one of these aforementioned methods of diagnosis.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 12 July 2022 00:00
Effect of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are uncomfortable, but many women sacrifice comfort to be stylish. There are many problems that stem from wearing high heels, however these issues can be avoided by wearing proper shoes.
Heels are bad because they push your weight forward toward the fall of the foot. The higher the heel is, the more weight and pressure get shifted. This process causes the back to hyperextend backwards to counterbalance which may cause pain in the leg, hip, and back. Consequently, major posture problems may occur, and these issues may eventually become permanent.
Wearing high heels is one of the leading cause of ingrown toenails. Heels create a great deal of pressure on the big toenails which disrupts proper toenail growth. This may eventually lead to the big toenail growing into the skin. Another common problem that stems from high heels is bunions. If bunions go untreated, they can cause serious scar tissue to form along with severe pain.
However, there are ways to minimize the harmful risks associated with wearing heels. You should try to massage and stretch your legs and feet after wearing heels for an extended time. Stretching helps prevent the Achilles tendons and calf muscles from becoming too tight. A good substitute for heels are platforms which provide a better surface area to evenly distribute the body’s weight.
If you are experiencing any painful foot conditions from wearing high heels, you should consult with your podiatrist right away.
Tuesday, 12 July 2022 00:00
Mitigating the Effects of High Heels
Before leaving for a night out or preparing for a fancy event, many women will choose to complete their outfit by wearing a fashionable pair of high heels. Although such footwear is undoubtedly chic and visually striking, it can also cause serious and lasting damage to your feet. For example, when wearing a pair of high heels, one’s Achilles tendon tightens and shrinks, which can be painful and strain the lower leg muscles. In the long term, wearing these shoes for an extended period of time can even contribute to plantar fasciitis, a troublesome foot ailment. Although high heels can certainly pose a serious threat to the health of your feet, there are steps you can take to mitigate the detrimental effects of high heels. First, if you must wear high heels for an event, try to reduce the amount of time that you wear them. You might try waiting to put on your shoes until just before leaving and taking them off after approximately four hours at most. Second, if you must wear high heels, try to select a pair that offers a lower heel (i.e. an inch and a half). You might also try to find heels that are wider or chunkier, as these kinds of heels are more stable and won’t place too much pressure on your feet. Selecting the right kind of high heels and wearing them properly are a critical component of the health of your feet. For more information about high heels, contact a podiatrist.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 05 July 2022 00:00
Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle
Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
Tuesday, 05 July 2022 00:00
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the tendons, muscles, or ligaments that are responsible for holding the toes in their normal position. This condition may be caused by poor footwear, foot structure, trauma, and disease. The most common solution for hammertoe is to relieve the pain by changing your footwear and wearing orthotics. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
The shoes that are most likely to cause hammertoe are high heeled shoes or shoes that are too tight in the toe box. Tight shoes will force your toes to crowd together in a curled position. This position will likely continue when you take your shoes off. Another cause is trauma. When you stub your toe, you are increasing the chance that you will develop hammertoe.
There are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop this condition. Women are more likely to have the condition compared to men, and it is also more likely to appear in those who are older in age.
Many different foot problems can be avoided by wearing shoes that have adjustability, adequate toe room, and low heels. Furthermore, if you want to buy new shoes, you should look to purchase them at the end of the day and make sure you know your correct size. The importance of buying shoes at the end of the day is that your feet swell as the day progresses. You should also ensure that you are wearing your correct size because your shoe size may change as you grow older.
To diagnose someone with hammertoe, your podiatrist will need to conduct a thorough examination of your foot. Your doctor may even order an x-ray to evaluate the bones and joints of your feet and toes.
If you have hammertoe, your podiatrist may recommend that you wear shoes that fit you better along with inserts to place inside them. Additionally, he or she may suggest special exercises for you to perform to stretch your toes. One helpful exercise it to pick up marbles with your feet or crumple a towel with your toes.
Prior to meeting with your podiatrist, it will be helpful to make a list of all the symptoms you are experiencing. You should also make a note of medications you are taking and important personal information about your medical history.
Tuesday, 05 July 2022 00:00
The Connection Between Hammertoes and Improper Footwear
Wearing shoes that fit your feet and are comfortable can avoid many problems. Hammertoes are one such problem that can develop from wearing shoes that have pointy toes, are too tight, or that otherwise put pressure on your toes. The second and third toes are the most likely toes to be affected. Hammertoes get their name because the middle joint of the toe gets stuck in an upward bent position, creating a deformity resembling a hammer. This deformity is the result of an imbalance in the muscles and ligaments around the toe joint caused by either improper footwear or other factors such as genetics, overly high arches, bunions, injuries, and certain medical conditions. Shoes with uppers that are soft and flexible, as well as those that provide arch support and ample room in the toe box, can help prevent hammertoes. It is important to treat hammertoes early, before they become rigid. A podiatrist can treat your hammertoe and may also help you select footwear that will help prevent hammertoes from occurring in the future.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
- Painful and/or difficult toe movement
- Swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Calluses/Corns
- Physical deformity
Risk Factors
- Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
- Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
- Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
- Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00
Bunions
A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions form when the big toe pushes against the next toe, which forces the big toe joint to get bigger and stick out. As a result, the skin over the bunion may start to appear red and it may feel sore.
There are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing bunions. People who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes are more likely to develop them, in addition to those who have a genetic history of bunions or have rheumatoid arthritis.
The most obvious way to tell if you have a bunion is to look for the big toe pushing up against the toe next to it. Bunions produce a large protrusion at the base of the big toe and may or may not cause pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe if you have arthritis.
Nonsurgical methods are frequently used to treat bunions that aren’t severe. Some methods of nonsurgical treatment are orthotics, icing and resting the foot, taping the foot, and pain medication. Surgery is usually only required in extreme cases. However, if surgery is needed, some procedures may involve removing the swollen tissue from around the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone, or joining the bones of your affected joint permanently.
Your podiatrist will diagnose your bunion by doing a thorough examination of your foot. He or she may also conduct an x-ray to determine the cause of the bunion and its severity.
Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00
What is a Bunionette?
A bunionette is a prominent deformity at the base of the fifth (or little) toe. It can be painful, particularly if it rubs against a tight-fitting shoe. This mini bunion occurs if the bone of the midfoot angles out and the little toe angles in, leading to a bony prominence. The toe might hurt on the outside or inside if that toe rubs against the fourth toe. Wearing wider shoes with space to accommodate the bump, wearing a toe spacer, or padding the bump will help prevent further irritation. Depending on the severity of the bump, it may be necessary to limit walking or standing. Surgery to remove the bunionette or reposition the baby toe are options when these do not work. If you have a bunionette, consult with a podiatrist who can take an X-ray to confirm the problem and provide treatment that is right for you.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
