Items filtered by date: November 2021

Cold feet, generally caused by poor blood flow, often increases as we age. Causes can be linked to having a more sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes and smoking. But the sensation of cold feet, while annoying, can also indicate much more serious conditions, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis, or blood clots; hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. These conditions can be life threatening and should not be overlooked. Some ways you can improve circulation to the feet include lowering blood pressure with a healthy diet, getting more exercise, and keeping your feet elevated by using a recliner. If symptoms of cold feet persist, please consult a podiatrist to find out more information on treatment methods.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, and Martinez, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Turf toe is a sports injury that often affects football players who play on artificial turf. Other athletes who compete on hard surfaces, such as ballet dancers, basketball players, and wrestlers, can also develop turf toe. Turf toe occurs when the big toe is bent (or hyper-extended) too much toward the top of the foot. Turf toe is generally accompanied by tenderness, swelling, immobility and stiffness in the big toe joint, but the most common sign is pain while bending the toe. The pain in the big toe can gradually increase over time if the toe is hyper-extended repeatedly. Athletes, or any patient, struggling to walk due to pain in their big toe should consult with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis of the condition and a correct course of treatment. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors 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
• Plantar Fasciosis
• 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, and Martinez, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the feet are pressed flat while standing, this can often be a result of the condition known as flat feet or fallen arches. Usually, flat feet are not serious and do not need treatment. They should not interfere with your daily physical activities either. However, in more serious cases, patients with flat feet should consult with a podiatrist. Common reasons a podiatrist should be consulted include flat feet that are painful, stiff, or weak. Patients who have flat feet and often injure their feet or ankles, have a balance problem, or have only one foot that is affected, should consult with a podiatrist as well. For certain cases of flat feet, surgery may be necessary, but in most cases, a podiatrist will be able to suggest proper footwear and exercises in order to treat this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Antioch, and Martinez, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the ligaments that hold the ankle in place and connect the bones together become overstretched or torn, an ankle sprain may occur. They are one of the most common injuries of the ankle, and they usually happen when stepping on uneven surfaces causes the ankle to twist too much. This results in the ankle swelling and becoming bruised. You may also have difficulty walking. Because the symptoms of an ankle sprain are similar to that of a broken ankle, patients who believe that they have sprained their ankle should have it examined by a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to take an X-ray to check for broken bones, and they can check for less common injuries such as an avulsion fracture, high ankle sprain, or a lower leg fracture.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, and Martinez, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When there is any form of splitting, fissuring, or cracking of the skin around the heels, cracked heels may occur.  This often develops when the skin dries out resulting in loss of elasticity, and the heels become hard, dry, and flaky. Cracked heels that are ignored can get deeper and they can even bleed or get infected.  Common factors that lead to cracked heels include living in a dry climate, walking barefoot, obesity, and wearing shoes with an open back.  Moisturizing the heels and wearing shoes with more shock absorption is a simple step to reducing the risk of cracked heels.  Once the heels have begun to crack, a pumice stone can help clear up dead skin.  However, patients who are struggling with cracked heels should consult with a podiatrist if treatments are not effective since cracked heels can lead to more serious issues. 

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, and Martinez, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.