Items filtered by date: January 2023

When an individual is involved in a car accident, usually any negative impact on the feet is not the first concern that might come to mind. However, being involved in a car accident when driving can lead to damaging effects on the feet that one ought to be aware of. For example, ankle injuries, and more specifically broken or fractured ankles are a common consequence of being involved in a car accident. Ankle fractures are defined as a condition of the foot when one or more bones around the ankle (i.e. the ankle joint) become broken. When only one bone is broken, this condition is not always as severe as when multiple bones are fractured. Ankle fractures are nothing to take lightly and if you have suffered an ankle fracture due to a car accident, it might be best to reach out to a podiatrist today to receive any treatment that is necessary to address the problem. Contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment.

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

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 offices located in Antioch, and Martinez, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve-related condition that interferes with messages sent by the brain to the extremities. The result is that the feet do not receive the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients. The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the feet are a sharp burning pain, numbness, and tingling. This condition is most common in diabetics and people experiencing kidney disease. Mononeuropathy affects a single nerve, while polyneuropathy affects more than one peripheral nerve. Diabetic neuropathy, which is the most common type, is caused by damage to the nerves as the result of high glucose levels over an extended period. Being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, and smoking are among the main contributors. A dangerous side effect of peripheral neuropathy is delayed healing of wounds, which can lead to infection and the formation of ulcers. A number of tests are available to detect the presence of peripheral neuropathy. If you believe you may have peripheral neuropathy in your feet or toes, please consult a podiatrist who is trained to deal with this condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Antioch, and Martinez, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracks in the heels are much less likely to happen in children compared to adults. Children’s skin is more tender and less likely to be impacted by mechanical factors. However, there are some instances where children will get cracks in their heels, and this is usually when there is interference with metabolic or hormonal processes causing skin disturbances. The heels are often affected under these circumstances since the feet take on the burden of the weight of the body. Cracked heels can occur in children from stress, neuro-psychic changes, or insufficient nutrition, particularly vitamin deficiencies. Vitamins A and E normalize metabolic processes, remove toxins, and positively affect the condition of skin. Transition periods can be associated with cracks in the heels, such as beginning school, during adolescence, or a family disturbance, periods that often come with increased stress. Since more serious complications can arise from cracked skin on the heels, it is suggested you take your child to a podiatrist for an examination and treatment.

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.

Many individuals who are not well-versed in podiatry might not be familiar with what orthotics are. Essentially, orthotics are inserts that can be worn in shoes. Orthotics are either custom-made for an individual’s unique foot shape or are over-the-counter. The purposes of using orthotics can vary, but they primarily consist of correcting deformities and providing support to the feet. Athletes are a group of individuals that might be particularly benefited from the use of orthotics. Football players especially might stand to benefit from wearing orthotic devices. This is because football players can benefit from extra support for lateral movements, such as sprinting or running. Orthotic devices can provide football players with precisely this kind of support for lateral movements. If you are someone who engages in football and is looking for ways to protect your feet, contact a podiatrist today.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

A broken foot can occur from a fall or being hit by an object. Those with osteoporosis, a bone condition often seen in older adults where bones are more likely to be weak or brittle, should be particularly careful of broken bones. Signs of a broken foot are pain, swelling, and deformity. A snap or grinding noise may be heard at the time of injury, and there may be swelling, bruising, or tenderness near the injured area. It will also likely be painful to bear weight on the affected foot. If you suspect a break, elevate the foot, and make an appointment with a podiatrist who can evaluate the injury and determine the correct treatment for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.