Items filtered by date: September 2024

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn due to an injury. This common condition often results from activities that involve sudden twists, turns, or impacts, such as sports or missteps. The primary causes include rolling the ankle inward or outward, overextending it, or landing awkwardly. Symptoms of an ankle sprain typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the ankle. In severe cases, there may be instability or an inability to bear weight. Addressing an ankle sprain can help to manage symptoms and promote a quicker recovery. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

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

Sharp pain in the big toe can be distressing and may arise from several conditions. Gout, a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals, often leads to sudden, intense pain in the big toe joint. Another common cause is bunions, which create a painful bump at the base of the toe due to misalignment. Turf toe, an injury from hyperextending the toe, can also cause sharp pain. Other potential issues include sesamoiditis, an inflammation of the small bones beneath the big toe, and ingrown toenails, which can cause localized pain and discomfort. To diagnose the cause, a podiatrist will assess your symptoms, examine the toe, and may order imaging tests. Treatment varies based on the diagnosis and includes medications, rest, proper footwear, or, in some cases, surgery. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and management.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, the narrow space on the inside of the ankle. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot and ankle, often radiating into the toes. People most at risk for tarsal tunnel syndrome include those with flat feet, as the collapse of the arch can increase pressure on the nerve. It can also affect individuals with arthritis, diabetes, or a history of ankle injuries. Symptoms often include a burning sensation, sharp pain, or a feeling of pins and needles in the affected area. Diagnosis generally involves a physical examination, nerve conduction studies, and imaging tests to assess the severity. Treatment options range from rest and anti-inflammatory medications to orthotics and targeted exercises. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve and prevent further damage. If you have symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Fibromatosis is a condition characterized by the growth of benign fibrous tumors, known as nodules, in various tissues. When this condition occurs on the feet, it primarily affects the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. This type of fibromatosis, often referred to as plantar fibromatosis or Ledderhose disease, results in the formation of painful nodules that can lead to discomfort and difficulty walking. These growths are non-cancerous but can be quite bothersome and impact foot function. Early diagnosis and management are essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent progression. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.