Items filtered by date: March 2023

Wednesday, 29 March 2023 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Tuesday, 28 March 2023 00:00

How Can I Prevent Heel Spurs?

Heel spurs are essentially bony hooks that can develop on the bottoms of the feet. As a result of heel spurs, a patient may experience pain that can slowly become a dull ache. Luckily, there are many steps that an individual can take to help prevent the onset of heel spurs. For example, one can monitor their weight and ensure that they do not become obese. This is because excess body weight can put added pressure on the heels, which ultimately makes heel spurs more likely. Additionally, an individual might consider using the proper footwear. Wearing shoes that are old and worn may negatively affect your gait. If you are someone that is currently living with heel spurs or are particularly concerned about developing heel spurs, it is highly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide treatment and prevention methods that are best for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Chuc Dang, DPM from California . Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Westminster, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Tuesday, 21 March 2023 00:00

Do I Have Gout?

If you have experienced sudden pain in the big toe and it is accompanied by swelling, you may have gout. This is especially likely if you have been ill or sustained a recent injury. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that results in a buildup of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a chemical naturally produced by the body that helps break down foods containing purines. Once this happens, uric acid and purines are both released from the body through urine. If uric acid is not released from the body, it can build up and turn into urate crystals, which can settle in soft tissues and joints. This in turn can turn into inflammation or gout. Gout is more common in men and is often hereditary. It is also more common among those who eat foods that are high in purines or have other conditions, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Gout can affect other parts of the body but often presents itself as pain in the big toe. If this description fits you, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist so that you can get this condition under control in a timely manner.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Chuc Dang, DPM from California . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

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Tuesday, 14 March 2023 00:00

Why Do Ingrown Toenails Develop?

An ingrown toenail is easy to notice. The nail grows into the skin instead of over it, and it may appear red. Ingrown toenails may also become infected and bleed if prompt medical attention is not sought. This foot condition can happen from wearing shoes that are too tight or from improperly trimming the toenails. People who are born with naturally curved toenails may be prone to ingrown toenails. Temporary relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water and a small piece of cotton is used to gently pull the skin away from the nail. A more permanent solution is provided by a podiatrist in partially or fully removing the affected nail. This is a relatively fast procedure, but it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist to learn more. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, call your local podiatrist today. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Chuc Dang, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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Tuesday, 07 March 2023 00:00

Common Causes of Heel Pain

Two common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Each foot has 28 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. All of these structures work in tandem to provide weight-bearing and forward movement. The heel bone, or calcaneus, is the largest bone in the foot, and is a common site for injury as a result of walking style, or gait. Plantar fasciitis is caused by microtears in the connective tissue under the foot. This is typically caused by overstretching and can produce pain in the heel and arch areas of the foot. Pain is often worse in the morning when the first steps are taken. A heel spur is a bony overgrowth on the heel that can cause severe pain while standing or walking. Heel spurs can be common among those with plantar fasciitis. For a proper diagnosis and treatment of your heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Chuc Dang, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Read more about Heel Pain

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