Peripheral artery disease involves the narrowing of blood vessels to the extremities, especially common in the lower legs. This occlusion is the result of a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the legs, feet and toes. Risk factors for peripheral artery disease, or PAD, include being over 60 years old, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The most common symptom is pain and weakness in the legs that may get better after resting. Other symptoms include numbness and a feeling of cold feet. Brittle toenails and toenails that grow slowly are other signs of PAD, along with sores or ulcers on the skin of the legs and feet that take a long time to heal. If peripheral artery disease goes undetected, it can cause extremely serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, or limb loss. To find out if you have PAD, please consult a podiatrist who can perform various imaging and other tests and discuss appropriate treatment options. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with our foot specialists  from California. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

The number of people who are over 65 years old that fall is staggering. Research has shown this occurs in approximately one out of three people across the nation, and can be a leading cause of injury. Older people who have fallen may develop a fear of falling, and this may hinder their desire to complete daily activities. Most falling episodes can be prevented when effective strategies are implemented. These can include improving lighting in the household, removing clutter, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Many people find it helpful to have grab bars installed in the toilet and shower area, in addition to having routine physical and eye examinations. Having these performed is crucial in updating prescription medicine and eyeglasses, which may help to maintain a sense of balance. Additionally, the number of falls may be reduced as the body becomes stronger when a regular stretching and exercise regime is performed. Falling can affect the feet and compromise daily living. If you would like to learn about additional fall prevention techniques, please confer with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with our foot specialists from California. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Arthritis can affect numerous joints that are found in the feet and ankles. This may be a result of inherited tendencies, gradual weight gain, or previous injuries that have occurred. Research has shown there are three common categories of arthritis, consisting of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic arthritis. The gradual wearing of the joints in the ankles can lead to osteoarthritis, and the joint that is most affected connects the big toe to the foot. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an autoimmune disorder, and it can affect the same joints in each foot. Swollen toes may be an indication of psoriatic arthritis, which is caused by inflamed tendons. There are several methods that can provide relief, and if you are afflicted with arthritis in the feet, please consult with a podiatrist. This type of doctor is qualified in providing an effective diagnosis and determining what the best course of treatment is for you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact our foot specialists from California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Feet play an undervalued but critical role in our lives. Feet support the body and help with stability and balance. They also make it possible to walk, run, climb, and stand. Children’s feet grow rapidly. Usually, feet stop growing around age 20 or 21, but it is dependent on when puberty begins. The earlier one starts puberty, the earlier the feet should stop growing. Genetics is a factor as well. While adults might feel their feet are continuing to grow in later life, it is usually related to age-related changes, such as weight gain, loose ligaments, or deformities like bunions or hammertoes as opposed to actual bone growth. If you are a senior, experts recommend buying shoes a half-size larger to accommodate normal foot changes. Should you have pain or other problems with your feet or ankles as you age, consult with a podiatrist who has the knowledge and skills to help you. 

If you need your feet checked, contact our foot specialists of California. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

A heel spur can produce severe pain and discomfort, despite their small size. It is defined as a bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel, generally as a result of consistent pressure the heel endures. Pain that often accompanies this condition is caused by an inflamed ligament that connects the heel to the toes, causing difficulty in completing daily tasks. This can happen from being obese, frequently running, or possibly from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Larger heel spurs may feel like a small hook on the inside of the heel that can be an inch or longer. Intense heel pain will often bring the patient to a podiatrist to have an X-ray taken, which can determine the exact size of it, although the pain is typically caused by inflammation. At the first sign of heel pain, it is strongly urged that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer treatment methods that are correct for you, which may include surgery for removal. 

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 our foot specialists from California. Our doctors 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 Upland, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Sweaty feet can be a temporary problem caused by having your feet enclosed in shoes and socks all day, or from high temperatures. But if having sweaty feet is an everyday occurrence, the chances are that you have a condition known as hyperhidrosis. This condition is thought to be genetic in nature. Some people are born with overactive sweat glands, and the moisture produced goes well beyond sweating from hot weather, exercising, or stress. Several underlying health conditions and certain foods may also cause hyperhidrosis. In some cases of hyperhidrosis, bacteria forms around the feet, causing them to emit a foul odor. It is a good idea to use antibacterial soap regularly to keep the feet clean and healthy. Wearing moisture-wicking socks or open-toed shoes or sandals is a good way to keep your feet dry. A podiatrist can offer more advanced treatment options, including several prescribed antiperspirant medications. In extreme cases, surgery to block the nerve passageway that tells the feet to sweat can be performed. For more information, please contact a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact our foot specialists of California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

Research has shown that approximately 75% of the population worldwide spends their working day on their feet. These jobs can range from retail workers to assembly line and restaurant employees, and many of these people endure unwanted foot conditions. Additionally, muscle fatigue can lead to having heel and arch problems. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition among people who stand for the majority of the day. This occurs as a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heels. Foot pain can lead to reduced productivity, and it is suggested that short breaks be taken as often as possible to elevate and rest the feet. It is beneficial to frequently shift positions, and wearing shoes that fit correctly will help tired muscles. If you stand during the day while working, please confer with a podiatrist who can inform you about coping methods that may help to reduce and avoid foot pain.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact our foot specialists from California. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Playing sports can be fun and help to keep your body fit, but these activities also may put you at risk of certain injuries. Many injuries incurred while playing a sport are unavoidable, but there are some things you can do to lower the chances of them happening. Stretching and warming up, for instance, is highly recommended before embarking on any strenuous exercise. It is also recommended by experts to listen to your body when it says it needs to rest, rather than pushing on through the pain or fatigue. This can help to avoid strains, sprains, stress fractures, or overuse injuries. Further, to help keep injuries at bay it is suggested to wear any necessary protective gear and footwear specifically designed for that sport. Keeping hydrated before, during, and after sports activity is also desirable. Finally, if you get hurt while playing a sport, stop the activity immediately and rest. Injuries to the Achilles tendon, ankle joint, feet, and muscles will only become worse, and possibly chronic if ignored. It is wise to see a podiatrist if such an injury occurs for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact our foot specialists of California. 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 office located in Upland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are reasons that pain in the big toe can occur. It may happen suddenly from an injury or it can gradually occur. Pain in this toe may be a symptom indicating an existing medical condition and a podiatrist can determine what that condition is. Gout is a condition that develops suddenly and affects the joints in the big toe. It can produce excruciating pain and discomfort and may be controlled by the types of foods that are eaten. Additionally, a bunion is another condition that gradually occurs. Bunions are characterized by a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. Severe bunions may cause pain and larger shoes may need to be purchased to accommodate the bunion. Some people develop ingrown toenails which generally affects the big toe. When left untreated, an infection may occur and medical attention is often sought. A sudden injury can produce a broken toe and relief and stability may be found when the affected toe is taped to the toe next to it. If you have pain in your big toe, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is followed by implementing effective treatment strategies.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact our foot specialists of California. 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 office located in Upland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.