At Toe-tal Family Footcare Associates, our podiatrists, led by Dr. Mark S. Miller have the experience, credentials, and dedication to treat any foot or ankle concerns you may have. We are one of the largest mobile podiatry practices in Southern California and treat clients in all of San Diego County including Temecula, Fall Brook, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, San Diego and south and east counties. As well as areas in Hendersen, Boulder City, and Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Mark S. Miller, the chief podiatrist, specializes in ingrown nails and all other nail conditions, wound care, diabetic foot care, diabetic shoes, and many other podiatric foot and ankle conditions.
Here, at Toe-tal Family Footcare, patient education, satisfaction, proper treatment and, rapid healing are our main focuses. We want all of our patients to play an active part of improving and maintaining a healthier lifestyle, as well as healing existing conditions quickly. Our practice can also assist clients who speak different languages as many of our physicians, physicians’ assistants and, office personnel are fluent in a variety of different languages, for example, English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Russian.
We accept most insurances and welcome all new patients. Please call our office today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
(760) 580-6733 San Diego, CA
(702) 956-3750 Las Vegas, NV
Flat Feet
Flat feet is a condition that affects those who have little to no arch in their feet. When you stand, a person who doesn’t have flat feet will have a gap from the inner part of their feet to the floor, due to the normal arch that slightly rises off the ground. Those with flat feet will experience no such gap. While there are some people who experience no issues with their flat feet, it’s not uncommon for those with this condition to experience discomfort or pain.
Flat feet may cause a certain level of pain due to strained muscles and connecting ligaments. Those not afflicted by flat feet are able to get support while walking by the spring that the arch provides, which in turn, helps to distribute your body weight while taking steps. When the arch is no longer present, there is a larger amount of pressure on your muscles and ligaments in the feet, which is why they become strained and may cause you to feel pain.
There are many reasons that play a role in why a person may develop flat feet. For instance, certain genetic factors passed down from parents can lead to flat feet. Children may appear to have flat feet; however, their arches should develop over time. Having overall weak arches, a foot or ankle injury, arthritis, or a muscle or nervous system disease may all increase your likelihood of having flat feet. Tarsal coalition, a foot condition causing the fusion of bones in the feet, may also play a part in developing flat feet. Other common factors that are linked to flat feet include diabetes and obesity.
To manage the discomfort that may come with flat feet, we recommend that your practice exercises to help ease your pain. Heel cord stretches are a great way to stretch your Achilles tendon and help loosen up calf muscles that are often strained due to flat feet. Placing a golf ball under your foot and rolling it back and forth while seated is another great stretch, especially for your plantar fascia ligament.
When it comes to treating flat feet or fallen arches, it’s suggested you get plenty of rest. Frequently ice the affected area to help reduce swelling. Performing daily stretches are a great way to loosen up your muscles and relieve strain. It may also be beneficial to look into orthotics or shoe inserts to help relieve the pain.
If you’d like more information on how to treat discomfort you’re feeling because of flat feet, consult with a podiatrist for the best treatment options for your case.
Diabetic Foot Care
Unfortunately, foot problems are often a common result of having diabetes. As time goes by, it’s likely that diabetes can cause nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. This can lead to tingling or a painful sensation, and it may also cause you to lose feeling in your feet. The loss of feeling in your feet can become incredibly dangerous, especially if you can longer sense a blister or cut on your foot; this can lead to sores or infections.
There are many ways to maintain healthy foot care when dealing with diabetes. Most importantly, you want to ensure that you’re managing your blood glucose levels, otherwise known as your blood sugar. You also want to ensure that you’re checking your feet daily. As mentioned before, it’s important to recognize if your feet have cuts, sores, blisters, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or other troubling foot conditions to stay ahead of the issue and prevent yourself from further harm. Along with foot checks, you should also wash and dry your feet daily using lukewarm water. It may also be useful in certain cases to moisturize your feet a few times a week, especially if you’re prone to dryness. Please be advised, however, to avoid moisturizing between the toes as they will not dry properly. Another rule you may want to follow is to ensure you’re cutting your toenails straight across. You should also refrain from digging into the sides of the toes; this will help prevent the development of an ingrown toenail. If you do happen to develop a corn or callus, never treat them yourself; seek the help of a professional. It may also be beneficial to look into socks made specifically for those with diabetes to help provide yourself with extra cushion. You may also want to refrain from walking barefoot, as well as avoid smoking, as it restricts the blood flow to your feet.
In certain serious cases, you may notice a cut, blister, or bruise is not healing after a few days. If this occurs, it’s important to seek the help of a professional. Other warning signs include redness, swelling, a callus with dried blood inside of it, or an infection that causes discoloration of the foot and an odor.
If you’d like more information on how to maintain healthy feet while living with diabetes, seek the assistance of a podiatrist who can provide you with the tips needed for healthy foot care.
Our office offers our patients diabetic shoes. Please review the following Diabetic Shoe Catalogues for a visualization of what we offer: Anodyne Footwear Catalog, Surefit Lab and Dia-Foot.
Corns
Corns are hardened bumps, normally found on the top or on the side of the toes. Some may also be found on the bottom of the feet. Corns are typically small and circular and have either hard or soft centers. Hard corns are generally found on the more firm areas of the foot, while soft corns are typically found in areas prone to be more moist, such as in between the toes.
You may have a corn if you notice a raised, hardened bump on your foot, skin that is dry and flaky or waxy, and feel pain or tenderness underneath the skin. There are many factors that play into why a person may develop a corn. Certain factors include wearing shoes or socks that are too tight, regularly walking barefoot or not wearing socks often, old age, or repeatedly jogging or exercising in a certain way that causes friction. Having other foot-related complications, such as hammertoe or bunions, can increase your risk of developing a corn.
To help prevent the formation of corns, it’s recommended that you wash your feet daily with soap, water, and a scrubbing brush. It’s also useful to wear shoes that leave your toes with plenty of space, as well as cutting your nails straight across and not digging into the sides. Without certain footwear or lifestyle changes, it’s likely for a corn to develop again.
If your corn is extremely painful or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, we recommend you seek professional help. Because the removal process is best done by a doctor, it’s important you seek the help of a podiatrist who can aid you in determining a treatment plan best suited for your particular case.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony, painful swelling that is often formed on the first joint of the big toe. Bunions can be extremely painful due to the weight of all your body resting on it each time you take a step. Everyday activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, can cause you extreme discomfort if you have a bunion.
Reasons that a person may develop a bunion can vary. Some patients may form bunions due to genetic factors, complications with arthritis, or a weak foot structure. General aging can also play a role in the formation of a bunion.
If you have a bunion, you may notice a bony bump on your big toe, experience swelling and redness, and the area may feel tender to the touch. To help alleviate the pain that often comes with having a bunion, it’s suggested to maintain a healthy weight to help lessen the pressure on your toe, practice both heating and icing the affected area, wear wide-fitting shoes wear to leave plenty of space for your toes and to minimize rubbing, and look into shoe inserts that can help position your foot correctly.
Because bunions can result in other painful foot problems, such as hammertoes and bursitis, we recommend that you meet with a podiatrist for a professional diagnosis and for information regarding all your treatment options.