Items filtered by date: October 2020

Monday, 26 October 2020 00:00

How Can You Sprain Your Ankle?

A sprained ankle is a common type of ankle injury. It occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle gets overstretched or torn. There are many different ways that you could sprain your ankle. Some of the most common instances include slipping while walking downhill, stepping in a hole, turning the foot abruptly while playing a sport, or even putting your weight down on your foot awkwardly. Ankle sprains are classified into various levels of severity, ranging from mild grade 1 sprains where the ligament is only slightly stretched, to severe grade 3 sprains, where the ligament is completely torn. If you believe that you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Toe-tal Family Footcare Associates. 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 office located in Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains
Published in Blog
Monday, 19 October 2020 00:00

How Can I Prevent Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels can have a variety of causes. It is believed that intense pressure or friction on the feet is the primary cause of cracked heels, however, they may also come about as a result of not moisturizing your feet regularly, taking overly long, hot showers, using harsh soaps, harsh weather conditions, wearing shoes that have open backs or thin soles, and wearing poorly fitted high heels. One home treatment for cracked heels is applying a thick layer of moisturizer to your feet after a shower or bath and then putting on a pair of cotton socks. To prevent cracked heels, it is suggested that you avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing your feet, and that you wear supportive shoes and breathable socks to reduce friction. For more information on how to prevent and treat cracked heels, consult with a podiatrist today.

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 Toe-tal Family Footcare Associates. 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 office located in Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Published in Blog
Monday, 12 October 2020 00:00

An Overview of Calluses and Corns

Calluses and corns are thickened areas of skin on the feet. They are usually caused by excess friction or pressure on the foot. The outer layer of skin hardens to protect the tissue and bone beneath the skin. Calluses can occur anywhere on the foot, while corns develop on or in between the toes. The people who are most at risk for developing calluses and corns include those who are very physically active, wear poorly-fitted shoes, don’t wear socks with their shoes, and have other foot problems. If you find yourself with painful calluses or corns, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Toe-tal Family Footcare Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Corns and Calluses
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 07 October 2020 00:00

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Published in Blog
Monday, 05 October 2020 00:00

Why Does My Pinky Toe Hurt?

Despite its small size, an injury to the pinky toe can cause a lot of pain. Pinky toe pain is common, and can be caused by a large number of conditions. So why might your pinky toe be hurting? It could be broken. Stubbing your toe really hard or suffering a direct blow to the pinky from a heavy object can cause the bone to fracture. Symptoms of a broken pinky toe include a popping sound when the injury occurs, immediate throbbing pain that may fade after a few hours, difficulty putting weight on the affected foot, the pinky toe appearing misaligned, swelling, bruising, burning, or damage to the toenail. Other potential causes of pinky toe pain include a stress, avulsion, or Jones fracture, a dislocation, a sprain, a tailor’s bunion, a corn, or a pinky toe deformity like hammertoe. If you have pinky toe pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Toe-tal Family Footcare Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Published in Blog