Items filtered by date: April 2024

Pinched nerves in the foot, beyond tarsal tunnel syndrome, stem from diverse conditions, necessitating accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. Morton's neuroma, characterized by nerve thickening between toes, and hammertoes, involving abnormal toe bending, can both compress nerves. Additionally, bunion formation at the big toe base can crowd and irritate nearby nerves. Nerve entrapment, resulting from injury or structural abnormalities, and peripheral neuropathy, often associated with diabetes, can also contribute to nerve compression. Symptoms may encompass tingling, numbness, or burning sensations, affecting mobility and comfort. Precise diagnosis by a podiatrist is important for targeted intervention. Treatment may involve a combination of conservative measures such as rest and orthotic devices. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical procedures may be necessary for relief. If you have the symptoms described above, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are among the most common and painful foot issues people face. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation, redness, swelling, and pain. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected, leading to more severe discomfort and potentially serious complications. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, specialize in treating ingrown toenails and offer effective solutions to alleviate the pain associated with this condition. When you visit a podiatrist for an infected ingrown toenail, they will first assess the severity of the problem. Targeted treatment typically involves gently trimming or removing the ingrown portion of the nail, along with providing relief for any associated infection. Podiatrists can also offer guidance on proper nail care techniques to help prevent future occurrences. If you're dealing with the discomfort of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people age, the risk of a fall increases, but it should not be seen as inevitable. Falls can be caused by various factors, including weak muscles, poor balance, and dizziness. Foot problems like pain or deformities, and cognitive issues such as memory loss, and vision and hearing impairments, can also contribute to the risk of falls in seniors. Medications that induce drowsiness, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain bladder or bowel conditions can increase the likelihood of falling. Falls often result from an interaction of these factors, with a higher number of risk factors further elevating the potential for falls. In addition, falls can sometimes signal underlying health issues like constipation, infections, dehydration, or sudden confusion. A podiatrist can provide expert advice and interventions to address foot-related problems, improve balance, and reduce the risk of future falls. If instability causes you to lose your balance or fall frequently, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and options for treatment. 

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 one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing improper footwear, particularly shoes that lack adequate support or fit poorly, can significantly contribute to hind-foot pain. High heels and narrow-toed shoes, while fashionable, can place excessive stress on the structures of the hind-foot. The heel and ankle are two particularly susceptible areas for pain. Wearing these kinds of shoes can also lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and bursitis. These styles force the foot into an unnatural position, disrupting alignment and increasing pressure on the back of the foot. Stress on the foot over time not only leads to pain and discomfort but also can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. It is important to choose shoes with proper support, cushioning, and a fit that accommodates the natural shape of the foot to prevent hind-foot pain. Podiatrists often stress the importance of wearing shoes that complement one's lifestyle as well as provide the foundation for healthy foot posture and function. If you are experiencing pain in the back of the foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full diagnosis and proper shoe recommendations to support your recovery. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diagnosing the cause of heel pain usually involves a comprehensive approach to identify the underlying issue accurately. First, a podiatrist will conduct a detailed medical history and physical examination, focusing on the foot to assess pain location, tenderness, and the presence of any swelling or abnormalities. The doctor may ask about the type of pain experienced, its onset, and any activities that exacerbate or relieve it. To further pinpoint the cause of heel pain, imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds may be utilized. These tools help a podiatrist visualize the internal structure of the foot, revealing issues like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or other soft tissue injuries. In certain cases, blood tests might be ordered to rule out systemic conditions, such as arthritis or gout, that can cause heel pain. Through this process, podiatrists can determine the specific cause of heel pain, allowing them to devise a targeted treatment plan that addresses the root of the problem. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today to begin the diagnostic process. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.