Foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that typically develop on the bottom of the foot and can result from poor circulation or prolonged pressure. They are often linked to conditions like peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Peripheral neuropathy reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries, while poor circulation from conditions like Raynaud's delays healing. Arthritis can increase the risk of pressure ulcers by altering foot mechanics. If untreated, foot ulcers can lead to severe infections, including gangrene, possibly resulting in amputation. Symptoms include swelling, redness, drainage, and pain surrounding the wound. Diagnosis involves physical examination and tests to assess circulation and nerve function. Treatment includes wound care, offloading pressure, managing underlying conditions, and sometimes surgery. Healing time varies, from weeks to months, depending on the ulcer's severity and the patient's overall health. If you have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Falls among seniors are a significant concern, often resulting from a combination of factors. Common causes include muscle weakness, poor balance, vision problems, and environmental hazards like clutter or uneven floors. Medication side effects and medical conditions such as arthritis can also contribute to fall risk. To prevent falls, it is important to implement several practical strategies. Ensure the home environment is safe by removing trip hazards, installing grab bars, and improving lighting. Encourage regular exercise to enhance strength and balance like walking or specialized fall prevention classes. Regular eye exams and reviewing medications can also help address underlying issues. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various conditions.

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 Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor 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 Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken foot occurs when one or more of the bones in the foot are fractured, often due to trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Symptoms typically include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. The severity of the fracture, its location, and the treatment approach all influence healing time. Generally, a simple fracture can take six to eight weeks to heal, while more complex fractures may require several months, especially if surgery is needed. During the healing process, immobilization with a cast or boot is usually prescribed, and in some cases, crutches are provided to avoid putting weight on the foot. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist and follow their instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Running shoes and walking shoes are designed with distinct features tailored to their respective activities. Running shoes are built to handle the higher impact forces of running, featuring more cushioning in the heel to absorb shock and provide support during each stride. They often have a more pronounced heel-to-toe drop, which promotes a forward motion. In contrast, walking shoes are designed for lower impact and typically have a flatter sole, offering even cushioning and greater flexibility. The emphasis in walking shoes is on stability and comfort for the repetitive heel-to-toe motion of walking. Additionally, walking shoes usually have a more rigid midsole to support the arch and enhance stability. Choosing the appropriate shoe based on your activity helps prevent injury and ensures better performance and comfort. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury from wearing the wrong type of shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on which shoes to buy for your desired activity.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, primarily resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Common causes can include excessive stress from high-impact activities, prolonged standing, wearing unsupportive footwear, or being overweight. Symptoms typically include a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Effective stretches include the calf stretch, where you press against a wall with one leg forward and the other extended back. Another is the plantar fascia stretch, where you pull your toes toward your shin while seated. Wearing supportive shoes or custom orthotics, in addition to performing these stretches, can provide significant relief. If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care to effectively manage your condition and improve your foot health.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Steven Black, DPM  from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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