Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.
Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.
Wearing the right shoes while working is essential for maintaining comfort and preventing injuries. Proper footwear supports the natural alignment of the feet, reducing strain on the legs, back, and joints. This can help prevent foot pain, blisters, and conditions like plantar fasciitis. In addition, the right shoes improve posture, enhancing overall energy levels and productivity throughout the day. For individuals who spend long hours on their feet, the right shoes provide cushioning and support that alleviate pressure, ensuring workers stay comfortable, healthy, and focused. Investing in quality footwear is important in promoting well-being and improving job performance. If you have sustained a foot injury during the workday, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on appropriate shoes for your workday.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Calcific spurs are bony growths that form at the insertion of the Achilles tendon, where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. These spurs can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the back of the heel, especially during activities like walking or running. They develop when calcium deposits build up over time, often due to repeated stress or inflammation of the tendon. Risk factors include age, overuse, tight calf muscles, or conditions like arthritis. Athletes, active individuals, and older adults are more commonly affected. A podiatrist diagnoses calcific spurs through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays to confirm the size and location of the spur. Treatment may involve stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases might require surgery. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert care and relief.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing them to resemble a hammer. This condition can be caused by several factors, including wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that force the toes into unnatural positions. Over time, the muscles and tendons in the toe become imbalanced, leading to the deformity. Other causes include injury, arthritis, and genetic predisposition. Symptoms of hammertoe include pain or discomfort in the affected toes, especially when wearing shoes or walking for long periods. The toes may become stiff and difficult to straighten, and in some cases, corns or calluses can form on the tops or tips of the toes due to pressure. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
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.
Pachyonychia congenita, or PC, is a rare genetic condition that affects the nails, skin, and sometimes the mucous membranes. For the feet and ankles, it often leads to thickened nails, painful calluses, and blisters, especially on weight-bearing areas like the soles. These calluses and blisters can make walking and daily activities extremely uncomfortable, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life. The condition arises from mutations in specific keratin genes, causing the skin and nails to grow abnormally. Pressure from shoes and physical activity worsens symptoms, making proper foot care essential. Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort, such as filing thickened nails, softening calluses, and wearing custom footwear to minimize pressure. A podiatrist can play a vital role in managing PC. If you suffer from this affliction, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this foot specialist who can offer specialized care and advice to improve comfort and mobility.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
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.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It is caused by fungi known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks and shoes. The symptoms of athlete's foot include itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes blistering or cracking of the skin. There are different types of athlete’s foot, including interdigital, which affects the spaces between the toes, and moccasin-type, which leads to dry, scaly skin on the soles and sides of the feet. The infection can reoccur because the fungi are resilient and can survive on contaminated surfaces like floors, towels, and shoes. Poor foot hygiene, wearing tight shoes, and exposure to communal areas like gym floors can contribute to repeated infections. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer prescribed medication for relief.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
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.
Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that can develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes due to poor circulation and nerve damage. These ulcers can become chronic, slow to heal, and prone to infection if left untreated. An important treatment for managing diabetic foot ulcers is debridement, a process where dead or infected tissue is carefully removed from the wound. Debridement is essential because it stimulates healthy tissue growth, reduces the risk of infection, and promotes faster healing by allowing the body’s natural repair processes to function effectively. By removing dead tissue, debridement helps improve blood flow to the area, which is vital for recovery in diabetic patients with circulation issues. If you suffer from diabetic foot ulcers, it is suggested that you schedule appointments with a podiatrist for regular debridement, to prevent complications, avoid further tissue damage, and ultimately protect the foot from severe infection or amputation.
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 contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Swollen feet and ankles can result from a number of underlying causes. Often, the swelling arises when fluid accumulates in the tissues of the lower extremities, a condition called peripheral edema. Other triggers include injuries like sprains or fractures, which can lead to localized swelling in one foot or ankle. Kidney issues can impair the body's ability to eliminate excess fluid, which may result in swelling of the feet. Similarly, heart problems often lead to poor circulation, with fluid pooling in the feet and ankles, especially later in the day. Venous insufficiency, where veins struggle to return blood from the legs to the heart, can also lead to this problem. Infections, such as cellulitis, may cause sudden swelling, warmth, and redness. A podiatrist can identify the cause of swelling and provide appropriate treatment options, including compression therapy, guidance on managing chronic conditions, and preventive measures for injury-related swelling. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
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.
Toe fractures can occur for various reasons, with some common causes being crushing injuries and joint hyperextension. A crushing injury often happens when a heavy object falls onto the foot, resulting in significant trauma. Joint hyperextension, where the toe is forced beyond its normal range of motion, can also result in fractures. Stress fractures are another concern, typically caused by repetitive impact or overuse, often seen in athletes or those engaged in high-intensity activities. Symptoms of a toe fracture include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the affected toe. In some cases, the toe may appear to be misaligned or deformed. If you have symptoms of a broken toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment options.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Connect With Us
