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Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged. In people with diabetes, high blood glucose levels can damage these nerves over time. The feet and legs are often affected first, although symptoms may eventually develop in the hands and arms. Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. Some people experience sharp pain or become unusually sensitive to touch. Others may lose sensation in their feet, making it harder to notice pain or changes that would normally signal a foot problem.

Loss of feeling can create additional concerns for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A cut, blister, or sore may go unnoticed when normal sensation is reduced. Without proper attention, an unnoticed injury can become infected and develop into a more serious foot complication. Neuropathy can also cause muscle weakness and affect balance or coordination. Symptoms are often worse at night and may interfere with sleep or everyday comfort. Since nerve damage can progress gradually, regular medical evaluation is important for identifying changes in sensation and protecting long-term foot health.

A podiatrist can examine the feet for signs of peripheral neuropathy and determine whether reduced sensation is affecting foot health. The evaluation may include checking sensitivity to touch, temperature, and vibration. A podiatrist can also inspect the feet for injuries or other changes that may be difficult for someone with neuropathy to feel. Managing blood glucose is an important part of slowing further nerve damage, while medical treatment may help manage nerve pain. Podiatric care can also help identify foot complications before they become more serious. Regular foot examinations are especially important for people with diabetes who have reduced sensation. If you are experiencing numbness, burning, or tingling in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain without a direct injury can seem unexpected, but several conditions can cause discomfort without a clear accident or fall. Arthritis, gout, and Achilles tendon injuries are among some of the problems that can all affect the ankle. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and tenderness when the joint changes. Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe pain when crystals build up inside a joint. Bursitis develops when small fluid-filled sacs near the ankle become irritated. Fallen arches can also place extra stress on the feet and ankles. In addition, repeated activity can irritate the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel.

A podiatrist can examine the foot and ankle to help determine what is causing the pain. The evaluation can include checking the ankle's movement, looking for swelling, and examining areas of tenderness. A podiatrist can also review your symptoms and ask about your activity level, previous foot or ankle problems, and other health conditions that could relate to the pain. Imaging tests can provide additional information when a structural problem is suspected. X-rays can show changes in bones and joints, while an ultrasound can help identify problems involving tendons. Finding the cause is important because treatment depends on what is behind the ankle pain.

Once the cause has been identified, a podiatrist can recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment can include wearing supportive shoes or inserts, bracing, or medication, when appropriate. Some conditions require more specialized treatment, while severe tendon or joint problems can sometimes require surgery. A podiatrist can also monitor your progress and make changes to treatment based on your symptoms and examination findings. Ankle pain that appears without a direct injury should not be ignored, particularly when it is persistent, severe, or accompanied by swelling or stiffness. If you have ankle pain without direct injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot blisters from hiking are fluid-filled pockets that form when repeated friction irritates the skin. They commonly appear on the heel, toes, or ball of the foot while walking. Symptoms include tenderness, redness, and a raised fluid-filled area. The first few days of hiking are important because your feet are adjusting to increased distance and footwear. Blisters often develop in the same spot when friction continues against vulnerable skin. Recognizing early irritation can help prevent a hiking blister from worsening.

Poorly fitting hiking boots can allow foot movement, while tight shoes can create pressure points. Moisture from sweat can soften the skin and increase friction. Rough socks, longer hikes, and sudden increases in mileage may also contribute. Uneven trails can cause your feet to slide inside footwear, creating repeated rubbing. A blister may recur because that area remains vulnerable to friction. Properly fitted boots can lower risk.

If a blister develops, protect the area and avoid popping it to avoid an infection. Keep the area clean and covered. A podiatrist can examine the blister, check for infection, and determine whether drainage is needed. If necessary, the podiatrist can clean the area using sterile techniques. The podiatrist may recommend padding or footwear changes to reduce friction while healing. Increasing redness, swelling, or pain should receive prompt attention.

Preventing hiking blisters starts before hitting the trail. Break in hiking boots gradually and watch for hot spots. Stop when you notice rubbing and adjust your footwear. Keep feet dry and use padding over blister-prone areas. Inspect your feet after hiking and allow irritated skin to recover. If you frequently have foot blisters from hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken foot occurs when one or more bones in the foot crack or break. Symptoms include pain, bruising, and swelling. Tenderness can develop, and putting weight on the injured foot can become difficult. A severe fracture can cause the foot to look deformed or leave a bone visible through the skin. A broken foot can resemble a sprain because both injuries can cause similar symptoms. Fractures usually cause more severe pain, but symptoms alone cannot always show which injury has occurred.

Prompt evaluation is important when a fracture is suspected. Without proper treatment, a broken foot can lead to infection or changes in foot shape. Warning signs include worsening pain, numbness, or circulation problems. A foot that becomes blue and cold also requires urgent attention. A podiatrist can examine the injury and determine whether the symptoms point to a fracture or another problem. X-rays are frequently used to identify broken bones. Other imaging tests can help detect small fractures that do not appear clearly on an X-ray.

Treatment depends on where the bone is broken and how severe the fracture is. A podiatrist can protect the foot with a cast, brace, or walking boot. Keeping weight off the injured foot can also be part of treatment. Some fractures require the bones to be moved back into proper position. More serious breaks can require surgery with pins, screws, or plates to hold the bones in place. Many foot fractures take about six to eight weeks to heal, although recovery time varies. A podiatrist can monitor healing and determine when normal activities can safely resume. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.