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Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that develops in some people with diabetes. It most often affects the feet and legs because the nerves in these areas are long and more vulnerable to damage. Nerves carry messages between the brain and body, allowing people to feel touch, pain, and temperature. Over time, high levels of sugar in the blood can interfere with how these nerves send signals. Other factors that may increase the risk of diabetic neuropathy include high blood pressure, excess body weight, smoking, and having diabetes for many years. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness in the feet. Because sensation may be reduced, people may not notice cuts, blisters, or injuries, which in turn can lead to wounds, infections, or ulcers being left untreated.  A podiatrist can examine the feet, test nerve function, and provide care to help prevent these serious complications. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Stress fractures of the foot are small hairline cracks in the bones that develop from repeated pressure and overuse rather than a single traumatic injury. These injuries commonly occur in athletes and anyone who participates in high-impact activities that place repeated stress on the feet. Causes often include sudden increases in activity, wearing improper footwear, and inadequate rest between training sessions. Risk factors may include low bone density, poor foot mechanics, and participation in running, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, recommend imaging if needed, provide supportive treatment, and guide proper recovery. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat foot stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please 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 and ankle needs.

Nerve pain in the foot can feel sharp, burning, tingling, or electric, and it may point to neuropathy or Morton’s neuroma. Neuropathy often develops gradually, and may be linked to diabetes, injury, or other medical conditions. The feet can feel numb, weak, or overly sensitive, and symptoms are often noticed in both feet. In contrast, Morton’s neuroma involves thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve between the third and fourth toes. Along with shooting pain or tingling into the toes, patients often describe the sensation  as being similar to standing on a pebble. The area may look normal, but squeezing the forefoot can reproduce the discomfort. A podiatrist will perform a detailed examination and may order imaging or nerve testing to determine the exact cause. Treatment can include custom orthotics, shoe changes, medication, or targeted procedures. If you have persistent nerve pain in the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue between the toes that can cause burning pain, tingling, and the sensation of walking on a pebble. Treatment of Morton's neuroma depends on how irritated the nerve has become and how long symptoms have been present. A podiatrist evaluates foot structure, gait mechanics, and pressure distribution to identify the source of nerve compression. Treatment options include prescription orthotic devices designed to reduce forefoot pressure, padding techniques that separate the metatarsal bones, and anti-inflammatory or anesthetic injections to calm the nerve. When pain persists, advanced imaging can help guide further care, and a minor surgical procedure may be recommended to release pressure or remove a portion of the affected nerve. The goal of treatment is to restore comfortable walking while preventing long-term nerve damage or altered foot mechanics. If you have foot problems associated with Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our doctors of  Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. 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 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.