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A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. These specialists undergo extensive training in podiatric medicine, encompassing various disciplines such as biomechanics, orthopedics, and surgery specific to the foot and ankle. People seek the expertise of podiatrists at different stages of life for several reasons. In childhood, podiatrists may be consulted for issues like flat feet, gait abnormalities, or congenital foot deformities. During adolescence and young adulthood, individuals might seek help for sports-related injuries, such as sprains, stress fractures, or ingrown toenails. In middle age and beyond, common concerns include conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or diabetic foot care. Additionally, seniors often rely on podiatrists for the management of age-related foot problems, such as bunions, corns, and calluses, as well as complications associated with circulatory issues or neuropathy. If you would like to ensure the health of your feet schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. 

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more of the smaller toes become bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. It typically occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, foot structure abnormalities, and arthritis. People with hammertoe may experience pain, swelling, corns, or calluses on the affected toe. In severe cases, the toe may become rigid and difficult to move. Surgery may be necessary when conservative treatments like wearing proper footwear, toe exercises, or padding fail to provide relief. Good candidates for surgery include individuals with persistent pain, severe deformity, or difficulty walking. Those with poor circulation, an active infection, or other health problems must consider the risk of such surgery carefully. Surgery aims to straighten the toe, relieve pain, and restore function, often involving removing a portion of the bone or releasing tight tendons. If you have a painful hammertoe that has not responded to other treatments, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if surgery is the right solution for you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Heel pain can manifest in several forms, each indicating distinct underlying causes and contributing factors. Side heel pain, also known as lateral heel pain, typically occurs on the outer edge of the heel and may stem from conditions like Achilles tendonitis or Haglund's deformity, where a bony prominence irritates the surrounding tissue. Inside heel pain often arises from conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, which involve inflammation and irritation of the tissues on the underside of the foot near the heel. Additionally, individuals may experience right or left heel pain, which could result from biomechanical issues, uneven weight distribution, or asymmetrical gait patterns. Identifying the specific location and characteristics of heel pain is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you have any type of heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with a tailored treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. 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 office located in Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.