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Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores that develop most often on the bottom of the foot. Diabetes can damage nerves, which reduces the ability to feel pain, heat, or pressure. A small cut or blister can then go unnoticed and become a deeper wound. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow, which slows healing and makes infection harder to fight. Warning signs include drainage, redness, and swelling. An unpleasant odor or darkened tissue can also signal a serious problem. Because pain may be absent, every wound deserves prompt medical attention.

Several factors raise the risk of developing an ulcer. Shoes that rub or fit poorly can create repeated pressure on one area. Calluses and changes in foot shape can also concentrate pressure against the skin. Poor circulation makes the skin more vulnerable and limits the body’s ability to repair damage. An untreated ulcer can spread beneath the skin and reach muscles or bones. Infection can then become severe and threaten the health of the foot. Early evaluation helps reduce the risk of tissue loss, hospitalization, and loss of limb.

A podiatrist can examine the wound, measure its depth, and check for signs of infection. The evaluation also includes testing sensation and blood flow in the feet. X-rays or other imaging tests can reveal whether the wound has reached the bone. Treatment focuses on removing damaged tissue, protecting the wound, and reducing pressure on the affected area. A podiatrist can apply specialized dressings and provide an off-loading device, which shifts weight away from the sore. Regular podiatric visits can identify pressure points before another ulcer forms. Surgery may be recommended for severe infection, dead tissue, or a foot deformity that prevents healing. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

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 podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. 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 office located in Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ankle sprain happens when the strong bands of tissue that help hold the ankle together are stretched or torn. This can happen when the foot twists, rolls, or turns in an unusual direction. Ankle sprains can occur while playing sports, walking on uneven ground, or stepping awkwardly. Pain, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot can develop after an injury. The severity depends on how much the supporting tissue has been damaged. A mild sprain can cause stretching, while a more serious sprain can involve a partial or complete tear. A podiatrist can examine the ankle and determine the severity of the injury. 

A podiatrist can check the ankle’s movement, stability, and areas of tenderness. This examination helps determine whether the injury is a sprain or another problem, like a broken bone. Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain and how the ankle is functioning. Care can include protecting the injured ankle, supporting the joint, and using a structured plan to restore movement and strength. A podiatrist can also evaluate how the foot and ankle work together while walking. This can help identify problems that could affect recovery or increase stress on the ankle. More serious sprains require closer monitoring because the ankle can remain weak or unstable after the initial injury. 

Some ankle sprains cause significant swelling, severe pain, or difficulty putting weight on the foot. A podiatrist can determine whether imaging is appropriate when a fracture or another injury is suspected. Severe sprains can sometimes require a brace or other support while the ankle heals. Returning to sports too quickly can place stress on an ankle that has not fully recovered. A podiatrist can help guide the recovery process and determine when the ankle is ready for increased activity. If you have sprained your ankle,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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 care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a disease in which the immune system attacks joint tissue. For some people, pain and swelling in the feet are the first signs of RA. In other patients, foot symptoms appear months or years later, or never develop. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the small toe joints and where the toes meet the forefoot. It can also affect the joint below the ankle. Early signs include soreness, warmth, and swelling. A sudden period of stronger symptoms is called a flare.

As RA damages joints, pain and swelling can make standing and walking difficult. Joint damage can also cause instability or changes in foot shape. Pressure from these changes can lead to corns, calluses, or open sores. Firm lumps called nodules can develop near the Achilles tendon, heel, or other bony areas. Some patients notice numbness, tingling, or poor temperature awareness because nerves may be affected. Others develop circulation problems that cause cramping while walking or color changes in the toes. New swelling, shape changes, or skin wounds require prompt medical attention.

A podiatrist can examine the feet, identify affected joints, and check the skin. The examination can assess nerve function and blood flow. Treatment focuses on easing pressure, supporting painful joints, and improving foot function. A podiatrist can recommend supportive shoes and prescribe custom orthotics. These specially made shoe inserts can improve balance and reduce stress beneath sore areas. The podiatrist can also safely care for corns and calluses, treat skin wounds, and monitor changes linked to RA. When joint damage is severe, the podiatrist can discuss whether surgery could improve comfort or movement. Regular foot evaluations can help detect concerns before they become harder to manage. If you have foot pain related to rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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 care needs.

Pronation and supination describe the direction the foot rolls while walking or running. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward and weight shifts toward the inside of the foot. Supination occurs when the foot rolls outward and weight shifts toward the outside. A small amount of each motion is part of a normal step. Pronation helps the foot absorb shock after the heel reaches the ground. Supination makes the foot firmer as it pushes the body forward. When either motion becomes excessive, pressure can build in certain areas and affect the way a person moves.

These movement patterns can affect more than the feet. Overpronation can place added strain on the arches, heels, and ankles. It can also contribute to discomfort in the knees. Excess supination reduces the foot’s ability to absorb shock and can increase pressure on the outer edge. This can lead to ankle instability, heel pain, or pain in the ball of the foot. Uneven wear on the inner or outer edges of shoe soles can provide a clue. High arches, flat feet, and differences in leg length can influence foot movement. Injuries and repeated stress can also change a person’s gait.

A podiatrist can examine the feet and study how a patient stands and walks. This gait evaluation shows where pressure builds and whether the ankles or knees move out of alignment. The podiatrist can also check joint motion, muscle strength, and shoe-wear patterns. Imaging tests can identify an injury when the examination raises concern. Treatment focuses on improving balance and reducing harmful pressure. A podiatrist can recommend properly fitted shoes with suitable cushioning or stability. Custom orthotics can guide the feet into a better position and distribute weight more evenly. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to track changes and adjust treatment. If you have foot or ankle pain while walking or running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.