Items filtered by date: July 2024

Preventing blisters is key to maintaining foot comfort, especially for active individuals. Symptoms often include a painful, fluid-filled sac on the skin caused by friction or ill-fitting footwear. To avoid blisters, choose shoes that fit well and break them in gradually. Moisture-wicking socks and blister prevention products like moleskin or blister pads can reduce friction. If a blister does develop, resist the urge to pop it as it can increase the risk of infection. Instead, keep it clean and covered with a bandage. For pain relief, over-the-counter creams or pain relievers can help. Persistent or severe blisters may require attention from a podiatrist, who can provide expert care and guidance. They can recommend appropriate footwear, assess underlying causes, and offer treatments like draining the blister safely to promote healing and prevent complications. If you suffer from blisters, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a treatment plan.

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 Chuc Dang, DPM of California . Our doctor 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 office located in Westminster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon injuries are prevalent among people who engage in physical activities, from athletes to casual exercisers. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is critical for movements like standing on toes and propelling forward when walking or running. Common injuries include Achilles tendinopathy, which involves tiny tears from overuse and results in pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. More severe Achilles tendon injuries, such as partial or complete tears, cause sudden, sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty pointing the foot down or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can diagnose these injuries through a physical exam, ultrasound, X-rays, or MRI scans to assess the extent of damage. Treatment depends on the injury's severity. Mild cases may be managed with rest and stretching exercises, while severe tears might require surgery and immobilization with a cast or brace. If you are experiencing pain resulting from an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Chuc Dang, 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

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

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:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Westminster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Experiencing pain on the top of the foot is a common issue among runners and active individuals. One cause of this discomfort is extensor tendonitis, an inflammation of the extensor tendons responsible for lifting and straightening the toes. These tendons are vulnerable to injury because they lack protection from bones, muscles, or fatty tissue. Factors that place undue stress on the tendons include tight calf muscles, overtraining without adequate rest, and wearing improperly fitting shoes. Symptoms of extensor tendonitis include pain on the top of the foot during movement, swelling, and sometimes a visible bump along the tendon. Adjusting the way you lace your shoes can help to alleviate pressure on the top of the foot. If pain persists, it may indicate conditions, such as metatarsal stress fractures, atypical gout, or degenerative arthritis. Proper diagnosis from a podiatrist can address the root cause of the pain. If you are experiencing pain on top of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Chuc Dang, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that commonly occur on the feet of individuals with diabetes. They generally result from a combination of neuropathy, poor circulation, and immune system impairment. Neuropathy causes a loss of sensation, leading to unnoticed injuries. Poor circulation hinders healing, while immune dysfunction makes infections more likely. These ulcers can become severe, leading to complications such as infections, gangrene, or even amputations if left untreated. Management of diabetic foot ulcers includes comprehensive wound care, infection control, and addressing underlying conditions. Regular cleaning and debridement to remove dead tissue can promote healing. Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat infection. Additionally, offloading techniques, such as specialized footwear or orthotics, help reduce pressure on the ulcer. Controlling blood sugar levels is imperative to generate healing and prevent recurrence. Regular monitoring and care are essential for effective management. If you have diabetic foot ulcers, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for personalized treatment and prevention strategies.

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 Chuc Dang, 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 feel free to contact our office located in Westminster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sports-related injuries are common in children and adolescents, particularly affecting the feet due to the high impact and repetitive stress involved in athletic activities. Growth plates, the areas of developing tissues at the ends of long bones, are vulnerable during this stage, making young athletes more susceptible to injuries such as fractures, sprains, and strains. Many of these injuries are related to overuse, where repetitive stress leads to wear and tear on the feet. Common foot injuries in this age group include Sever's disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, and stress fractures, small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force. Other issues like ankle sprains and plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, are also prevalent. Prevention strategies include proper warm-up exercises, wearing appropriate and well-fitting footwear, and ensuring adequate rest to avoid overuse injuries. Parents and coaches should encourage young athletes to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention when pain persists. If you have a young athlete in the family, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits to a podiatrist to maintain foot health and address any injuries promptly.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Chuc Dang, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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