Items filtered by date: November 2023

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, unveils its presence through distinctive symptoms that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. The hallmark of gout is intense joint pain, often reaching its peak during the nighttime. This excruciating pain typically targets the big toe but can affect other joints as well. Swelling and redness accompany the pain, creating a visibly discomforting experience. The affected joint may become tender to the touch, and even the lightest pressure can induce agony. Gout flares are unpredictable, with symptoms emerging suddenly and subsiding gradually. Beyond the acute episodes, persistent discomfort and stiffness may linger, affecting joint mobility. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for early intervention and management. While gout's pain levels can be overwhelming, understanding the nuances of its symptoms empowers individuals to seek timely medical attention, explore effective treatments, and regain control over their joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Omega Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Reseda, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes exhibit an abnormal bending at the middle joint. In most cases of hammertoe, the second toe is affected. This prevalent foot deformity can lead to discomfort and biomechanical complications. The causes of hammertoe are diverse. Included are an unusually long metatarsal or toe bone, poor alignment of foot joint surfaces, and prolonged wear of ill-fitting shoes. The constriction imposed by tight or narrow shoes often aggravates the condition and potentially causes calluses, corns, ulcers, and metatarsal pain. Treatment for hammertoe by a podiatrist aims at alleviating pain and preventing complications, with a focus on wearing appropriate footwear that features a wide toe box to reduce pressure. Additionally, toe pads and orthotics may be recommended to shield the toes from any shoe related discomfort. Prompt treatment of skin irritations and ulcers is essential. Surgical intervention becomes an option when other measures fail to relieve pain and disability. Its aim is to straighten the rigidly fixed toe deformity and correct its alignment. If you suspect a hammertoe or experience foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Omega Podiatry. 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 offices located in Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Reseda, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Whether you are new to running or a seasoned athlete, understanding your running style and making necessary improvements can significantly improve your running experience. A gait analysis is a measuring stick for your running form, helping you to understand your unique gait and reduce the chances of injury. A gait analysis plays a vital role in enhancing impact absorption and the overall efficiency of your movement. By identifying areas that require attention, you can improve these weaknesses to become a more efficient and injury resistant runner. Among the areas that would be considered are foot strike and position, pronation, running posture, cadence, and stride. Footwear is a critical consideration for runners, and an analysis can help determine the type of running shoes that best suits your unique gait and biomechanics. Additionally, a gait analysis can identify whether custom orthotics designed by a podiatrist would be beneficial. In conclusion, a running gait analysis is a valuable tool that can help you to achieve your goals. To find out more, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Omega Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Reseda, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Various forms of arthritis can have specific effects on the feet. Osteoarthritis, or OA, most often affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint, connecting the big toe to the foot. It can also be found in the midfoot and ankle. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, typically appears in both feet and affects the same joints symmetrically. Gout is known for frequently targeting the feet, particularly the big toe, and causing intense pain during flares ups. Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, can impact the toes, leading to swollen, sausage-like digits known as dactylitis. Additionally, it often involves inflammation at the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. The feet can be affected, resulting in plantar fasciitis and painful bone spurs, among other conditions. Ankylosing spondylitis also brings about plantar fasciitis and discomfort at the Achilles tendon, affecting the feet. Each of these types of arthritis presents distinct challenges and symptoms in the foot region. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether arthritis may be the cause. This type of doctor can determine what type of arthritis has developed and guide you toward the necessary treatments for relief. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Omega Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Reseda, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.