Items filtered by date: October 2024

Trench foot is a condition that arises when the feet are exposed to cold, damp environments for prolonged periods. Historically associated with soldiers in World War I, it can occur in anyone who spends extended time in wet conditions. The primary cause is the combination of cold temperatures and moisture, which leads to reduced blood flow and tissue damage. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and a tingling sensation in the feet. As the condition progresses, blisters may form, and the skin can become numb. If left untreated, trench foot can result in severe complications, including infection or even tissue death. Awareness of this condition is vital, especially for people working in wet and cold environments. If you have this foot condition, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can treat trench foot, and guide you on effective prevention methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Omega Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Reseda, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot stress fracture occurs due to repetitive stress or overuse, often from activities like running or jumping. This type of fracture develops when the foot’s bones are subjected to excessive force, leading to tiny cracks that gradually worsen. Common symptoms include localized pain that intensifies with activity, swelling, and tenderness at the site of the fracture. The affected area might also become bruised or stiff. Diagnosing a foot stress fracture involves a thorough physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans which can reveal the extent of the injury and rule out other conditions. If you have endured a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist  who can accurately diagnose and treat foot stress fractures.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Proper toenail care is key for preventing painful conditions like ingrown toenails. Trimming your toenails straight across, rather than rounding the edges or cutting them too short, helps prevent the nail from growing into the surrounding skin. This simple step is effective in avoiding ingrown toenails, which can be worsened by wearing shoes that are too narrow or short, causing your big toe to rub against the shoe. Initially, an ingrown toenail might not cause any symptoms, but over time, it can become painful, red, and swollen, and may even become infected with pus forming under the nail. To avoid these complications and ensure effective treatment, it is important to consult with a podiatrist. Early intervention can simplify the treatment process and alleviate discomfort more efficiently. If you are experiencing signs of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist for professional care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Omega Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.