Items filtered by date: December 2024

Both psoriasis and athlete’s foot can cause redness, scaling, and itching on your feet, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. However, understanding their differences can guide you toward proper treatment. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that often presents as thick, scaly patches of skin, commonly on the soles. These patches may be silvery-white and are typically not contagious. Psoriasis often affects other areas, such as the elbows and scalp, and may be associated with nail pitting or discoloration. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments. It causes peeling, redness, and itching, often starting between the toes. Unlike psoriasis, it is contagious and can spread in communal areas like gyms. If you have itching and redness on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Foot neuropathy is a condition where nerve damage in the feet leads to various symptoms. The most common causes include diabetes, alcohol abuse, certain medications, and vitamin deficiencies. In some cases, autoimmune diseases, infections, and hereditary conditions may also contribute. Symptoms of foot neuropathy typically include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the feet. Some individuals may experience sharp, stabbing pain or a feeling of pins and needles. Weakness and difficulty walking can occur due to the loss of sensation. The symptoms are often worse at night and can lead to a decreased ability to notice injuries or infections in the feet. Early detection and treatment are vital for managing symptoms and preventing further nerve damage. If you have tingling or burning sensations in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief and treatment solutions for neuropathy.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Achilles tendinopathy is a common foot and ankle issue caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon. It can be classified into two types, which are insertional, where the tendon attaches to the heel, and non-insertional, which impacts the middle portion of the tendon. While both cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, insertional tendinopathy often involves discomfort at the back of the heel, while non-insertional pain is felt higher up along the tendon. If left untreated, the tendon can go through non-healing stages known as reactive tendinopathy, or early swelling and pain, tendon disrepair, and degenerative tendinopathy, causing long-term damage with thickening and weakness. Proper treatment includes rest, targeted exercises, and addressing any biomechanical issues. If you are experiencing persistent pain in your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pointe shoes are essential for many ballet dancers, allowing them to perform on the tips of their toes, creating an ethereal, floating appearance. However, wearing pointe shoes can complicate the biomechanics of ballet. These shoes shift the body’s natural alignment, often altering the way dancers move and place weight on their feet. The rigid structure of the shoe prevents the foot from flexing and distributing force evenly across the foot and ankle, leading to increased pressure on the toes and forefoot. Over time, this unnatural positioning can lead to imbalances, pain, and even injury. Furthermore, the added strain on the feet and lower limbs can cause overuse injuries in muscles, tendons, and joints. If you have developed foot pain from ballet dancing on pointe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ignoring foot pain can have serious consequences for your balance, mobility, and overall foot health. Persistent pain often signals an underlying issue that, left untreated, may worsen over time. Conditions like stress fractures, heel pain, and psoriatic arthritis are common sources of foot pain and can severely impair foot function if not addressed. Even minor discomfort can cause changes in your gait, leading to strain in other areas of the body, like the knees, hips, and back. Determining the cause of foot pain is essential for effective treatment, as each condition requires a different approach. Addressing foot pain early can help you maintain balance, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of chronic issues, keeping you active and pain-free. If you suffer from foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.