Los Angeles Foot and Ankle Center

Whether you’re able to visit a pro or enjoying some at-home pampering, treat yourself to a pedicure. Check out these pedicure tips before your next DIY or salon visit. https://www.apma.org/pedicuretips

Foot function and low back pain https://podiatryarena.com/index.php

An ankle sprain is a common injury and can happen any time the foot twists or rolls out of its normal range. The tried-and-true RICE treatmentrest, ice, compre...ssion, elevationis your first line of defense, but if pain persists or you note significant bruising or swelling, it’s time to see your podiatrist. A podiatrist will provide proper diagnosis and individualized treatment to get you back to your normal activity. Know the symptoms of an ankle sprain and learn more here: https://www.apma.org/SprainsStrainsFractures See more

When surgery’s needed for bunions:

Your feet are the furthest thing from your mindliterally. But foot health is highly important and should be taken seriously to prevent future complications. Ch...eck out these tips on good foot health to learn how to properly take care of your feet. https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealthList.cfm See more

If your first step of the morning is excruciating, it could be plantar fasciitis, a condition that can cause severe heel pain. But it’s important to visit a pod...iatrist to get a correct diagnosis, as many conditions can cause pain in that area. See a podiatrist if you are experiencing these symptoms and learn more at https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealthList.cfm See more

If you are living with diabetes It is important to check your feet daily for any signs of bruises or foot ulcers. If you are diabetic you are at greater risk of... developing foot ulcers, which may go unnoticed due to lack of sensation in the foot. Check your feet daily and schedule an appointment immediately if you notice any changes. https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=981 See more

Happy Holidays!

Increasing pain, swelling, or bruising after an ankle injury is a clear sign it's time to seek professional care. Avoid the ER, and call your podiatrist! Podiatrists are highly trained to treat ankle injuries, including sprains and fractures. #themoreyouknow #todayspodiatrist #avoidtheER

The first step of the day can be a truly excruciating experience for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue... that runs along the bottom of the foot, can tighten up overnight or anytime you’re at rest, producing severe heel pain when it is first stretched. If your heel pain is making your wakeup call a nightmare, see the heel pain expert, Today’s Podiatrist. www.apma.org/heelpain See more

From their medical advantages to the misconception about age-appropriate use, there’s lots to learn about compression socks. A foot surgeon explains everything you need to know.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reflexology in massage - the coming together of eastern and western ideas. https://www.nielasher.com//advanced-foot-massage-nat-diplo

Do your feet have low, normal, or high arches? The answer will determine what type of running show is best for you. Finding a shoe with the proper support will go a long way in protecting your foot health and improving your runs. Find out more at www.apma.org/runningshoes.

Hammer toe and Claw toe difference: A hammertoe is a term used to describe a crooked, deviated, or contracted toe. Although the condition usually stems from m...uscle imbalance, it is often aggravated by poor-fitting shoes or socks that cramp the toes. Over a period of years, the tendons that move the toe up and down begin to pull the toe with unequal tension, and the toe then begins to buckle or become contracted, causing an abnormal v-shaped bending of the little toes. Patients with this condition often experience pain, swelling, redness and stiffness in the affected toes. The term hammertoe is almost synonymous with claw toes. The main difference between these two conditions is the position of the MTP joint (in hammertoes this joint is not displaced). METATARSALGIA Patients with metatarsalgia present with pain in their forefoot, usually in the ball of the foot. The pain is often described as aching and it is typically aggravated by standing and walking. In general metatarsalgia is caused by repetitive overloading of the forefoot leading to chronic localized tissue injury. Often the most symptomatic area is at the base of the 2nd or 3rd toe. Factors that may predispose to the development of metatarsalgia include: a bunion deformity, arthritis of the great toe, ligament instability of the midfoot, an excessively tight calf muscle, a congenital foot deformity, and claw toe deformities. Causes When you walk, run, or jump, your weight transfers to your toes and metatarsal bones. If your weight is unevenly distributed in one area, your foot can become painful and inflamed. Symptoms Common symptoms of metatarsalgia include pain in or around the: Ball of the foot. Big toe or second, third, and fourth toes. You may also feel pain when you: Flex your foot. Walk barefoot, especially on a hard surface. This may feel like walking on pebbles or having a stone in the ball of your foot. METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT SYNOVITIS The metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) is located in the forefoot where the metatarsal and phalanx bones meet. Synovitis is a swelling of the joint lining. MTP synovitis is a common disorder caused by excessive stress on that joint, usually exacerbated by activity. The ligaments loosen and the joint may develop instability. People with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of developing MTP synovitis. MTP synovitis causes pain in the forefoot and sometimes results in an overlapping of the toes. There is often a swelling on the top of the foot near the toes. Patients may experience difficulty walking and wearing shoes as the foot becomes more and more inflamed. MORTON’S NEUROMA In the foot, there are the long bones (metatarsals) and thin nerves running between them. The nerves split in a Y-shape when they reach the toes. If the metatarsals move abnormally, they can pinch the nerve between them, which causes inflammation and, eventually, permanent nerve damage. Morton’s neuroma is the most common of this type and affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes.

If your kids are playing fall sports, keep an eye on their feet. Sweaty shoes and locker rooms can be breeding grounds for conditions like athlete’s foot. Read more about the symptoms and when you need to see a podiatrist at www.apma.org/athletesfoot.

6 things to consider if you have swelling in the legs and feet.

One hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis? Pain in the bottom of your foot. You might notice that it’s worse in the morning when you first wake up or when you’re standing after having sat for a long time.

Ankle Pain - Could it be Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome? - http://bit.ly/2YbRBN3

A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way, stretching or tearing the tough bands of tissue, or ligamen...ts, that help hold your ankle bones together. Learn more about treatment for a sprained ankle, including self-care measures you can follow at home. https://mayocl.in/342KRoA See more

Achy feet? These three conditions -- plantar fasciitis, corns, and bunions -- are the cause of a lot of foot pain.

You’ve probably heard that diabetes can cause serious ulcers on your feet. Did you know it can also break down the actual structure of your foot? Charcot foot i...s a condition in which a patient who has nerve damage to the feet (usually caused by diabetes) experiences a series of injuries and changes to the bones and joints of the feet. Over time, these injuries cause the foot to break down and change shape. If you have diabetes, check your feet daily for any changes, especially if you have nerve damage, and be sure to see your podiatrist at least once a year! www.apma.org/charcotfoot See more

Different Causes of Burning Foot Pain Burning foot pain is a common complaint, usually as a result of damage to the nerves of the foot or leg. Burning pain ma...y develop due to an injury or medical condition either of which can cause compression of the nerves. Our nerves are the structures that carry messages to and from the brain. They tell our muscles when and how to work and are responsible for sensation including pressure and temperature. Damage to the nerves affects how these signals are transmitted resulting in abnormal sensations. Causes Peripheral Neuropathy Burning foot pain is usually caused by damage to one of the nerves anywhere in its course from the back to the foot What Is It: Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerves in the leg or foot, anywhere along their path from the spine down to the feet. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common cause of burning pain in feet. Causes: Various medical conditions e.g. diabetes, injury e.g. fractures, infections e.g. shingles or medication. In approximately 30% of cases the cause is unknown Symptoms: Burning foot pain often accompanied by weakness, altered sensation e.g. pins and needles or numbness, altered balance and co-ordination. It tends to affect both feet at the same time. Morton’s Neuroma A Morton's Neuroma causes burning pain in foot and feels like you are standing on a pebble What Is It: A Morton's Neuroma is a thickening of the soft tissues surrounding one of the nerves in your foot Causes: Anything which places pressure on the foot such as abnormal foot position, repetitive high-impact activities e.g. running or poor fitting footwear e.g. narrow shoes or high heels Symptoms: The most classic symptom is that it feels like you are standing on a pebble. This may also be associated with burning foot pain in the ball of your foot and toes and numbness Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease What Is It: Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease is a group of disorders that affect the peripheral nerves Causes: It is an inherited disorder caused by genetic mutation Symptoms: Foot drop (inability to lift the foot up straight), high foot arches, muscle weakness, burning pain in foot, numbness and poor balance. Metatarsalgia Metatarsalgia causes burning foot pain underneath the metatarsal bones. Wearing metatarsal pads can make a huge difference What Is It: Metatarsalgia is where there is irritation and inflammation of the metatarsal foot bones and surrounding soft tissues Causes: Overuse (e.g. lots of walking/running), repetitive stress, muscles weakness and tightness, poor-fitting footwear, abnormal foot position e.g. bunions, stress fractures, gout Symptoms: Burning foot pain in the ball of the foot, most commonly under the big toe, worse with standing or walking. Tends to come on gradually over time rather than suddenly. Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) What Is It: Peripheral Vascular Disease is where there is an obstruction of the large arteries of the extremities (i.e. those not around the heart or brain) which limits blood flow. It is also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD) Causes: Atherosclerosis (thickening of the artery wall), stenosis (narrowing of the artery) or a blood clot. Prevalance increases with age. Symptoms: Burning foot pain especially when walking, weakness, muscle cramp, sores or ulcers, changes in skin colour (usually blue/purple), decreased hair and nail growth. May affect one or both feet. Symptoms usually get worse with activity and improve with rest. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome What Is It: Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is where there is compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel (a space between the foot bones) on the inner side of the foot near the ankle. Causes: Bone spurs, tumour, foot swelling, cyst, ganglions Symptoms: Burning foot pain on the sole of the foot, pins and needles, numbness in the heel and toes. Usually only affects one foot. Diabetic Neuropathy What Is It: Diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication of Diabetes which damages the nerves causing peripheral neuropathy Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can often lead to the formation of ulcers Causes: Prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen and nutrients and affect how the nerves transmit signals Symptoms: Symptoms usually start in the feet and legs and can spread to the hands. Tingling, numbness, burning foot pain often worse at night, hypersensitivity, muscle weakness, ulcers. Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome What Is It: CRPS is a chronic (long-term), progressive disorder caused by dysfunction and over-sensitisation of the nervous system where peripheral nerves send inappropriate pain signals to the central nervous system. Previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), it is the most painful form of chronic pain Causes: CRPS is poorly understood but it is thought to be caused by the body responding inappropriately to an injury and a resultant inflammatory response. There are two types of CRPS defined by the initial cause, type 1 (the most common) develops after a soft tissue injury (often minor such as a sprain), disuse or crush injury, type 2 develops after a nerve injury Symptoms: Intense, constant, extreme burning foot pain that is much greater and lasts longer than would be expected after the initial injury. Associated swelling, spasms, changes in skin temperature (e.g. excessive sweating), redness, allodynia (hypersensitivity to light touch), stiffness, sleep disturbance and affected mood. Starts in one limb but often spreads. Erythromelalgia Erythromelalgia is a rare condition where blood vessels are intermittently blocked causing burning foot pain What Is It: Erythromelalgia is a rare neurovascular disorder where blood vessels get intermittently blocked Causes: A problem with the neuropathological and microvascular systems Symptoms: The most defining symptom is redness of the foot with associated swelling and burning foot pain. Burning Feet Syndrome What Is It: Burning Feet Syndrome is a medical condition, also known as Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome, where there is damage to the small nerve fibres of the foot Causes: There is often no clear cause but it is thought to be linked with factors such as vitamin B deficiency, diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure and abnormal foot biomechanics. There is also thought to be a genetic link Symptoms: Burning foot pain, usually on the soles of the feet but occasionally spreading up the lower leg which is worse at night-time. Sometimes accompanied by pins and needles and numbness. In most cases there is no redness or tenderness in the affected region. It can also cause affect vision.

Do you have heel pain that won’t go away? This is one of the newest minimally invasive surgical options and does not require any incisions. The Topaz device creates micro tears within the fascia for lengthening and addresses the chronic inflammation and pain. This is a short out patient 15 minute procedure performed under sedation. This leads to a short recovery and quick return to activities. . . . #plantarfasciitis #heelpain #plantarfasciitissucks #plantarfasciitisrelief #topazheel #smithandnephew #footpainrelief

Cracked heels can be painful and lead to possible infection. Here's how to keep your feet happy and healthy:

Can you think on your feet? Do you ever toe the line or need to hotfoot it somewhere? Have you experienced a toe-curling scare or put your foot down to take a s...tand? Will you put your best foot forward or get off on the wrong foot? If you put your foot in your mouth can you still land on your feet? Feet not only color our language, but they are the foundation of your health. If you are experiencing pain, don’t drag your feet seeking treatment. Visit a podiatrist, and you’ll (literally) be back on your feet. Learn more at www.apma.org/healthyfeet.

Happy Labor Day!

Toenail fungus may not cause you pain, but the fungus can spread to other areas of your body if you aren’t careful. If you notice discoloration or thickening, avoid home treatment and seek care from your podiatrist. www.apma.org/toenailfungus

Happy Halloween!

If you have diabetes, don’t allow COVID to keep you from visiting your podiatrist. An untreated diabetic foot ulcer can lead to an amputation. Keep your appointment, and keep your foot. Learn more at www.apma.org/diabeticwoundcare.

Gout is a form of arthritis that often begins in the feet. If you experience intense pain in your toes or swollen joints that become hot, now is the time to see your podiatrist. www.apma.org/gout

Extensor Tendinitis Extensor tendons are in your hands and feet. The extensor tendons in your hands help you move your fingers, thumbs, and wrists. T...he extensor tendons in your feet attach the muscles at the front of your legs to the toes and run across the top of your feet with very little padding to protect them from a variety of injuries. These tendons have an important job and are in vulnerable locations. If you’ve been diagnosed with extensor tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons, in your feet, it’s likely because you spend a lot of time on your feet or wearing shoes that are too tight. If you have extensor tendonitis in your hands, it’s usually due to excessive use of the tendons in a short amount of time, or from sports or other activities that use the wrists. The extensor tendons to the foot come from the relatively small muscles in the front of the leg. The two main extensor muscles are the Extensor Hallucis Longus muscle (EHL) and the Extensor Digitrorum Longus muscle (EDL). The tendons from these muscles cross the front of the ankle, pass across the top of the foot and attach into the big toe (EHL) and lesser toes (EDL). Causes The most common cause is overuse of the muscles, bones, and tendons in the feet or hands. In the feet, it’s most often caused by: spending a lot of time on the feet wearing shoes that are too tight using inappropriate footwear for a sport or activity In the hands, the most common cause of extensor tendonitis is doing an activity that uses the hands and wrists in a repetitive motion such as: prolonged or high impact typing with a non-ergonomic keyboard practicing or playing an instrument, such as piano or guitar, excessively regularly playing sports that stress hands and wrists, including baseball or racquetball Mallet finger is a common type of injury that occurs to the fingers, especially in athletes. It occurs when the tip of the finger is struck hard, such as with a ball, which injures the tendon that runs along the top of the finger. Without treatment, the tendon can become permanently damaged, causing the tip of the finger to fail to straighten completely. Symptoms The most common symptom of extensor tendonitis, whether it occurs in the foot or the hand, is pain. In the feet, the pain is usually localized to the top of the foot, usually close to the center of the foot. In the hands, pain tends to occur on the top of the hand. Other symptoms of extensor tendonitis include: redness, warmth or swelling near the injury increased discomfort with activity crepitus, which is a crunchy feeling or sound over the affected tendon stiffness of the joint

Can feet go bald? While you may be thrilled to see unsightly hair on your feet and ankles disappear, it’s actually a sign that you need to make an appointment t...o see your podiatrist. Loss of hair could indicate serious conditions such as vascular disease or diabetes. Visit your podiatrist today! www.apma.org/findapodiatrist See more