If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

September 2021

Tuesday, 28 September 2021 00:00

How Severe Is My Turf Toe?

Turf toe, also known as a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint sprain, is an injury common in sports like football, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, dancing, and wrestling. When the big toe is bent too far back during activity, the ligaments or joint capsule underneath the toe can overstretch or tear. MTP joint sprains are classified into three groups based on their severity. A Grade 1 sprain is mild and characterized by localized pain and minimal swelling. A Grade 2 sprain is characterized by moderate pain, swelling, and bruising of the big toe. A Grade 3 sprain is severe and involves intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the big toe. If you have turf toe, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Tuesday, 21 September 2021 00:00

What Is a Plantar Fibroma?

A plantar fibroma is a non-cancerous growth that grows inside the bottom of the foot on the plantar fascia. A plantar fibroma is usually slow-growing and less than an inch in size, however, it can be painful, especially if it is growing in an area that is under direct pressure. You can recognize a plantar fibroma by a visible nodule on the sole of your foot, typically located at the highest point of the arch. The underlying cause of plantar fibromas is unknown, but it is thought that genetics play a role. This condition is also more common in men, people who have diabetes, and those who suffer repetitive foot trauma. Treatment for plantar fibromas include observations (if the nodule is asymptomatic), corticosteroid injections, orthotics, and surgery. If you have a lump on the sole of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. 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 Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 14 September 2021 00:00

Preventing Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When this ligament is damaged, usually through repetitive overuse, it can become inflamed and lead to heel pain, arch pain, swelling, and tenderness. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to prevent plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes that fit well and provide cushioning and arch support, or wearing orthotic inserts, may give your foot the protection it needs to avoid injuries. Foot stretching and strengthening exercises can increase the flexibility and strength of your feet, making injuries less likely. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with being overweight or obese, as extra weight can strain the feet. For this reason, maintaining a healthy weight is also suggested. One of the most important things that you can do to prevent plantar fasciitis is to exercise appropriately. Increase the duration and intensity of your workouts slowly over time, give your feet time to rest following a workout, and stop if you begin to feel pain. To learn more about plantar fasciitis, please consult with your podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 07 September 2021 00:00

Are Fallen Arches and Flat Feet the Same Thing?

Fallen arches is a term used to describe flat feet that develop during adulthood. This is in contrast to flat feet that are present from early childhood, when the arch of the foot simply doesn’t form. Fallen arches, on the other hand, are not caused by the arch of the foot not developing, but rather by the arch forming and then collapsing over time. This is often due to weakening of the ligament that supports the arch. When the ligament loses its strength, it can no longer hold up the arch and the arch slowly lowers, creating a flat foot. Fallen arches can occur slowly due to the natural wear-and-tear caused by aging, or may be related to an injury. Another common cause is pregnancy, where hormones relax ligaments throughout the body, including those in the feet, which can lead to structural changes. Fallen arches can cause symptoms that range from mild discomfort to significant chronic pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Read more about What is Flexible Flat Foot?
Connect with us

our recent articles