Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including damage to the feet. One common sign is persistent pain, often described as sharp or tingling, which may indicate nerve damage, also known as neuropathy. Another symptom is a burning sensation, particularly in the feet, which can worsen at night. Swelling is also a concern, as it may signal poor circulation or fluid retention, both common in diabetic patients. Changes in skin color, ranging from pale to red or blue, can indicate reduced blood flow or infection. These signs should not be ignored, as diabetic foot damage can lead to ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, amputation. Regular foot inspections, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, wearing proper footwear, and seeking immediate medical attention for any concerning symptoms are vital steps in managing and preventing diabetic foot complications. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

An ingrown toenail, a common and often painful condition, may require surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. The surgical procedure, known as partial nail avulsion, involves numbing the toe with a local anesthetic. Once numb, the podiatrist carefully removes the portion of the toenail that is ingrown, ensuring to leave the healthy nail intact. In some cases, the nail bed may also be treated to prevent future ingrowth. The procedure is typically quick, taking only a few minutes, and patients can often return home the same day. After surgery, it is essential to keep the toe clean and dry, following any post-operative care instructions provided by the podiatrist. If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing you chronic pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

A hairline fracture, or stress fracture, is a small crack or severe bruise within a bone that is common among athletes that are involved in running and jumping. People with osteoporosis are also more prone to developing hairline fractures. These injuries typically result from overuse or repetitive stress, often worsened by inadequate healing time between activities. The bones in the foot are particularly susceptible to stress fractures due to their role in absorbing impact during physical activities. Within the foot, the second and third metatarsals are frequently affected, as well as the heel, ankle bones, and navicular bone. Symptoms primarily include pain that worsens with activity and subsides with rest, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Factors that can increase the risk of developing a stress fracture include participation in high-impact sports, certain foot structures, and weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis. Previous fractures, nutritional deficiencies, and improper equipment or techniques are other risk factors. Diagnosing a stress fracture often involves a physical exam and may require imaging tests like MRIs or bone scans, as X-rays might not detect fractures. If ignored, a stress fracture can worsen into a complete break. If you are experiencing foot pain during exercise, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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

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 Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An Achilles tendon tear, whether partial or complete, is a serious injury often caused by sudden, forceful movements during sports or activities. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty pointing the foot or standing on tiptoe. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the tear. Partial tears can often be managed conservatively with immobilization using a cast, splint, brace, or walking boot. This is followed by a structured rehabilitation program to restore strength and flexibility gradually. Complete tears typically require surgical intervention to reattach the tendon ends and ensure optimal healing. Following surgery, a thorough rehabilitation plan is essential to regain full function and reduce the risk of re-injury. If you suspect an Achilles tendon tear or experience symptoms like sudden pain and restricted movement, it is suggested that you seek an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and tailored treatment plan.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors 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 Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot ulcers, particularly common among individuals with diabetes or neuropathy, can have serious consequences if left untreated. These ulcers often start with calluses formed from repeated pressure or friction on the foot. As the skin thickens, the callus can press into the foot, killing healthy tissue and causing pain. However, neuropathy may prevent you from feeling this pain, making it harder to detect the problem early. Red, hot spots are initial signs of pressure or ill-fitting footwear. If not addressed, these can develop into blisters, corns, or calluses. Once a callus digs into the foot, it can create open wounds or ulcers, which serve as entry points for infection. Infected ulcers might discharge fluids, bleed, or emit a bad odor, and the surrounding skin may become red and warm. It's of extreme importance to address these issues promptly to prevent gangrene or limb loss. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing and preventing foot ulcers by providing specialized wound care, such as removing dead tissue. If you have developed foot ulcers, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and wound care options.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.