Items filtered by date: May 2022

Research has indicated that artificial playing surfaces may increase the risk of getting a foot or ankle injury. This is despite the reasons artificial turf was introduced, which includes controlling environmental conditions on playing surfaces, and to lower the maintenance costs of natural grass. Additionally, 90% of North American professional football players have a higher risk of getting injured on an artificial surface. There are many professional athletes who understand foot structure, and the importance of strengthening the feet and ankles. Strong feet play a role in controlling balance in the body, and the ankle acts as a lever to provide flexibility. The sesamoid bones are a few of the smallest bones in the body. Sesamoiditis, which is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the sesamoid bones, can be common among runners, dancers, and gymnasts. If you would like more information about foot injuries that are common among athletes, in addition to how they are treated, please consult with a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

When you pound your feet on hard surfaces during sports, running, or other activities, the heels take the brunt of this pressure. It’s not surprising that they will begin to hurt. The most common heel pain complaint is from plantar fasciitis, where the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. Other heel problems include stress fractures, nerve entrapment, and heel pad syndrome, which can be the result of aging or repetitive stress. Achilles tendonitis, pain in the back of heel, occurs when a tendon that attaches the heel to the leg bone becomes inflamed, stretched or even ruptured. Other causes of heel pain include wearing shoes with poor cushioning, tight calf muscles, and sudden inward or outward turning of the feet. Landing hard on the heels, especially from a height, can also bruise or even fracture the bones. If your heel pain continues or worsens, it is best to consult with a podiatrist for a thorough examination of the area affected and appropriate treatment options. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Obesity poses risks to your health, as well as extra pressure put on your feet. With each step you take, your feet must hold one and a half times your total body weight. Painful conditions such as heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, sprains, and fractures can be triggered by excess pounds. Diabetes and peripheral artery disease resulting from being overweight can also contribute to poor circulation and foot ulcers. Symptoms can become severe enough that amputation of a limb is possible. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help your general health and the health of your feet. An exercise plan will help in this endeavor. If your feet hurt badly, exercise is still possible with low impact regiments like water aerobics or swimming. It is suggested to consult with a podiatrist before you embark on any new exercise routine to make sure it is safe and will not make foot problems worse.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Many of the first signs that you may be experiencing a bout of gout include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain in the big toe. While gout often attacks the first joint of the big toe, it can appear in a number of other joints throughout the body, including the ankle, knee, wrist, fingers, and elbow. It is an inflammatory arthritic condition that develops as the result of a buildup of uric acid in the blood system. Uric acid can form crystals in the joints that become inflamed and cause gout symptoms. Attacks can last hours, days, and sometimes weeks, and once you have gout, it may reappear from time to time. Ways to prevent gout include drinking plenty of water, limiting the intake of alcohol, and avoiding foods that are rich in purines. Among the foods noted for high purine levels are shellfish and organ meats, such as liver and kidneys. Maintaining a healthy body weight is another preventative measure, along with eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly. Several medications that help reduce gout symptoms and decrease uric acid levels in the body can be prescribed by a podiatrist, who also can monitor your condition.   

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Research has shown that people who are sixty-five years and older are prone to have problems with their feet. This may be a result of wear and tear the feet endure as the aging process occurs. Many people do not pay attention to their feet until an uncomfortable foot condition arises. Additionally, they may lose their motivation to exercise, and this can contribute to specific foot problems. The arches may flatten, and the padding can become thin from weight gain, and possible heart issues. It is helpful to inspect the feet on a daily basis for cuts and bruises, and the feet and overall body may feel better when proper size shoes are worn. It may be beneficial for family members or professional caregivers to help with proper foot care. If you would like more information about how to care for elderly feet, please contact a podiatrist who can provide you with qualified answers.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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