Items filtered by date: February 2024

Foot arthritis is a common condition in older adults, but it has not been studied as much as arthritis in the knees or hands. Most studies focus on the big toe joint, but not much is known about arthritis in the middle of the foot. Approximately 17 percent of people over age 50 have foot arthritis that causes symptoms and is visible on X-rays. The big toe joint is usually affected the most, followed by other joints in the foot. There are several types of foot arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout that require different treatments. Podiatrists may recommend wearing special shoes, custom-made orthotics, and sometimes surgery to help ease pain. If you have chronic foot pain, you may be suffering from a type of arthritis. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and determination of what the cause is, followed by obtaining proper treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Camarillo, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy, a condition involving damaged or dysfunctional nerves, can cause chronic ankle pain. Neuropathy may occur after an ankle injury or surgery. When the nerves responsible for transmitting signals from the feet to the brain are affected, it can cause altered sensations and heightened pain responses. Peripheral neuropathy, where the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are affected, is common in people with Type 2 diabetes. They may experience lessened ability to perceive pain, especially in the feet and lower legs, because persistently high blood sugar damages nerves. Neuropathy can also lead to muscle weakness, which puts patients at increased risk of injury to the ankles. If you’re experiencing chronic ankle pain, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the source of the pain and offer treatment options for conditions like neuropathy. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Jobs that require prolonged standing and walking often lead to complaints of foot and ankle pain among employees. Various factors contribute to foot and ankle pain in assembly line work, including time spent standing, walking, or sitting. Additionally, floor surface characteristics, weight, BMI, age, foot biomechanics, and demographic and medical history may significantly contribute to developing foot and ankle pain. Increased risk factors can include high metatarsal pressure during gait assessment, extended periods of walking, female gender, job dissatisfaction, and a history of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or vascular disorders. Truck and forklift drivers who frequently exit and enter their vehicles tend to have a higher prevalence of ankle and foot problems. Prevention includes the use of shoe orthotics with medial longitudinal arch and metatarsal pad support. The incorporation of sit and stand work stations are also options to mitigate foot and ankle issues in these types of environments. If you are involved in assembly line work and experience foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment that can help relieve pain.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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