Items filtered by date: January 2019

Monday, 28 January 2019 00:00

Symptoms of a Broken Foot

If you have fallen or dropped a heavy object on your foot, the result may be a broken foot. There are typically noticeable symptoms that are associated with this condition, and these may include severe pain and discomfort that is felt while attempting to walk, and possible swelling and bruising. If the fracture is severe, and appears to be dislocated, it may be a result of bones that are out of alignment. Patients who have medical conditions which may include diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, may not notice if their foot is fractured, and this may be a result of a loss of sensation. Once a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically consists of having an X-ray taken, the correct treatment can begin. This may include resting and elevating the foot as often as possible, and wearing a cast or protective boot while the healing process takes place. For more severe fractures, an MRI might be a necessary test to aid in determining the severity of the fracture. If you feel you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the proper treatment can begin.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Monday, 21 January 2019 00:00

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries

There are many people who enjoy the sport or hobby of running and jogging, and may experience trauma to the foot or ankle as a result of this. A common running injury may often include Achilles tendonitis, and this will affect the Achilles tendon which is located behind the heel. It typically becomes injured if the calf muscles are not properly stretched before engaging in a running activity, and the inflammation may produce pain and discomfort. Additionally, many people injure their ankles by suddenly stepping off a curb which may cause the ankle to roll inward. This may cause the tendons, ligaments, and muscles to tear, and the pain that accompanies this may cause instability in the ankle. If you have endured any ankle or foot injury, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat the condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Covina and Alta Loma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 14 January 2019 00:00

Possible Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma

The painful and uncomfortable foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma will typically affect the area between the third and fourth toes on the sole of the foot. The pain may originate from a swollen nerve in the ball of the foot and may be exaggerated by wearing specific types of shoes that may include high heels. There may be available treatment options that can include steroid injections, ingesting painkillers, or by simply changing the footwear. If the symptoms appear to be severe, surgery may be considered if other treatments have been unsuccessful. This type of surgery generally includes removing the pressure and affected nerve, which can be accomplished by a few different methods. It is strongly advised to consult with a podiatrist, so a proper diagnosis and correct treatment can be determined.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Read more about Morton's Neuroma
Monday, 07 January 2019 00:00

Wearing Shoes That Have a Proper Sole

The majority of children are born with flat feet, and the arches will gradually develop as the strength in the feet increases. Research has shown there are 26 bones in each foot, in addition to numerous joints and ligaments that connect the bones together. Excess fat can generally be noticed in a baby’s foot, and this may contribute in providing flexibility. The child will learn how to navigate on different indoor surfaces while walking barefoot, and this may aid in improving muscles strength. Once walking has begun, the first type of shoes babies can benefit by wearing should consist of having a soft sole. As walking progresses, the child may wear a shoe with a firmer sole that may add additional support. If you have a toddler that is beginning to walk, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can properly inform you of how to choose the best shoes for your child.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Wednesday, 02 January 2019 00:00

Causes of Blisters

A natural defense mechanism the body uses to protect damaged skin is referred to as blisters. They are defined as small areas that are filled with fluid that cushions the skin, and this may prevent an infection from occurring. The pain may be intense from blisters that develop on the feet, and this may be a result of the body weight the feet typically bears. Most blisters are caused by friction and pressure, and this may happen when improper shoes are worn. Additionally, there may be other reasons why blisters may occur, including being exposed to freezing temperatures, which may cause the painful condition known as frostbite, spending excess time in the sun, which may lead to severe sunburn, or having an allergic reaction to an insect bite. Some patients develop blisters as a result of specific chemicals in laundry detergents or skin cleansers. If you have blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you counsel with a podiatrist who can properly guide you to correct treatment options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Read more about Blisters on the Feet
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