Items filtered by date: February 2018

If you have a growth on the bottom of the big toe that appears to be of a bony consistency, you may have what is referred to as a bunion. Symptoms of this condition may consist of pain and swelling around the big toe, in addition to the area feeling sore, and appearing red. They are often caused by a predisposed inherited gene. Additionally, choosing to wear shoes that fit poorly may be another possible cause of bunions. This condition may be more prevalent in women than men because of the type of shoes that are worn. This may occur if high heels are worn frequently, causing the toes to be cramped into a small area, which eventually may change the structure of the foot. Treatment options may include using bunion pads which will cushion the affected area, and may possibly eliminate any discomfort. A consultation with a podiatrist may be considered to discuss proper treatment techniques which may include surgery.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

If the skin becomes reddened and painful, you may be experiencing a corn. Whitened skin and inflammation generally accompany a corn, typically causing severe discomfort. Soft corns develop from shoes that fit poorly, causing friction. Moisture between the toes may grow and accumulate, possibly causing an infection. This can be avoided by incorporating washing and drying between the toes into your daily routine. An effective way to prevent corns is to choose shoes that give the toes ample room to move around, in addition to selecting shoes that have enough cushioning and support. If the pain is affecting your daily routine, a consultation with a podiatrist may be suggested for the best options for relief.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Demarcus Cousins of the New Orleans Pelicans recently ruptured his Achilles Tendon during a Friday night game.  With just 15 seconds remaining, Cousins went to rebound on a free throw he missed and landed on his left leg.  Now, Cousins must miss the remainder of the season from having to undergo surgery.  Cousins will be immobilized for quite some time and have to go through physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in his ankle and leg.  It is said that the rate of recovery from surgery associated with this injury are high.  With professional athletes having a different standard of physical health, this injury may hinder their athletic performance in the future.  That being said, many people are curious to see how well Cousins will perform when he returns.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor 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 office located in Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The choice to wear high heels can not only be damaging to the heel, but generally puts pressure on the front of the foot as well. Another part of the foot typically affected may be the Achilles tendon. When high heels are worn frequently, the tendon becomes shortened, and the back of the ankle may feel tight as it strains to be flexible. Arthritis may be a result of damage incurred to the joints of the feet from wearing high heels. Additionally, disorders such as bunions, corns, and a thickening of the nerves between the toes, referred to as Morton’s neuroma, may also be the result of choosing this type of shoe to wear. If you do decide to wear high heels, you can reduce the impact that’s endured by placing protective pads in the shoes. When proper stretches are performed, the foot and ankle will not only feel better, but become stronger.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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