Items filtered by date: February 2019

Monday, 25 February 2019 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Flat Feet

Fallen arches, which is also referred to as flat feet, occurs when the arch is absent from the foot. This can be noticed when the foot lies completely flat on the floor while standing. The foot may roll inward while walking, and this may affect the gait. The purpose of the arch is to help in distributing weight across the feet, which is the foundation of the body. Some patients do not experience symptoms with flat feet, and some people may feel pain as stress is put on the muscles and ligaments. A symptom may include swollen feet where the arch would generally be, and shoes may wear unevenly on one side. Foot or ankle injuries may cause this condition, in addition to predisposed genetic traits. Obesity and pregnancy may play a significant role in developing flat feet, and age may deteriorate the tendon, which supports the arch. If you feel you have this condition, it is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

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Monday, 18 February 2019 00:00

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

If you notice skin growing on the side your big toe, you may have what is referred to as an ingrown toenail. There may be several noticeable symptoms that are associated with this condition, and these may include extreme tenderness, swelling, and possible drainage from the affected area. If the toenails are not properly trimmed, the result may be an ingrown toenail. Additional reasons why this condition can develop may come from an injury that may have happened to the nail, or if shoes and socks that are worn do not fit correctly. Mild relief may be obtained by soaking the foot in a salt solution. If medical conditions including diabetes or poor circulation exist, it is strongly recommended to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment and preventive techniques.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

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Monday, 11 February 2019 00:00

Many Types of Foot Surgery

Many patients have had their various foot conditions successfully treated, but for some, foot surgery may be necessary as a possible option for relief. There are several types of foot issues that can benefit from having foot surgery performed, and these may include bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis. The surgery that may help to correct bunions is referred to as a bunionectomy. The benefits of having this type of surgery performed may include wearing shoes that are closed, and performing daily activities with ease. Arthritis may be helped by having fusion surgery performed, and this may help to join the bones of the foot together which may eliminate painful rubbing. Hammertoe can be helped by removing bones, tendons, or joints which may help to straighten out the toe. If the plantar fascia is inflamed which may lead to plantar fasciitis, heel surgery may be a viable option to consider. If you would like additional information about foot surgery, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor 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 office located in Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 04 February 2019 00:00

Importance of Podiatry

The feet support the entire body; therefore, foot health has a large impact on one’s overall health. The foot and ankle have 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Consequently, there are a lot of areas in the feet and ankles where something can go wrong. Ingrown nails, corns, calluses, bunions, and other ailments are also possibilities on the outside of the foot. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures that can be taken to avoid any complications in the feet or ankles. Podiatrists are experts in this area and offer support for both feet and ankles. They can provide guidance on how to prevent difficulties and give treatment for any ailment that has already progressed. If you feel that you are having any problems with your feet or ankles, then is it highly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist to figure out what the issue is.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans 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.

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