Items filtered by date: September 2019

Research has indicated that foot pain may increase in obese patients. This can be a result of added pressure that the plantar fascia must endure. It may lead to a painful foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis. Additionally, patients who are overweight may suffer from heel pain, and may develop heel spurs. An effective method of losing unwanted weight is to practice a regular aerobic exercise routine. Obese people may find difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight possibly due to a lack of exercise, and this may be a result of chronic foot pain that may accompany obesity. Consult with a podiatrist about any foot pain you have from being obese as this will provide you with the best methods in losing excess weight.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

A form of arthritis that is referred to as gout is generally accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. Patients who experience this uncomfortable foot ailment often notice swelling and tenderness in and around the joints of the big toe.This is the result of crystals that lodge in the joints of the toes. It is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood levels. A common reason for this to occur may involve foods that are eaten. There are many foods that have elevated purine levels, and these types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are high in fructose levels. An additional reason why gout attacks can suddenly happen may stem from genetic traits. Many patients choose to have a proper diagnosis performed, which can consist of having fluid drawn and tested from the affected joints, followed by taking proper medication. There are measures that can be implemented which may prevent gout attacks. These can include eating foods that are healthy, and drinking plenty of water daily. If you are afflicted with frequent bouts of gout, please consult with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Many parents understand the importance of having their toddlers walk barefoot while indoors. This is helpful in strengthening the toes and the top of the feet as they grasp the floor. Additionally, it can promote balance, coordination, and good posture. Research has shown that many babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will generally develop as they are in their teenage years. When children start to walk outside, it is beneficial to have their feet properly measured, and this is helpful in determining the correct size shoe. When the first shoes are purchased, it is important to ensure there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in.  If you notice your child walks with their feet pointed inward or outward, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly monitor any foot condition.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong of California. Our doctor 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 office located in Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated patients who are obese may suffer from tendon damage in the feet and ankles. This may precede serious foot conditions. People who are obese may choose to wear shoes that have little or no support because they are easy to slip into, but these types of shoes can cause severe arch problems, and can lead to possible bone damage. Additionally, being excessively overweight can damage the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot. This connects the heel to the toes, and plantar fasciitis may develop if it becomes inflamed. Children may endure structural changes to the feet if they are overweight, and this may change the way they walk. If you have concerns about how obesity can affect the feet, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can answer any questions or concerns you may have.

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 Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor 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 office located in Chico, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people who are diabetic are familiar with the potential problems their feet may endure. The nerves may be affected, which can cause difficulty in feeling cuts or scrapes, and this may cause infections to develop. If left untreated, the patient could develop diabetic foot ulcers, causing severe pain and discomfort. Diabetes may cause changes to occur in the blood vessels, and peripheral vascular disease may develop. This condition can cause diminished blood flow to the feet, and existing wounds may heal at a slower pace. It is important for people who have diabetes to see a podiatrist regularly. Treatment varies according to the severity of each individuals condition. There is a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical options available. If you notice swelling, pain, tingling, changes in color or temperature in the feet, it is highly recommended that you speak with your local podiatrist. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Thong V. Truong from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.