Diabetic Foot - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, CA

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Diabetic Foot Care - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, CA                    

Dr. Robert Anavian discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Diabetic Feet.

 http://www.anavianfootcare.com

Tips for the Diabetic Patient

Ulcerations, infections and gangrene are the most common foot and ankle problems that the patient with diabetes must face. As a result, thousands of diabetic patients require amputations each year. Foot infections are the most common reason for hospitalization of diabetic patients. Ulcerations of the feet may take months or even years to heal. It takes 20 times more energy to heal a wound than to maintain a health foot.

There are two major causes of foot problems in diabetes:

1. Nerve Damage (neuropathy): This causes loss of feeling in the foot, which normally protects the foot from injury. The protective sensations of sharp/dull, hot /cold, pressure and vibration become altered or lost completely. Furthermore, nerve damage causes toe deformities, collapse of the arch, and dry skin. These problems may result in foot ulcers and infections, which may progress rapidly to gangrene and amputation. However: Daily foot care and regular visits to the podiatrist can prevent ulcerations and infections.

 

1. Loss of circulation (angiopathy): Poor circulation may be difficult to treat. If circulation is poor gangrene and amputation may be unavoidable. Cigarette smoking should be avoided. Smoking can significantly reduce the circulation to the feet significantly. There are certain medications available for improving circulation (Trental) and by-pass surgery may be necessary to improve circulation to the feet. Chelation therapy is an alternative form of treatment for circulatory problems that is not well recognized by the medical community at large. Daily foot care and regular visits to the podiatrist can often prevent or delay the need for amputation.

Do the Following to Protect Your Feet

1. Examine Your Feet Daily

·        Use your eyes and hands, or have a family member help.

·        Check between your toes.

·        Use a mirror to observe the bottom of your feet.

·        Look for these Danger Signs:

         Swelling (especially new, increased or involving one foot)
         Redness (may be a sign of a pressure sore or infection)
         Blisters (may be a sign of rubbing or pressure sore)
         Cuts or Scratches or Bleeding (may become infected)
         Nail Problems (may rub on skin, cause ulceration or become infected)
         Maceration, Drainage (between toes)

If you observe any of these danger signs, call your podiatrist at once.

2. Examine Your Shoes Daily

Check the insides of your shoes, using your hands, for:
         Irregularities (rough areas, seams)
         Foreign Objects (stones, tacks)

3. Daily Washing and Foot Care

·        Wash your feet daily.

·        Avoid water that is too hot or too cold. Use lukewarm water.

·        Dry off the feet after washing, especially between the toes.

·        If your skin is dry, use a small amount of lubricant on the skin.

·        Use lambs wool (Not cotton) between the toes to keep these areas dry.

4. Fitting Shoes and Socks

·        Make sure that the shoes and socks are not to tight

·        The toe box of the shoe should have extra room and be made of a soft upper material that can "breath"

·        New shoes should be removed after 5-10 minutes to check for redness, which could be a sign of too much pressure: if there is redness, do not wear the shoe. If there is no redness, check again after each half hour during the first day of use.

·        Rotate your shoes

·        Ask your podiatrist about therapeutic (prescription) footwear, which is a covered benefit for diabetic patients in many insurance plans.

·        Tell your shoe salesman that you have diabetes.

5. Medical Care

·        See your podiatrist on a regular basis

·        Ask your primary care doctor to check your feet on every visit.

·        Call your doctor if you observe any of the above danger signs.

Do Not Do These Dangerous Acts

• Do Not Walk Barefoot - Sharp objects or rough surfaces can cause cuts, blisters, and other injuries.
• Do Not Use Heat on the Feet - Heat can cause a serious burn, especially if the patient has neuropathy.
• Do Not Apply a Heating Pad to the Feet
• Do Not Soak Your Feet in Hot Water
• Do Not Use Chemicals or Sharp Instruments to Trim Calluses - This could cause cuts and blisters that may become infected.
• Do Not Cut Nails into the Corners - cut nails straight across.
• Do Not Smoke - smoking reduces the circulation to your feet.

 

Visit our website: http://www.anavianfootcare.com

Dancer’s Foot Injuries - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, CA

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Dancer’s Foot Problems - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, CA         

Dr. Robert Anavian discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Dancer’s Foot Problems

 http://www.anavianfootcare.com

Welcome to our podiatry practice in Torrance, California. Dr. Anavian provides the latest in podiatric care for infants to seniors. Treating patients in a caring and ethical manner is our number one priority. We provide a wide range of podiatric services from conservative care to reconstructive foot surgery. Our office provides patients with the latest innovations in Biomechanics and custom made functional Orthotics. We believe that prompt diagnosis, early intervention and prevention are essential for the care and treatment of your foot condition. Dr. Anavian and his highly trained staff are committed to giving you the best personalized care available.

This web site has been designed to offer information and answer frequently asked questions. We want you to feel comfortable in our office. Please do not hesitate to discuss areas of concern. Everyone in this office is a trained professional and works as a team member, taking pride in their work.

We welcome you to our practice.

Robert Anavian, DPM, FACFAOM
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics
Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine

 

Visit our website: http://www.anavianfootcare.com

Custom Orthotics - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, CA

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What are Custom Orthotics?  - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, CA

Dr. Robert Anavian discusses Custom Orthotics treatment for Foot Problems.

 http://www.anavianfootcare.com

Custom Made Orthotics Custom made functional orthotics are one of the most valuable tools available in podiatry to combat foot pain and keep patient's active and pain free. Many times, custom made orthoses help patients avoid the need for more invasive treatments like surgery. The type of orthotics that are made by this office are unlike anything you can buy in a store. Our orthotics are custom made from an actual mold of your foot. In addition, the amount of correction in the orthotic is based on extensive measurements taken during your exam, analysis of your gait, and from your X-ray findings. The type of material used is also based on your foot condition, age, weight and symptoms. The ones bought over the counter or in specialty stores are the same for everyone. We currently have been making a new type of custom made orthotic which is the most advanced on the market. This new type of orthotic gives full contact to the arch. These orthotics are unlike any others in that they are Calibrated to your body weight and flexibility. These orthotics are the most advanced on the market and we have found they are not only helping our patients foot pain, but also helping with their knee, leg and low back pain as well. Custom Made Orthotics may help with the following conditions: Achilles Tendonitis Arch and Heel pain Bunions Hammertoes Knee Pain Low Back Pain Neuromas Protect Diabetic Feet Shin Splints Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions: Question 1: I have seen orthotics in stores and advertised on T.V., Why should I have custom made orthotics? Answer: Over the counter orthotics are the same for everyone. They are based on shoe size. Any one with the same shoe size wears the same orthotic. Our orthotics are custom made to you, no one else could wear your orthotic. They are calibrated to your weight, your flexibility and designed to alleviate the problems you are having. Question 2: Why should a Podiatrist make my orthotics? Answer: A Podiatrist is uniquely qualified in this field. Podiatrists have extensive training in Biomechanics. A Podiatrist can prescribe an orthotic that will help with your problems. Also, a Podiatrist will be able to determine when other treatments may be needed in addition to orthotics. A Podiatrist will be better able to keep you active and on your feet. Question 3: Why are custom made orthotics more expensive than the kind you find in stores? Answer: Custom made orthotics are made to an actual mold or model of your foot. Also, Custom made orthotics are made from much better materials. Custom made orthotics will last much longer because of this. In addition, they will be just as corrective a year after you get them as on the first day. The kind you buy in stores wear out very quickly, after wearing for only one week, they will have already started to flatten out. A custom made orthotic will last for many years. In the long run, custom made orthotics are a great value. Question 4: I have painful bunions and I do not want surgery at this time, will custom made orthotics help? Answer: For most patients the answer is Yes. Custom made orthotics will not make your bunion smaller, but they will improve the function of the big toe joint. For most patients this will mean that their bunion pain gets much better and sometimes is completely resolved. Question 5: Can I run and do sports in my orthotics? Answer: Yes! Runners and all types of athletes find that orthotics help greatly with sports. They lessen fatigue and help prevent injuries. Question 6: Can I wear the same orthotic for sports and everyday use? Answer: Yes, most patients transfer their orthotic from their daily shoes to their athletic shoes. Some patients who are very active in a particular sport prefer to have a pair made just for that sport. Question 7: Will my health insurance cover my orthotics? Answer: Many insurance companies do cover orthotics. Coverage is based on your policy and diagnosis. Our office can help you in determining if orthotics are a covered service.

Visit our website: http://www.anavianfootcare.com

 

Bunions - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, CA

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Bunion Treatment - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, California

Dr. Robert Anavian discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Bunions.

 http://www.anavianfootcare.com

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A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. The enlargement and its protuberance cause friction and pressure as they rub against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe (known as Hallux Valgus). The growing enlargement or protuberance then causes more irritation or inflammation. In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, which is known as Hallus Abducto Valgus. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe.

Visit our website: http://www.anavianfootcare.com

 

Ankle Sprain - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, CA

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Ankle Sprain - Podiatrist Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, CA

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Dr. Robert Anavian discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ankle Sprain.

 http://www.anavianfootcare.com

Ankle Sprains in the Runner Ankle sprains are one of the most common joint injuries runners experience. The injury can occur when one rolls over a rock, lands off a curb, or steps in a small hole or crack in the road. Usually the sprain is only mild, but on occasion it may seriously injure the ligaments or tendons surrounding the ankle joint. Management of this injury relies on early and accurate diagnosis, as well as an aggressive rehabilitation program directed toward reducing acute symptoms, maintaining ankle stability, and returning the runner to pre-injury functional level. General Anatomy of the Ankle The ankle is comprised of three main bones: the talus (from the foot), the fibula and tibia (from the lower leg). The three bones together form a mortise (on the top of the talus), as well as two joint areas (on the inside and outside of the ankle), sometimes called the "gutters". The ankle is surrounded by a capsule, as well as tissue (the synovium) that feed it blood and oxygen. Some of the more important structures that hold the ankle together are the ankle ligaments. Most ankle sprains involving the ligaments are weight bearing injuries. When a runner's foot rolls outward (supinates) and the front of the foot points downwards as he or she lands on the ground, lateral ankle sprain can be a result. It is usually this situation that causes injury to the anterior talo-fibular ligament. However, when the foot rolls inwards (pronates) and the forefoot turns outward (abducts), the ankle is subject to an injury involving the deltoid ligament that supports the inside of the ankle. This can occur when another runner steps on the back of the ankle, as at the beginning of a race, or when a runner trips and falls on the runner in front of him. Diagnosis When assessing an ankle sprain, your podiatrist will want to know the mechanism of injury and history of previous ankle sprains. Where the foot was located at the time of injury, "popping" sensations, whether the runner can put weight on the ankle are all important questions needing an answer. If past ankle sprains are part of the history, for example, a new acute ankle sprain can have a significant impact. The physical examination should confirm the suspected diagnosis, based on the history of the injury. One looks for any obvious deformities of the ankle or foot, black and blue discoloration, swelling, or disruption of the skin. When crackling, extreme swelling and tenderness are present, together with a limited range of motion, one may suspect a fracture of the ankle. A feeling of disruption on either the inside or the outside of the ankle may indicate a rupture of one of the ankle ligaments. To check for ankle instability, the runner should be evaluated while weight bearing. Manual muscle testing is also valuable when checking for ankle instability. One of the more critical tests that a runner should be able to perform before allowing resumption of activity is a "single toe raise" test. If the runner is unable to do this, one might suspect ligamentous injury or ankle instability. X-rays help rule out fractures, "fleck fractures" inside the ankle joint, loose bodies, and/or degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Stress X-rays are taken when ligamentous rupture or ankle instability is suspected. When a stress test is taken of your ankle, don't be surprised if the same test is performed on the other ankle. This is done to compare the two ankles, particularly in cases of ligamentous laxity (loose ligaments). In the past, more commonly, ankle arthrography has been used. This involves injecting a dye into the ankle joint as it is X-rayed. This helps determine if a rupture of a ligament or tear of the ankle capsule has occurred. However, this procedure does involve some discomfort during the injection process, and, on rare occasions, an allergy to the dye occurs. Other diagnostic tests include computerized tomography (CT Scan) to discover injuries of the bone, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to isolate and diagnose specific soft tissue injuries (ligaments, tendons, and capsule). The MRI is very specific, and gives a clear-cut view of these important structures. Treatment Treatment of an acute ankle injury usually begins with an aggressive physical therapy program that controls early pain and inflammation, protects the ankle joint while in motion, re-strengthens the muscles, and re-educates the sensory receptors to achieve complete functional return to running activity. Modalities that decrease pain and control swelling include icing, electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound, and/or iontophoresis patches. Easy, mild motion, with the limits of pain and swelling, can actually reduce the effects of inflammation. A continued passive motion (CPM) machine can be very helpful in decreasing pain and swelling. Resumption of running activity is usually dependent on the runner's limits of pain and motion, and is begun to tolerance. As the runner improves, diagonal running can be prescribed. It is important to protect the runner with braces such as air casts, ankle braces, etc., which help to allow motion at the ankle joint under weight bearing. Home exercise programs are very helpful for the post-ankle sprain runner. Proprioception re-education is critical for both the acute as well as the chronic ankle sprain. It may involve using a simple tilt board or more sophisticated proprioceptive training and testing devices. For the acute grade III lateral ankle sprain, or complete deltoid tear, complete immobilization is usually recommended for at least four weeks. Afterwards, a removable cast is used to restrict motion and allow for physical therapy. If the ankle does not respond and ankle instability is diagnosed, surgical intervention may be required. Today, ankle arthroscopy a much less invasive procedure than other surgery, allows the ligament to be stabilized with tissue anchors. This eliminates an extended period of immobilization, joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. Post-operatively, this primary ligament repair is protected for approximately a two-to three-week period of time in either a cast or removable cast boot, with daily-continued passive motion, cold therapy, and controlled exercise. At three weeks, a simple air cast or ankle brace is applied for an additional three weeks while therapy and rehabilitation is progressing. At six weeks, these devices are used only during running and other athletic activity as a safeguard. As the runner resumes strength and proprioceptive capabilities, the devices are discontinued. Conclusion When an acute or chronic ankle sprain is not treated, as unfortunately is all too often the case, repeated ankle sprains may occur. Because chronic ankle injuries do not show acute inflammation even when the ankle is weak and unstable, this may set the runner up for another ankle sprain when least suspected. A successive sprain may be more severe than the first, and cause an even more significant injury. The most important point to keep in mind when talking about ankle injuries, then, is to prevent the condition from becoming chronic or recurrent. So the next time you roll over that stone, or land in that small hole, make sure that your simple ankle sprain is just that: "simple". If you don't want to have a swollen ankle all the time while running, don't ignore early warning signs. If you have any doubts about its seriousness, have your podiatrist check your injury.

Visit our website: http://www.anavianfootcare.com

Ingrown Toenails Laser Treatment - Austin, TX Podiatrist

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Austin, TX Podiatrist - Laser Treatment Ingrown Toenail

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Dr. Gary Prant discusses Laser Treatment for Ingrown Toenails.

http://www.arborfoot.com

Cure Foot Pain in North Austin

Foot pain comes from many sources. Learn about your foot condition and allow North Austin's Arbor Foot Health Center to provide a cure or treatment returning you to health and activity.

Cure Ingrown Toenails for Good

Laser treatment can prevent stubborn ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails are caused when a hard toenail grows into soft skin, usually at the sides of the nail.  The most common causes of ingrown toenails are tight shoes, improper cutting of toenails, trauma to the toenail, pregnancy, and the natural shape of the toenail. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection.  Signs of infection include drainage, a foul odor, pain, welling, and redness.  

We know this hurts badly, and can worsen quickly. We offer same- or next-day appointments for all patients needing ingrown toenail care. We cure patients swiftly, often with a pain-free laser treatment that prevents the spread of infection and the return growth of the ingrown nail.

  Dr. Gary Prant is uniquely qualified to solve your ingrown toenail problem.  In addition to being Board Certified in Foot Surgery, he is one of the very few Austin podiatrists with extensive experience using the microscopic carbon dioxide laser for ingrown toenails.  The laser prevents the spread of infection commonly caused by ingrown toenails and provides outstanding results. 

  There is no extra charge to use carbon dioxide laser and our office guarantees the results.  If an ingrown toenail removed with the laser ever returns, we will treat it free of charge. 

Children are often treated with the laser and pediatricians all over Austin frequently refer their pediatric patients to us for long-term treatment of recurring ingrown toenails.

Fast action prevents excruciating pain!

Call Arbor Foot Health Center: 512-335-1800.

Visit our website: http://www.arborfoot.com

Treatment of Heel Pain - Cheyenne, WY Podiatris

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Heel Pain Treatment - Cheyenne, WY Podiatris

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Dr. Michael More discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments Heel Pain.

Heel Pain

Heel Pain Has Many Causes
In our pursuit of healthy bodies, pain can be an enemy. In some instances, however, it is of biological benefit. Pain that occurs right after an injury or early in an illness may play a protective role, often warning us about the damage we've suffered.

When we sprain an ankle, for example, the pain warns us that the ligament and soft tissues may be frayed and bruised, and that further activity may cause additional injury.

Pain, such as may occur in our heels, also alerts us to seek medical attention. This alert is of utmost importance because of the many afflictions that contribute to heel pain.

Heel Pain
Heel pain is generally the result of faulty biomechanics (walking gait abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. The stress may also result from injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces; wearing poorly constructed footwear; or being overweight.

The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot, which also has 33 joints and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Like all bones, it is subject to outside influences that can affect its integrity and its ability to keep us on our feet. Heel pain, sometimes disabling, can occur in the front, back, or bottom of the heel.

Heel Spurs
A common cause of heel pain is the heel spur, a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. The spur, visible by X ray, appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch. When there is no indication of bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as "heel spur syndrome."

Heel spurs result from strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot, by stretching of the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot, and by repeated tearing away of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone. These conditions may result from biomechanical imbalance, running or jogging, improperly fitted or excessively worn shoes, or obesity.

Plantar Fasciitis
Both heel pain and heel spurs are frequently associated with an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. The inflammation is called plantar fasciitis. It is common among athletes who run and jump a lot, and can be quite painful.

The condition occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond its normal extension, causing the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length; this leads to inflammation, pain, and possibly the growth of a bone spur where it attaches to the heel bone.

The inflammation may be aggravated by shoes that lack appropriate support, especially in the arch area, and by the chronic irritation that sometimes accompanies an athletic lifestyle.

Resting provides only temporary relief. When you resume walking, particularly after a night's sleep, you may experience a sudden elongation of the fascia band, which stretches and pulls on the heel. As you walk, the heel pain may lessen or even disappear, but that may be just a false sense of relief. The pain often returns after prolonged rest or extensive walking.

Excessive Pronation
Heel pain sometimes results from excessive pronation. Pronation is the normal flexible motion and flattening of the arch of the foot that allows it to adapt to ground surfaces and absorb shock in the normal walking pattern.

As you walk, the heel contacts the ground first; the weight shifts first to the outside of the foot, then moves toward the big toe. The arch rises, the foot generally rolls upward and outward, becoming rigid and stable in order to lift the body and move it forward. Excessive pronation—excessive inward motion—can create an abnormal amount of stretching and pulling on the ligaments and tendons attaching to the bottom back of the heel bone. Excessive pronation may also contribute to injury to the hip, knee, and lower back.

Disease and Heel Pain
Some general health conditions can also bring about heel pain.

• Rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis, including gout, which usually manifests itself in the big toe joint, can cause heel discomfort in some cases.
• Heel pain may also be the result of an inflamed bursa (bursitis), a small, irritated sack of fluid; a neuroma (a nerve growth); or other soft-tissue growth. Such heel pain may be associated with a heel spur, or may mimic the pain of a heel spur.
• Haglund's deformity ("pump bump") is a bone enlargement at the back of the heel bone, in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. This sometimes painful deformity generally is the result of bursitis caused by pressure against the shoe, and can be aggravated by the height or stitchng of a heel counter of a particular shoe.
• Pain at the back of the heel is associated with inflammation of the achilles tendon as it runs behind the ankle and inserts on the back surface of the heel bone. The inflammation is called achilles tendonitis. It is common among people who run and walk a lot and have tight tendons. The condition occurs when the tendon is strained over time, causing the fibers to tear or stretch along its length, or at its insertion on to the heel bone. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the possible growth of a bone spur on the back of the heel bone. The inflammation is aggravated by the chronic irritation that sometimes accompanies an active lifestyle and certain activities that strain an already tight tendon.
• Bone bruises are common heel injuries. A bone bruise or contusion is an inflammation of the tissues that cover the heel bone. A bone bruise is a sharply painful injury caused by the direct impact of a hard object or surface on the foot.
• Stress fractures of the heel bone also can occur, but these are less frequent.

Children’s Heel Pain (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
Heel pain can also occur in children, most commonly between ages 8 and 13, as they become increasingly active in sports activity in and out of school. This physical activity, particularly jumping, inflames the growth centers of the heels; the more active the child, the more likely the condition will occur. When the bones mature, the problems disappear and are not likely to recur. If heel pain occurs in this age group, podiatric care is necessary to protect the growing bone and to provide pain relief. Other good news is that heel spurs do not often develop in children.

Prevention
A variety of steps can be taken to avoid heel pain and accompanying afflictions:

• Wear shoes that fit well — front, back, and sides — and have shock-absorbent soles, rigid shanks, and supportive heel counters.
• Wear the proper shoes for each activity.
• Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles.
• Prepare properly before exercising. Warm up and do stretching exercises before and after running.
• Pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities.
• Don’t underestimate your body's need for rest and good nutrition.
• If obese, lose weight.

Podiatric Medical Care
If pain and other symptoms of inflammation—redness, swelling, heat—persist, you should limit normal daily activities and contact a doctor of podiatric medicine.

The podiatric physician wiil examine the area and may perform diagnostic X rays to rule out problems of the bone.

Early treatment might involve oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medication, exercise and shoe recommendations, taping or strapping, or use of shoe inserts or orthotic devices. Taping or strapping supports the foot, placing stressed muscles and tendons in a physiologically restful state. Physical therapy may be used in conjunction with such treatments.

A functional orthotic device may be prescribed for correcting biomechanical imbalance, controlling excessive pronation, and supporting of the ligaments and tendons attaching to the heel bone. It will effectively treat the majority of heel and arch pain without the need for surgery.

Only a relatively few cases of heel pain require more advanced treatments or surgery. If surgery is necessary, it may involve the release of the plantar fascia, removal of a spur, removal of a bursa, or removal of a neuroma or other soft-tissue growth.

 Visit our website: http://www.ftdoc.com