Heel Pain - Podiatrist in Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance, CA

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Heel Pain Treatment - Podiatrist in Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance, CA

Dr. Derick Ball of Far West Podiatric Medical Group discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Heel Pain.

 http://farwestpodiatry.com

Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis commonly traced to an inflammation of the ligament that stretches across the bottom of the foot. The condition can usually be treated effectively with conservative measures, such as use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.

Heel Pain  

Pain in the arch or heel is one of the most common foot problems, and affects all ages and activity levels.  The most sedentary to the most athletic patients present to our office with this condition. 

Heel and arch pain is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament on the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot.   

Plantar fasciitis pain is most often noticed upon arising in the morning or after a period of rest.  Pain is usually felt in the central heel or arch.  It usually feels better after you have walked a while, and then the pain often returns later. 

A full evaluation by your podiatric physician may include x-rays.  Sometimes a bone spur is present on the heel bone.  You may have heard this referred to as “heel spurs”. 

Plantar fasciitis is most often successfully treated without surgery.  Treatment options include stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, biomechanical orthotics, physical therapy, and occasionally cortisone injections.   Rarely, chronic plantar fasciitis may require surgery or ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy).  We will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. 

The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome. 

It is important to know that there are other possible, rarer causes of heel pain. These include fractures, masses, arthritis, injuries and others.  It is very important to have a thorough evaluation of your condition by a podiatric physician to rule out these possibilities.

Visit our website: http://farwestpodiatry.com

Ankle Sprains - Podiatrist in Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance, CA

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Ankle Sprains - Podiatrist in Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance, CA

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Dr. Derick Ball of Far West Podiatric Medical Group discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ankle Sprains.

 http://farwestpodiatry.com

 Ankle Sprains

Injuries to the ligaments of the ankle associated with rolling of the foot are known as ankle sprains.

The ankle ligaments provide stability to the ankle by helping to hold the ankle bone within the joint as the foot moves during the gait cycle. They give you the flexibility to adapt to uneven ground surfaces while walking or running.

The ankle ligaments most commonly injured in an ankle sprain are the three outer (or lateral) ligaments.  One or more of the ligaments may be partially or even completely torn, depending on the severity of the injury.  Fractures are not uncommon and should be ruled out.

Swelling, bruising and pain are indications of an ankle sprain or ligament rupture.  X-rays will be required to evaluate the condition.  Advanced imaging may be required for more severe cases.

Ankle sprains are often under-diagnosed and under-treated.  The absence of a fracture does not mean there is no serious injury.  Immobilization and treatment is still required to prevent chronic instability and allow return to activities.

Treatment

It is critically important to begin treatment as soon as possible after an ankle sprain.  Failing to appropriately immobilize the ankle often results in chronic ankle instability.  A period of immobilization, anti-inflammatory medication and rest are usually recommended.

Aggressive physical therapy and step down bracing are often utilized as well.  Any treatment provided is to allow the ligaments to heal in the correct position and at the correct length. 

Surgical Treatment 

Surgical treatment of the ankle ligaments is performed when there is chronic instability or complete rupture.

Visit our website: http://farwestpodiatry.com

Podiatrist in Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance, CA - Derick Ball, DPM

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Podiatrist in Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance, CA - Derick Ball, DPM

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Meet Podiatrist Dr. Derick Ball as he discusses foot care at Far West Podiatric Medical Group Inc.

http://farwestpodiatry.com

 Far West Podiatric Medical Group specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle. Our physicians and staff place special emphasis on the focused team approach to patient needs. We use the latest in techniques and technology to provide the most comprehensive foot and ankle care available with a genuine concern for you, our patient.

We at Far West Podiatric Medical Group have been providing the highest quality foot and ankle care in our area since 1988.  You will benefit from a team of dedicated professionals who will give you the individualized attention you deserve. You can count on our staff to attend to your needs promptly.

Our doctors are recognized leaders in podiatric medicine, maintaining the highest standards of continuing education and current technologies.  Our group is the referral choice of most Primary Care Physicians in our area.

We believe that informed patients are better prepared to make decisions regarding their health and well being.  Our strength is patient education and communication.  We encourage you to utilize this website to become further informed about your particular condition.

When you visit our office, a full explanation and discussion will precede all treatment.

At Far West Podiatric Medical Group we continue to strive to make our office as efficient and convenient as possible for you.  That includes extended office hours, easy parking, convenient location, state of the art facility, in office DME dispensary, and in office x-ray.

Most importantly, at our friendly office you will find short waiting times.  We pay you the ultimate in respect- your time

Visit our website: http://farwestpodiatry.com      

Laser Therapy for Toenail Fungus - Podiatrist Indianapolis and Franklin, IN

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Laser Therapy for Toenail Fungus - Podiatrist Indianapolis and Franklin, IN          

Dr. Jeffrey Stevens of Indy South Foot and Ankle discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Fungal Toenails.

 http://www.indysouthfootandankle.com

Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete's foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for fungal nails.

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, you can take steps to prevent the infection from coming back.

Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other tips:

• Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
• Don't share shoes or socks with others.
• Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
• Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
• Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

Prevention

Follow basic foot care guidelines and you more than likely can head off most common foot fungus problems.

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

Ingrown Toenails Treatment - Podiatrist Indianapolis and Franklin, IN

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Ingrown Toenails Treatment - Podiatrist Indianapolis and Franklin, IN           

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Dr. Jeffrey Stevens of Indy South Foot and Ankle discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Ingrown Toenails.

 http://www.indysouthfootandankle.com

 Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, is usually caused by trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes. They may also be caused by shoe pressure (from shoes that are too tight or short), injury, fungus infection, heredity, or poor foot structure. Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the toenail dig into the skin, often causing infection. A common ailment, ingrown toenails can be painful. Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen, and tender. Left untreated, they may become sore, red, and infected and the skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

In most cases, treating ingrown toenails is simple: soak the foot in warm, soapy water several times each day. Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In severe cases, if an acute infection occurs, surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed. Known as partial nail plate avulsion, the procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by:

• Trimming toenails straight across with no rounded corners.
• Ensuring that shoes and socks are not too tight.
• Keeping feet clean at all times.

 

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

Podiatrist in Indianapolis and Franklin, IN - Jeffrey Stevens, DPM

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Podiatrist in Indianapolis and Franklin, IN - Jeffrey Stevens, DPM

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Meet Podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey S. Stevens of Indy South Foot and Ankle as he discusses foot care.

http://www.indysouthfootandankle.com

Welcome to Indy South Foot and Ankle!

Podiatrist - Indianapolis, Franklin, and all surrounding Southern Indianapolis areas. 

At Indy South Foot and Ankle, we believe that a doctor and patient become a team for treating an individual's feet. Our physician spends most of his time listening to understand your concerns and responding with the best treatment options for you. With the help of our professional staff, they also follow up to make sure that generally pain is relieved, problems are resolved and your health improves.

We also want our patients to be informed about podiatric problems and treatments, because informed patients make better decisions about their health and well being. That is why we've included an extensive section on this web site covering the full array of topics associated with podiatry and podiatric diagnoses and treatments. We encourage you to look through these pages whenever you have an interest or concern about your feet.

We also know that convenience in the Southern Indianapolis area is important to your selection of a podiatrist. In these web pages you'll find information about Indy South Foot and Ankle's office, including our Indianapolis and Franklin locations, maps, directions, hours, insurance policies and appointment scheduling. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have or to request an appointment. We hope you'll find our practice offers the accessibility and personal commitment you look for from a physician.

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

Treatment for Heel Pain - Podiatrist Indianapolis and Franklin, IN

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Treatment for Heel Pain - Podiatrist Indianapolis and Franklin, IN    

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Dr. Jeffrey Stevens of  Indy South Foot and Ankle discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Heel Pain.

 http://www.indysouthfootandankle.com

Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.

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